Join us for OEDA’s 2026 Oregon Collaboration Summit!
The Oregon Collaboration Summit is designed to unite professionals and leaders across workforce, higher education, economic development, industry and beyond. The Summit creates space to connect, learn, and build lasting partnerships while highlighting innovative, collaborative projects from across the state.
Through shared insights and real-world success stories, attendees explore how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen communities and support Oregon’s evolving economic ecosystem.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Day One – Tuesday, May 12th: Summit Discovery Night
Designed to spark conversation, ideas, and collaboration, the Summit Reception offers a dynamic start to the Oregon Collaboration Summit — where innovation meets connection. A prestigious evening event including chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a complimentary beverage. The Summit Reception serves as a key networking opportunity and immersive educational experience for attendees, featuring Knife River’s on-site instructors and facility developers.
Day Two – Wednesday, May 13th: Engaging Sessions, Dining, Networking, and Tour Experiences
Linn Benton Community College – Albany Campus | 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 97321
Opening Ceremonies & Breakfast (8:30 am – 9:15 am)
Welcome remarks from OEDA Leadership and the Summit’s Title Sponsor, alongside featured guests;
Ben Cannon, Executive Director, Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)
Kim Parker Llerenas, Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership
Dr. Lisa Avery, President, Linn Benton Community College
Youth Education Spotlight: SEDCOR Sidewalk Program (9:30 am – 10:30 am)
Exploring the impact of youth education programming, featuring;
Erik Andersson, President, SEDCOR
Kim Parker Llerenas, Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership
Sean Irvine, Economic Development Director, City of Independence
and More
Building Oregon’s Talent Pipeline: CTE Pathways from High School to Career (10:45 am – 11:45 am)
Overview: Career and Technical Education (CTE) is Oregon’s strategic approach to developing skilled workers, closing regional workforce gaps, and creating economic opportunity. This 60-minute panel explores how Oregon’s CTE State Plan, adopted in 2024 under federal Perkins V, coordinates Programs of Study that span secondary and postsecondary education, connecting students to high-demand careers through aligned curriculum, dual credit, supports for adults, work-based learning, and employer partnerships.
Panelists will provide an overview of CTE in Oregon, explain how programs are developed and sustained, and share real-world examples including Linn-Benton Community College’s CTE Signing Day and applied bachelor’s degrees (BAS/BSN) at community colleges. Discussion will focus on how CTE helps fill workforce gaps, lessons learned from K–12 and college partnerships, strategies for recruiting diverse candidates, and practical ways economic development professionals and employers can engage, from serving on advisory committees to sponsoring work-based learning and apprenticeships. Attendees will leave with regional insights, actionable next steps, and a clear understanding of CTE as a proven economic development tool.
Celia Nunez, Deputy Director, HECC – Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development
and More
Student-Catered Luncheon (12:00 pm – 1:30 pm)
Enjoy a delicious meal, catered by students of LBCC’s Culinary Arts Program. Following the lunch service, the Catering Team of students and instructors will provide an insightful presentation on the Culinary Arts Program, including a facility tour.
Program & Facility Tours (1:45 pm – 3:15 pm)
Attendees will experience a variety of program and facility tours on-site at LBCC, including;
Machine Tool
Welding and Industrial Pipe Welding
Mechatronics
Non-Destructive Testing
CAD
The State of Workforce in Oregon (3:15 pm – 4:15 pm)
Attendees will hear from our panel of experts from a wide range of state agencies and organizations, focused on the state of workforce in Oregon, their efforts to address current challenges, and successful applications of innovative programming.
Closing Thoughts (4:15 pm – 4:45 pm)
Closing thoughts for the Oregon Collaboration Summit, provided by Summit Co-Chairs Scott Salazar & Kelsey Haskett, along with Summit Partner, Donna Lewelling, Director, HECC – Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development.
Additional Event Highlights:
Robust breakfast and lunch included daily
Networking opportunities with key decision-makers and influencers
Engage in meaningful discussions about Oregon’s economic future
ACCOMODATIONS
The Phoenix Inn Suites | 3410 Spicer Drive SE, Albany, OR 97321
Welcome to the Phoenix Inn Suites, in Albany, Oregon, a premier hotel conveniently located near and around important business and leisure destinations along the I-5 corridor. We pride ourselves on providing each guest with a unique, Oregon experience. Chosen as #1 in Albany by Trip Advisor, plan to receive a warm, inviting welcome and spacious suite accommodations. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet, on-site parking, high speed Wi-Fi, indoor pool, jetted spa, fitness room and exceptional guest service await you during your stay.
OEDA Room Block at the Phoenix Inn Suites
King Suites: $139 per night (plus tax)
Double Queen Suites: $149 per night (plus tax)
Room Block closes April 30th, so hurry to book your stay!
ROOM RESERVATIONS:
To reserve your room at The Phoenix Inn Suites, please follow the instructions below:
Call(541) 926-5696and identify yourself as a participant of the 2026 OEDA Oregon Collaboration Summit to receive the special rates.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Sponsoring and attending the Oregon Collaboration Summit offers an invaluable opportunity to:
Gain Insight: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest tools, programs, and best practices that are essential for driving economic development in your community.
Network: Connect with hundreds of like-minded professionals across various sectors, including business, workforce development, public policy, and community planning.
Collaborate: Forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to tackle shared challenges and advance collective goals.
Celebrate Success: Recognize and celebrate Oregon’s most impactful economic development initiatives and the leaders behind them.
Email us atinfo@oeda.bizwith your selection, or to request more information about our available sponsorship options.
We look forward to seeing you in Albany!
REFUND POLICY
Registration cancellations must be communicated directly to OEDA’s Admin Team via email. Refunds are available for cancellations that are formally requested at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of event (on or before 04/29/2026).
Emailinfo@oeda.bizfor assistance with your registration.
THANK YOU TO OUR GROWING LIST OF EVENT & ANNUAL SPONSORS!
PAST SPONSORS
Business Oregon | PGE | Avista Utilities | Coraggio Group | NW Natural | Travel Salem | Site Selection Magazine | Oregon CCB | KCEDA | SEDCOR | BNSF Railway | United Pacific | Travel Lane County | Marion County | Travel Oregon | OCVA | Washington County | League of Oregon Cities | Lane Community College | City of Salem | Salem Electric | Cascade Natural Gas | Oregon Department of Energy | Wells Fargo | Hubspot | Oregon Community Foundation | Willamette University | Umpqua Bank | Chemeketa Community College | Oregon DLCD | Blue Ridge Strategies | NorthPoint Development | Sierra Pacific Industries | Connected Lane County | Pacific Power | Costar | University of Oregon | Oregon State University | Western Oregon University | Oregon Institute of Technology | Willamette Workforce Partnership | US Small Business Administration | Oregon SBDC Network | CCD Business Development Corp. | SCDC, Inc. | City of North Bend | Association of Oregon Counties | City of Hillsboro | Wild Rivers Coast Alliance | Comcast | Chmura
