PORTLAND Gathering Info

 

OVERSEAS MARYLANDERS ASSOCIATION (OMA) GATHERING
Friday, 26 May – Sunday, 28 May 2017
Portland, Oregon


As noted in an earlier announcement, the next OMA Gathering will be held in Portland Oregon, 26-28 May 2017.  Based on early reactions, this initial West Coast OMA Gathering seems likely to attract a significant number of attendees.  No matter where you live in the world, if you’ve never attended an OMA Gathering before, perhaps this will be the time to show up.  Many members have participated in multiple events and plan to continue coming whenever they can. 
 
Portland and its surroundings are frequently cited as one of most exciting destinations in the USA to visit while U.S. News rates the city as a “Top 20” best place to live.  In addition, with Monday 29 May being Memorial Day, a long weekend beckons. 

Kelly LaJoie (Crawford) and Judith Moses have prepared quite a bit of information that highlights the considerable number of sights to see and/or activities in which to engage...there in Portland and immediate area. See links below.

Portland Top Picks List
Portland Info


REGISTRATION 
 
If you are planning to attend, please click here to register. And you may register at any time by clicking Portland Registration in the menu list on the top left side of the OMA Home Page. 
 
The sooner you register, the easier it will be to gather accurate head-counts for the welcome reception, meeting refreshments and group dinners. Click here to see the list of people who have already registered for the Portland Gathering.
 
VENUE 
 
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland 
1000 NE Multnomah Street 
Portland, OR 97232 
Tel: +1-503-281-6111 
Fax: +1-503-284-8553 
E-Mail: info@portlanddoubletree.com 
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 
 
Friday – 26 May 2017

 

13:00–17:30 Registration in DoubleTree Lobby
17:30 Reception at DoubleTree
19:00 Group Dinner at DoubleTree
(Menu options will be provided as information about the number of diners becomes available.)

Saturday – 27 May 2017

 

 

08:30 Coffee, tea, pastries and fruit at DoubleTree
(Registration Continues)  
 
09:30 Group Meeting at DoubleTree 
At other OMA Gatherings in Las Vegas, Naples (FL), Durham, San Antonio and Heidelberg, the Saturday morning sessions have been particularly enjoyable.  Attendees introduce themselves to include noting what/when/where they were involved with the Maryland Overseas Program as well as mentioning what they are now doing. 
 
12:30 Lunch on your own
 
14:00 Continuation of Group Meeting 
Included will be discussion of the exciting UMUC Overseas documentary film that is being developed. 
 
18:00 Group Dinner at the BridgePort BrewPub 
“Zagat” has high praise for the restaurant at Oregon’s oldest craft brewery.  “Beer's the thing at this midpriced Pearl District brewpub where lotsa good choices suit all tastes and are offered alongside surprisingly decent pub grub that hits the spot and works well with the brews; the multi-level space has an industrial-chic vibe and gets a boost from attentive service."  (Menu options will be provided as information about the number of diners becomes available.)

Sunday – 28 May 2017 

 

 

More details about individual/group possibilities in the immediate Portland area will be provided later.
 

ACCOMMODATIONS 
 
OMA has negotiated special “OMA Gathering” prices at the DoubleTree by Hilton of $169/room (single occupancy) and  $189/room (double occupancy), excluding tax.   This rate will be available from 23 May to 31 May for those who wish to arrive early and/or stay later. 
 
To reserve at these rates, call the DoubleTree and refer to the OMA Gathering.  If you encounter any difficulty, please contact Joe Arden who will interact with DoubleTree to obtain the appropriate special rate. 
 
Please Note:  As with other OMA Gatherings, there is NO need to stay at the DoubleTree.   Attendees can stay wherever they prefer. 
 
REGISTRATION FEE 
 
Registration Fee:  $30/attendee.  This fee, payable upon arrival at the Gathering, offsets costs of the meeting space rental, registration packets, name badges, snacks at the Friday afternoon Welcome Reception and coffee breaks on Saturday. 

 

 

As with previous OMA functions, the Gathering in Portland is largely a pay-as-you-go event.  Members and guests pay individually for lodging and meals. 
 
QUESTIONS? 
 
If you have questions, please feel free to contact either of the two Local Organizers: 
    Kelly Lajoie (Crawford)   danlajoie@comcast.net 
   Judith Moses                     judithm1129@gmail.com 
 
Or, the Outside Organizer,  
    Joe Arden                         arden_joe@hotmail.com 
 
We look forward to seeing you there! 
 
Kelly, Judith and Joe 
 
P.S.:  Please be aware that we do not have any sort of “official list” of former overseas folks.  We are entirely dependent on word-of-mouth and personal outreach to locate potential new OMA members.  Please help us with this in any way you can.  Our family becomes more vibrant with each individual who joins!  K, J, & J