The Americas ICOLC Meeting
Enduring Value, Renewing Hope
April 11 – 14, 2027
Hosted by Orbis Cascade Alliance
at the
The Royal Sonesta
506 SW Washington St
Portland, Oregon
The Program Committee is pleased to invite you to submit session proposals for the ICOLC Americas 2027 conference (April 11-14 in Portland, Oregon, USA)!
The conference theme for this year is “Enduring Value, Renewing Hope,” and we welcome proposals that speak to the theme in some way. Within the context of the theme and feedback from past ICOLC attendees, we invite proposals on topics including, but not limited to:
- Case studies of consortial programs, services, and initiatives that reflect honestly on obstacles, challenges, and unfulfilled goals and what you learned from those experiences
- Strategies for addressing financial risk and members’ institutional instability
- Strategies for effectively stewarding member engagement, governance, and board relations
- Perspectives on vendor relationships, negotiation, and licensing approaches
- Overviews of resource sharing programs, models, and evolutions
- In-depth reviews of consortial tools, infrastructure, and workflows
- Case studies of cross-consortial collaboration, approaches, and support
- Experiences with advocacy activities and navigating political and economic pressures
Proposals may take the form of:
- Presentations (30 or 45 minutes, individual or panel presentation with Q&A)
- Facilitated Discussions (45 minutes, guided small/medium group discussions)
- Case Studies (15 minutes, individual presentation)
If you’d like to propose a different type of session, please provide additional information in your submission about the timing and format.
To submit a proposal, please complete this form. (PDF version here).
If you have any issues with the form, questions about the proposal process, or questions about a potential proposal topic, please contact Isaac Gilman at igilman@orbiscascade.org.
Session proposals are due Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Following review by the Committee, notifications of acceptance will be sent no later than October 16, 2026.
Registration for the
‘Enduring Value, Renewing Hope’
ICOLC Annual Meeting Americas
will be open on
October 20, 2026
Hotel Address:
The Royal Sonesta
506 SW Washington
Portland, Oregon 97204
Guest rooms at the Royal Sonesta come with:
- Complementary Wi-fi
- Expansive 9th floor fitness center with Peloton bike, rowing machines, free weights, yoga mats, and more
- On-site Dosha 5th Avenue Spa – a full service AVEDA spa
- The Quiet Room, a multi-use space created for tranquil moments
- 24-hour business center
- 24-hour onsite valet parking with full in and out privileges at a discounted rate of $25 a night
- Concierge services available to assist with local attractions restaurants, and entertainment
All room rates are subject to additional taxes and fees (+) and are valid 3 days before and after the event
Rates will be:
Deluxe King or single Queen – $99+
Suite – King or Two Queen – $129+
All rates are for up to 2 people per room – occupancy for more than 2 is $20 per night per additional person
Final Reservation Deadline is March 5, 2027
Link for Hotel Reservations (TBA)
Flights into Portland:
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Trains:
Amtrak Trains
Portland, OR – Union Station (PDX)
Transportation from the Airport:
Driving by car – There are Uber, Lyft and Taxi services which cost between $40 and $50 and takes about 20 minutes
Taking Trimet – Portland’s Public transportation system – it serves the airport every 15 minutes and takes about 45
minutes to arrive in Portland Downtown for about $3.00
Local Activities
Information about Portland Downtown
Information about Portland Attractions
Cheers & Gears
1399 SE 11th Ave.
Map from Hotel
Classic Crawl – Need to have at least 6 people to book the tour – Max 15 people
Cost: $56.25 each for 6 guests – $22.50 for 15 guests – Food and beverages are extra + tip
NOTICE: You will need transportation to and from the start point
NOTICE: This tour is not motorized and participants will be cycling for the tour
Glowing Greens Mini Golf
509 SW Taylor St.
Map from hotel – .3 of a mile from the hotel
Cost: $18.50 per person – 4 people per group
Powell’s Books Store
1005 W Burnside St.
Map from hotel – .3 of a mile from the hotel
Cost: Free (at least theoretically)
Wicked Axe Throwing
509 SW Taylor St.
Map from hotel – .3 of a mile from the hotel
$25 per person – 8 people per group
Dining Options
Bullard Tavern
813 SW Alder St.
Map from hotel – .2 of a mile
Menu – Tex-Mex
4.5 Google
Dar Salam
320 SW Alder St.
Map from hotel – 0.1 of a mile
Menu – Middle Eastern & Iraqi Cuisine
4.7 Google; woman owned
Hana Sushi & Izakaya
506 SW 6th Ave.
Map from hotel – 200 ft
Menu – Sushi & Japanese Cuisine
4.5 Google; LGBTQ+ friendly
Independent Sports Bar & Grill
225 SW Broadway #100
Map from hotel – .2 of a mile
Dinner Menu – American
4.2 Google; LGBTQ+ Friendly
James Beard Center
SW 6th Ave and SW Alder St.
Due to open in April 2027
Map from hotel – 256 feet
Midtown Beer Garden
431 SW Harvey Milk St.
Map from hotel – 400 ft
4.6 Google
Covered seating
Food Carts:
Alibaba Takeaway
Best Taste of India
Bing Mi
El Pilon
Fracture Brewing Bar Cart
Great Tang Chinese Food
Hello Philly
Iron Strike Smash Burgers
Java Rising
Khongthai
Korean Twist
La Jarochita
Love Verona
Mawj Babylon
Monster Mac and Wings
Mr Taco
New Dhaba Indian Kitchen
NW Sushi
Ocean Aloha
Sea Land Fish & Chips
Shawarma House
Slice and Spice Pizza
Small Pharaoh
Stretch The Noodle
Tito’s burritos #1
Tokyo Sando
Secret Food Tour
Under the Umbrella of the Umbrella Man
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Map from hotel – .2 of a mile
Cost: Tour: $104.99 + tip; Alcoholic Drink package $25
NOTICE: This tour includes about a mile of walking in Downtown Portland
Escorted walking tour in Downtown Portland that includes the history of the area and multiple stops for food and beverages. Alcoholic beverages require the Drink package.
Tanaka
678 SW 12th Ave.
Map from hotel – .4 of a mile
Menu – Japanese Comfort Food
4.3 Google
Tentative Agenda
| April 11 | Sunday | 9am to 4pm | Work Space Available |
| April 11 | Sunday | 4pm to 7pm | Registration Check-in |
| April 11 | Sunday | 5:30pm to 8pm | Welcome Reception |
| April 12 | Monday | 7:30am to 4pm | Registration Check-in |
| April 12 | Monday | 7:30am to 9am | Breakfast |
| April 12 | Monday | 9am to 12noon | Sessions |
| April 12 | Monday | 12noon to 1:30pm | Lunch |
| April 12 | Monday | 1:30pm to 4pm | Sessions |
| April 12 | Monday | 5:00 to ?? | Dine Around Dinners |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 7:30am to 4pm | Registration Check-in |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 7:30am to 9am | Breakfast |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 9am to 12noon | Sessions |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 12noon to 1:30pm | Lunch |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 1:30pm to 4pm | Sessions |
| April 13 | Tuesday | 5:30 to 8pm | Hosted Dinner |
| April 14 | Wednesday | 7:30am to 9am | Breakfast |
| April 14 | Wednesday | 9am to 12noon | Sessions |
| April 14 | Wednesday | 12noon | Lunch – Individual Choice |