Events Hub

Introducing Venture Portland’s Events Hub! The newest digital and in-person resource for Business District Associations to take advantage of as they plan and throw unforgettable events. In these uncertain times, communities require even more support to overcome obstacles as they bring their ideas to life. That is why the Events Hub was established in late 2021, thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Mayor Wheeler, City Council, Prosper Portland, and hours of advocacy.





The Events Hub staff share a wealth of experience and love for this city, a winning combination that makes them big dreamers and tenacious go-getters. When a business district contacts the Events Hub to put on, for example, a street fair or virtual round table discussion, our team commits to helping with every step of the process. From acquiring the proper permits to navigating technological difficulties, we will be there working together to problem solve. Our goal is to enable Portlanders to put on events despite any challenges, whether there are new Covid-related issues or long-standing systemic barriers.

EVENTS HUB MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES:

The Events Hub mission is to empower business districts to put on unique events and activations that celebrate their district. We do this by providing accessible consultation services and innovative solutions.

Our vision is to create city-wide collaboration so that all districts can throw events and stimulate their local economy.

OUR CORE VALUES:

  • Integrity: The Events Hub is committed to doing our best and being transparent with our work.
  • Efficiency: The Events Hub will streamline the events process for your event as much as is humanly possible! We want you to succeed!
  • Inclusivity: The Events Hub listens and learns from our community on ways to improve accessibility.
  • Collaboration: The Events Hub respects your time and commitment. We understand the value of volunteerism and aim to support your event in every way possible

OFFERINGS:

The Events Hub provides the following services on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we encourage you to get on our calendar soon to guarantee our availability! Please see our contact information at the bottom of the page.

Information & Assistance:

When you’re planning an event, sometimes all you need is an answer to a quick question before you’re ready to go. That is why we have made our Information & Assistance services free to all districts, members and non-members alike. Send us an email (events@ventureportland.org) with your inquiry or leave us a voicemail at (503) 477-9648!

COST: FREE for all Portland Business Districts

Boots on the Ground Walk Through:

It can be easier to visualize an event when you are at the location site taking everything in. So, we want to offer a walk-and-talk option for anyone who is in the brainstorming phase of their event. This is a free chance to see the space, connect in person, and begin collaborating. Please contact us to get on our calendars and note that this is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

COST: FREE for all Portland Business Districts

Consulting Packages

Consultation #1:

If you are interested in throwing an event but don’t know where to begin, we provide a consulting service that helps you design a step-by-step plan. Sit down with us (either in-person or virtually) for an hour to go over an event brief, a detailed document that considers all the components you will need before, during, and after your event. You will walk away from the strategy session with a concrete plan and the opportunity for a follow-up meeting if you need the support.

What we offer:

  • 1 hour event planning
  • 1 hour of support

COST: FREE for all member districts, $150 for non-members.

Consultation #2:

Whereas Consulting #1 will set you up with a general plan for your event, Consulting #2 provides a more detailed strategy towards specific components, such as marketing, sponsorship, and budget. You will receive everything included in the first package, and additional meetings where together we will strategize how to promote your event, recruit partners, and set you up for success.  By using this service, you will have continued support from the Events Hub team throughout the process, as well as a post-event recap presentation that will highlight your event.

What we offer:

  • 1 hour event planning
  • 1 hour strategy meeting
  • 2 hours of support

COST: Starting at $200 for members and $250 for non-members.

Hourly Services

The following are available for purchase on an individual basis, starting at a discounted rate of $40/hour for members and $50/hour for non-members.

Marketing:

When you already have your event planned, sometimes all you need is help getting the word out. That is why we offer a specific service that focuses on marketing and promotion. Together, we find a cost-efficient campaign that looks at the resources in your district and local outlets throughout the City. After the initial strategy meeting, we will compile analytical data throughout the promotion that will provide valuable insights for a post-event recap.

Examples of marketing offerings:

  • Strategizing social media campaigns
  • Finding affordable print/TV advertisements
  • Preparing e-mail blasts to send out
  • Designing flyers and mailers
  • Creating graphics and other marketing materials

Operations:

While you might have planned for every obstacle, there is always something that comes up when it’s showtime. Our operations support means that we can act as on-site managers, helping execute your vision and put out any fires. Likewise, when it comes to supervising volunteers, we can step in to help everything run smoothly. Having a trusted member of our team there to problem-solve any day-of operations will not only streamline your event, but hopefully allow you more time to enjoy the magic you’ve created.

Examples of operations offerings:

  • Managing/assisting an event
  • Supervising vendors or volunteers
  • Acting as tech support
  • Helping set up/tear down

Partners and Sponsors:

Need help finding a collaborator to support your vision? It can be a challenge to find the right organizations to partner with, which is why we can help. Through this service, we will not only come up with a strategic approach to partners and sponsors, but help you create appealing offers that get them interested in collaborating. After the event, we will provide a recap presentation that will highlight your event and impress everyone involved.

Examples of what we can do:

  • Helping create a sponsorship package
  • Strategizing how to approach partners/sponsors
  • Providing an event recap presentation
  • Sharing our connections and resources

Gear, Supplies, and More:

You need tables and chairs, or maybe a certain type of entertainer, or even an event photographer – whatever you might be missing, we can help you get it. With this service, we will find materials and resources that fit your budget so you can focus your time on other tasks. We will have an initial brainstorming session so we can figure out what is already in our possession and what still needs to be acquired. From there, we will tackle the nitty-gritty work of hunting down the best deal and ironing out the logistics.

Examples of what we can get:

  • Rentals (tables, chairs, tents)
  • Decorations
  • Lighting
  • Power generators
  • Performers and entertainment
  • Event photographer
  • ASL and other language interpreters

EVENT OFFICE HOURS + CONTACT INFO

For any other questions or if you’d like a more in-depth discussion, please consider scheduling a meeting with us during our office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

Send us an email: events@ventureportland.org
Send us a direct message on Instagram: @EventsHubPortland
Leave us a voicemail at: 503-477-9648