How often do you host the Western Regional Conference?

The United Way Western Regional Conference is held every two years, alternating with the years that United Way Worldwide hosts its network-wide conference.

Who is organizing the Western Regional Conference?

The 2026 United Way Western Regional Conference is organized by United Ways of California in collaboration with United Way of Columbia-Willamette, this year’s host city United Way. We are also supported by a regional planning committee made up of United Way leaders from all 15 Western Region states who are shaping the vision, content, and attendee experience for the conference. If you are interested in joining our planning committee, please contact Dave Sheldon at dsheldon@unitedwaysca.org.

When and Where is the Western Regional Conference?

The 2026 Western Regional Conference will be held August 24-27 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center (375 NE Holladay St, Portland, OR 97232). This conference hotel is a modern, full-service hotel conveniently located next to the Oregon Convention Center in the heart of Portland’s Lloyd District. It has on-site dining and easy access to public transportation, including the MAX light rail. The Hyatt Regency Portland is also committed to sustainability, with energy-efficient design features, waste-reduction practices, and environmentally responsible operations that align with Portland’s climate-conscious values. With its central location, walkable neighborhood amenities, and proximity to downtown Portland, the hotel provides a comfortable, convenient, and values-aligned stay for our conference attendees.

What is the weather like in Portland?

In August, Portland is generally warm, dry, and sunny, marking it one of the best times of the year to visit. Since the weather in Portland can vary, we recommend checking the forecast closer to the conference in case you need to plan for mild temperatures and possible rain.

When should I plan to arrive and depart?

We recommend arriving on Monday, August 24th before 1pm if you’d like to participate in pre-conference sessions, and departing after the closing session ends around 12:30pm on Thursday, August 27th, to fully experience the conference.

Can I attend just one day of the conference?

Day-specific registration options are not available at this time. If you have further inquiries, please contact events@unitedwaysca.org.

What is the cancellation policy?

Tickets purchased before July 31, 2026, can be canceled for a full refund (minus $75 per ticket to cover processing fees) if cancelled before August 1, 2026. Purchases after July 31, 2026, are non-refundable. To cancel and receive a refund, if eligible, please notify us in writing at events@unitedwaysca.org. Refunds, if applicable, will be based on the actual fees paid and returned to your original payment method within ninety days. (Note: this policy only applies to the registration fee; the hotels have their own hotel cancellation policy for room reservations). You may transfer your ticket, as long as you let us know in writing by Friday, August 14, 2026. To request a ticket transfer, please email events@unitedwaysca.org with your email confirmation. Include the new attendee’s name and email.

Will transportation be provided between the hotel and the airport?

We will not be providing shuttles between the airport and the hotel, but the MAX Light Rail is located directly outside of the hotel offering attendees a way of travelling throughout the city, including a direct line to and from the airport. The MAX is $2.50 from PDX to the conference hotel and drops off directly in front of the hotel lobby in roughly 25 minutes.

Is parking available at the conference venue?

Yes there is overnight self parking available for $35 per night/ $45 per night for valet. There may be an additional fee for oversize vehicle parking. Please call the hotel for details.

Where can I find the program schedule?

The conference agenda will feature many opportunities to network, as well as plenaries and breakouts that address best practices and strategies to approach complex, interconnected, continually shifting issues affecting our communities. A detailed agenda on our website and in the conference app, which will be shared closer to the conference.

How are sessions being selected?

Conference sessions are being selected through a competitive blind review process that prioritizes relevance, innovation, equity-centered approaches, and alignment with the conference theme. Our conference advisors are utilizing a standardized scoring rubric to review submissions and curate a balanced, high quality program to ensure sessions reflect the needs and the priorities of United Ways throughout the region.

Will there be content focused on equity & inclusion?

Yes. Equity is intentionally woven throughout the conference, shaping both the content and the experience. Sessions address topics such as racial equity, community impact, organizational transformation, and inclusive leadership. Equity and inclusion are also reflected in speaker representation, facilitation approaches, and thoughtful attention to wellness, accessibility, and the overall attendee experience.

What can I expect from the conference experience?

The Western Regional Conference is designed to be engaging, interactive, and community-centered. Attendees can expect a mix of plenary sessions, interactive workshops, peer learning, networking opportunities, and time for reflection and connection. All activities will be grounded in shared values and real-world application.

Will there be opportunities for networking?

Yes. The conference includes both structured and informal networking opportunities, including affinity-based gatherings, regional meet-ups, and social events. If you would like to help plan a networking event for people who do similar jobs or for people in your state, let us know.

Can I bring a guest to social events?

Some evening events may allow guests, while others (e.g., the Welcome Reception) are limited to registered attendees only. Event specific details will be shared closer to the conference.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is business casual and comfortable. We encourage attendees to dress in a way that feels authentic, practical, and appropriate for movement between sessions and varying weather conditions. United Way branded clothing is always welcomed.

Is the conference accessible?

We are committed to creating an accessible conference experience. Our event spaces are ADA compliant, and we aim to offer accommodations such as captioning and accessible seating when requested.

How do I request an accommodation?

Accommodation requests can be made during registration or by contacting the conference team directly at events@unitedwaysca.org.. We encourage early requests to ensure we can meet your needs.

I have dietary restrictions. Will there be meal options for me?

Absolutely. We aim to accommodate a range of dietary needs, and encourage attendees to indicate any restrictions during registration. While every meal will include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, please let us know if you have any other needs so we can work to accommodate you. 

Our host hotel prioritizes thoughtful food practices and offers “food that is good for guests, good for the community, and good for the planet”. Menu options feature food from natural, local, and sustainable sources.

Will there be quiet or wellness spaces available?

Yes. Dedicated quiet or wellness spaces will be available for attendees who need a break, time to recharge, or a low-stimulus environment. A map will be included in your conference materials indicated where these spaces are located throughout the conference space.

Is childcare provided?

While we cannot provide childcare, we can share nearby childcare resources and family-friendly options in the area if needed.

Is there a mobile app?

Yes, a mobile app will be available to registered conference attendees. More details will be shared prior to the conference.

Will there be Wi-Fi at the conference venue?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for all conference attendees.

Will the sessions be recorded?

The keynotes and plenary sessions will be recorded and shared after the conference. Other select sessions may be recorded and shared after the conference, however availability will depend on speaker permissions and session format.

How do I join the conference planning committee?

We value diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences and are committed to building a planning committee that reflects the communities we serve. If you are interested in joining the conference planning committee and contributing to the vision and design of the Western Regional Conference, please contact Dave Sheldon at dsheldon@unitedwaysca.org.

Will there be opportunities to engage in community service projects?

Yes. Community service opportunities may be available before and during the conference. This is being coordinated by our local host, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. More information will be shared on the conference website and via email closer to the event.

How can my organization get involved or partner with the conference?

Organizations can get involved through sponsorships, exhibitor opportunities, or by joining the conference advisory committee. For more information on how to support the conference, view our Sponsorship Packet here.

What are the health protocols?

In line with United Way values, we respectfully ask attendees to prioritize the collective health and well-being of all participants when deciding to attend the conference. Health and safety protocols will be informed by current public health guidance and shared with attendees in advance of the conference. Protocols may include recommendations related to illness prevention, on-site safety practices, and response procedures. We will continue to monitor conditions and may update protocols as needed to support a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Is there a code of conduct?

Yes. All attendees are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusion, and a harassment-free environment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and harassment-free experience for everyone, irrespective of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. Harassment in any form is not tolerated within our community.

Sexual or discriminatory language and imagery are inappropriate in all settings, including personal space, presentations, workshops, parties, and online media. Any community participant found violating these rules may face sanctions or expulsion from our events or venues, without a refund, at the discretion of our staff.

Should attendees experience or witness inappropriate behavior, conference staff will be available on-site and reporting procedures will be clearly outlined in conference materials and on the mobile app.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes. A lost and found will be available at the registration desk throughout the conference.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance or earn continuing education credits (CEUs)?

No, attendees will not receive a certificate of attendance for the conference., nor can we certify CEUs or professional development credits. Registered attendees will receive an email confirmation of their registration.

How can I justify attending to my organization or supervisor?

Feel free to use this justification toolkit outlining learning outcomes, leadership benefits, and organizational impact to support attendance approval. This toolkit is meant to be a starting point to help you frame the value of attending the conference. We encourage you to tailor the language and select the points that best align with your role, your organization’s priorities, and your supervisor’s expectations. Every organization has different considerations, so approval is not guaranteed. However, this resource is designed to support a thoughtful and informed request.

Will conference materials be shared after the event?

Yes. Slides, resources, and select recordings will be shared with attendees following the conference when available. Attendees can also access session slide decks and supplemental materials through the mobile app during and after the conference.

How can I stay connected after the conference?

We invite all attendees to fill out a post-event survey about their conference experience. There will also be follow-up communications with opportunities for continued engagement, resource sharing, and ongoing regional learning opportunities. 

If you have any additional questions, concerns, or ideas for future conference planning, please feel free to share them with conference chairs, Dave Sheldon at dsheldon@unitedwaysca.org or Dr. Mikela Thomas at mthomas@unitedwaysca.org.