OCCA Annual Conference

2026 OCCA Conference
November 4-6, 2026
Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, OR

The OCCA Annual Conference brings together college board members and administrators to learn more about how to be empowered and become advocates on statewide community college issues. The conference provides a structure for learning more about current issues and exploring the roles and responsibilities board members can play in providing leadership that ensures Oregon’s community colleges remain vibrant institutions that provide equitable educational opportunities for all.

2026 Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance

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.

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.

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

Hotel Information

Book your room at the beautiful Sunriver Resort today at a special conference rate of $125/night* plus tax.

Call 855-420-8206 and mention “OCCA” to make a reservation. Room availability is limited, so book your room early! The last day to reserve under this rate is October 14, 2026.

*Please note that this rate is based on the prevailing GSA per diem and is subject to change.

Conference Cancellation Policy

Cancellations after October 16 are not eligible for a refund but may be transferred to another person without penalty. Please notify OCCA of any registration transfers by Oct. 28.

Call for Conference Breakout Session Presentations

The 2026 Conference will highlight how Community Colleges WORK for Oregon — and the critical role board members, college leaders, and partners play in that success. OCCA invites dynamic, engaging proposals that showcase innovative practices, effective strategies, and meaningful outcomes that demonstrate how community colleges are working for students, communities, and the state.

Proposal submissions are now closed.

Who Should Submit

OCCA welcomes proposals from:

Community college board members
College presidents and administrators
Faculty and staff
State and local partners
Workforce and industry partners
Nonprofit and community-based organizations

NOTE FOR VENDORS: Preference will be given to vendors who are presenting in partnership with an OCCA-member college. Vendors are required to be a conference exhibitor or sponsor to present a breakout session.

Conference Audience

Approximately 120-150 attendees, including:

Locally elected community college board members
College presidents and executive leadership
Administrators, faculty, and staff
State and community partners

Session Format

All sessions will be 60 minutes in length. OCCA encourages interactive and engaging sessions. Formats may include:

Presentations
Panel discussions
Facilitated discussions or roundtables
Workshops

Conference Session Tracks

All proposals should align with the conference theme and fit within one of the following tracks:

1. TRACK 1

[Description]

Examples include:

Example A
Example B
Example C

2. TRACK 2
[Description]

Examples include:

Example A
Example B
Example C

3. TRACK 3
[Description]

Examples include:

Example A
Example B
Example C

4. TRACK 4

[Description]

Examples include:

Example A
Example B
Example C

Innovation Across All Tracks

OCCA encourages proposals that highlight innovative approaches across all topic areas, including the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, new service delivery models, and creative strategies that improve outcomes, strengthen governance, and advance community impact.

2026 Conference Timeline

Now – Room Block Open (call 855-420-8206 and mention “OCCA”)
September 2 – Early Bird Registration Opens
September 16 – Breakout Session Presenters notified
Week of September 21 – Full conference schedule announced
October 9 – Early Bird Registration Closes
October 10 – Regular Registration Opens
October 14 – Final Day for Hotel Reservations
October 16 – Regular Registration Closes & Last Date to Cancel Registration with Refund
October 17 – Late Registration Opens. Tickets may be transferred but not cancelled for a refund.
October 28 – Late Registration Closes

2026 Conference Sponsors

Thank you to our 2026 Diamond Sponsor

Thank you to our 2026 Gold Sponsors

Thank you to our 2026 Silver Sponsors

Exhibitor Information

We look forward to welcoming our 2026 OCCA Conference exhibitors to Sunriver Resort.

Each exhibitor space includes:

One 6-foot skirted and draped table
One chair
Access to power
Wireless internet access

Exhibitor Setup

Wednesday, November 4

12:00-4:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Welcome Reception

Wednesday, November 4

5:00-6:00 p.m.

Heritage and Landmark Galleries

Exhibitors are encouraged to have their displays fully set up before the Welcome Reception beings at 5:00 p.m.

2026 Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

The 2026 OCCA Annual Conference would not be possible without the support of sponsorships. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the conference, please contact katie@occa17.com for more information or fill out the inquiry below.

Howard Cherry Awards Banquet

The annual Howard Cherry Awards celebrate the contributions that local advocates, administrators and board members have made to the benefit of Oregon’s community colleges. The awards are named for the late Dr. Howard Cherry, a lifelong advocate for education and community involvement. Dr. Cherry was also a founding member of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and was a trustee of the American Association of Community & Junior Colleges.

The Howard Cherry Awards Banquet is included with OCCA Conference Registration (additional tickets also available), and will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026. It also includes recognition of dedicated service awards for community college board members. Attire for the banquet is business professional or formal.