OCCA Annual Conference
Mark your calendars for the 2025 OCCA Annual Conference:
November 5-7, 2025
Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Hood River, 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.
Call for Breakout Presentations!
OCCA is now accepting proposals for breakout sessions at the Conference. This year’s theme is “Navigating the Winds of Opportunity,” and OCCA is looking for presentations that share best practices, showcase a unique college program, or inform other stakeholders about an event or issue affecting your institution and/or community colleges on a broader level. All presentations should relate to the conference theme, as well as at least one of the following topic areas:
- Innovation and the Future;
- Equitable Pathways to Good Careers;
- Board & College Commitment to Equity;
- Student Achievement & Data;
- Policy & Procedure; or
- Community Engagement & Partnerships
All proposals must be submitted by Friday, August 15, at 5:00 p.m. PST using the online form.
Nominations open for Howard Cherry Awards!
OCCA is now accepting nominations for the annual Howard Cherry Awards, held November 6 during the Conference. The Howard Cherry Awards are named for Dr. Howard Cherry, who was a lifelong advocate for education and community involvement. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to their college or to community colleges statewide in the following categories:
- Outstanding Community College Advocate
- Outstanding Community College Board Member
- Outstanding Community College Administrator
Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, August 15, at 5:00 p.m. PST using the online form.
Hotel Information
Book your hotel room at the newly-remodeled Best Western Plus Hood River Inn now at a special conference rate! To secure your room at these discounted rates, call 1-800-828-7873, and mention “OCCA.” Room availability is limited, so book your room early!
Several room types are available to our conference attendees:
- Economy Queen – $139/night + tax
- Economy SubView 2 Queen – $149/night + tax
- Executive Economy Queen – $149/night + tax
- Non-View 2 Queen Upper – $149/night + tax
- Non-View King – $139/night + tax
- Riverview 2 Queen – $169/night + tax
- Riverview King – $159/night + tax
2025 Conference Planning Timeline
Now – Room Block Open (call 1-800-828-7873 and mention “OCCA”)
April – Sponsorship Opportunities Released
May 14 – Call for Presentations Opens
May 14 – Call for Howard Cherry Award Nominations Opens
June 6 – Keynote Speakers Announced
July 25 – Sponsorships Due
August 15 @ 5:00 p.m. PST – Presentation Proposals Due
August 15 @ 5:00 p.m. PST – Howard Cherry Award Nominations Due
September 3 – Early Bird Registration Opens
September 16 – Breakout Session Presenters are Notified
September 22 – Breakout Sessions Announced
October 10 – Early Bird Registration Closes & Room Block Availability Ends
October 11 – Regular Registration Opens
October 17 – Regular Registration Closes & Last Date to Cancel Registration with Refund
October 18 – Late Registration Opens
October 31 – Late Registration Closes
2025 Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
The 2025 OCCA Annual Conference would not be possible without the support of sponsorships.
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2025 OCCA Annual Conference? Contact katie@occa17.com for more information!
2025 OCCA Event Sponsorship Opportunities
2025 Conference Sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 Diamond Sponsor!
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 6, 2025. It also includes recognition of dedicated service awards for community college board members. Attire for the banquet is business professional or formal.
The 2025 Howard Cherry Awards will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn in beautiful Hood River, OR!
Congratulations to the 2024-25 Dedicated Service Award winners! Click here for the list of winners
Congratulations to the 2024 Howard Cherry Award winners! Click here for the press release.
