2026 OCCA Conference

Community Colleges WORK for Oregon

November 4-6, 2026 | Sunriver Resort | Sunriver, Oregon

Join community college board members, presidents, staff, and partners from across the state Nov. 4-6 for the 2026 OCCA Conference at Sunriver Resort in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon!

Oregon’s community colleges are essential to the state’s economic vitality, workforce development, and community well-being. Every day, community colleges prepare students for high-demand, living-wage careers, strengthen local economies, expand opportunity, and help communities thrive.

The 2026 OCCA Conference will highlight how Community Colleges WORK for Oregon — and the critical role board members, college leaders, staff, and partners play in making that impact possible.

Through keynote remarks, timely panel discussions, breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state, we will explore the issues shaping Oregon’s community colleges and the leadership and advocacy needed to keep them strong, accessible, and responsive to the communities we serve.

Agenda

2026 Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance

The full conference agenda, including breakout sessions titles and other conference activities, will be released on the OCCA Conference webpage by September 21st.

Board Chair and Vice Chair Pre-Conference Session

Board Chairs and Vice Chairs are invited to join us for a special pre-conference session on Wednesday, November 4, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Sunriver Resort.

With recent high‑profile concerns around governance and accreditation, this session offers guidance, shared learning, and tools to support strong community college board leadership. Designed to support elected leaders in an increasingly complex time, the session provides connection, peer learning, and clear insights for community college boards. We encourage all board chairs and vice chairs to attend. Participants will:

• Explore best practices for board roles, including the board’s relationship with the president
• Discuss how boards can support accreditation responsibilities, and
• Review Public Meetings Law with attention to inclusive public comment and maintaining the board’s role during meetings

There is no additional cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. We highly encourage board chairs and vice chairs to attend if their schedules allow.

Registration

Register early to receive the best available rate!

• October 9 - Early bird registration closes
• October 10 - Regular registration opens
• October 16 - Regular registration closes and last day to cancel with refund
• October 29 - Late registration closes

Conference registration includes all conference meals, including the Welcome Dinner and Howard Cherry Awards Banquet Dinner. Registered conference attendees do not need to purchase a separate banquet ticket.

Conference Hotel

Book your room at Sunriver Resort early, as availability is limited!

The current conference room rate is $125 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. The rate is based on the prevailing government per diem rate and is subject to change based on the government rate in effect at the time of your stay.

To reserve your room, call 855-420-8206 and mention “OCCA” to receive the conference rate.

The deadline to book at the conference rate is October 14, subject to room availability. 

Exhibitor Welcome Reception

Join us for the Exhibitor Welcome Reception on November 4 at 5:00 p.m., immediately before the Welcome Dinner. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, grab a beverage from the cash bar, visit with sponsors and exhibitors, and catch up with community college colleagues from across Oregon. Be sure to stop by the exhibitor tables and connect with the organizations supporting this year’s conference.

Howard Cherry Awards Banquet

Join us the evening of November 5 for the Howard Cherry Awards Banquet, one of OCCA’s signature conference traditions celebrating service and leadership in Oregon’s community colleges. 

The Howard Cherry Awards recognize individuals whose contributions to the community college cause in Oregon have brought distinction and recognition to the state’s community colleges. Awards are presented in three categories: Community College Advocate, Community College Administrator, and Community College Board Member.

OCCA will also recognize board members receiving Dedicated Service Awards for reaching significant milestones in their service to Oregon’s community colleges.

The banquet is included with conference registration, and registered attendees do not need to purchase a separate banquet ticket. Guests who are not registered for the conference may attend the banquet by purchasing a separate $90 guest ticket.

Conference Meals

Conference registration includes all conference meals, including:

• Nov. 4: Welcome Dinner
• Nov. 5: Breakfast, lunch, and the Howard Cherry Awards Banquet Dinner
• Nov. 6: Breakfast
• Coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the conference

Guests who are not registered for the conference but are attending with a registered attendee may purchase a Guest Meals Package, which includes all conference meals. Discounts are not available for attendees who choose not to participate in a meal.

Accessibility & Dietary Needs

• OCCA is committed to making the conference accessible and welcoming to all attendees. 
• Please indicate any dietary restrictions or accommodation needs during registration so we can plan accordingly. 
• For questions or additional accommodation needs, please contact Laura Crook at laura@occa17.com.

General Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations received by October 16 are eligible for a full registration refund. 
• Cancellations after October 16 are nonrefundable, but registrations may be transferred to another person at no additional charge. 
• Please notify OCCA of cancellations or registration transfers by contacting Laura Crook at laura@occa17.com. Registration transfers must be submitted by October 28.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsor, PACE, and to all of our conference sponsors whose support helps make the OCCA Conference possible and strengthens our ability to provide a high-quality experience for community college leaders from across Oregon.