OCCA Annual Conference
Mark your calendars for the 2026 OCCA Annual 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.
Registration opens this summer!
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.
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:
Strengthening effective governance and board leadership.
Examples include:
- Roles and responsibilities of board members
- Board–president relationships
- Ethics, public meetings law, and governance best practices
- Board development, onboarding, and engagement
- Effective decision-making and board culture
2. Community Colleges WORK for Student Success & Institutional Effectiveness
Focusing on outcomes, accountability, and how colleges deliver results.
Examples include:
- Student retention, completion, and transfer success
- Using data to inform decisions
- Closing equity gaps and supporting underserved students
- Basic needs and wraparound supports
- Guided pathways and student-centered practices
- Enrollment and access strategies
- Innovative practices that improve outcomes
Driving workforce development, building strong partnerships and serving local communities.
Examples include:
- Partnerships with K-12, business, and community organizations
- Rural and regional strategies
- Community engagement and outreach
- Career Technical Education and workforce pathways
- Apprenticeships and industry collaboration
- Applied baccalaureate programs
- Demonstrating community and economic impact
4. Community Colleges WORK Through Advocacy & Investment
Advancing policy, funding, and long-term sustainability for community colleges.
Examples include:
- Understanding Oregon’s funding model (CCSF and beyond)
- State and federal policy impacts
- Capital construction and infrastructure investment
- Communicating impact and messaging to policymakers and stakeholders
- Institutional sustainability and resource alignment
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 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.
Hotel Information
The OCCA Conference room block at Sunriver Resort will be available to reserve in Summer 2026. Room availability is limited, so you’ll want to book your room as soon as the block becomes available!
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. 26.
2026 Conference Planning Timeline
Coming soon!
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.
Submit Nominations for the 2026 Howard Cherry Awards
Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PST August 14, 2026, using the online submission form below.
Congratulations to the 2025 Howard Cherry Award winners!
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.