About the Event

The Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children ECE Summit is returning to Embassy Suites Portland Airport for three days of professional development, statewide connection, leadership, and inspiration.

Join 250 early childhood educators, administrators, faculty, advocates, students, and partners from across Oregon for engaging keynote speakers, meaningful conversations, practical learning opportunities, and the return of the Grand Articulation Summit.

The 2026 Summit will continue building momentum for Oregon’s early childhood community as we collaborate, advocate, and celebrate.

Why Attend?

Inspiring keynote speakers and featured presenters
Practical strategies and ideas you can apply right away
Sessions for educators, leaders, faculty, advocates, and program administrators
Networking and collaboration with professionals from across Oregon
Conversations focused on leadership, advocacy, workforce development, and inclusion
Opportunities to reconnect, recharge, and build community

The ORAEYC ECE Summit brings together professionals from every part of the early childhood field to learn from one another and strengthen the future of early learning in Oregon. Attendees can expect:

Inspiring keynote speakers and featured presenters
Sessions for educators, administrators, higher education faculty, advocates, and program leaders
Practical strategies and innovative ideas you can incorporate into your work right away
Networking and collaboration opportunities with professionals from across Oregon
Conversations focused on workforce development, advocacy, leadership, inclusion, and developmental and culturally appropriate practice
Opportunities to reconnect, recharge, and build community

Embassy Suites Portland Airport

Venue features include complimentary breakfast for hotel guests, evening reception for hotel guests, on-site restaurant and gathering areas, convenient airport shuttle access, calming center atrium and indoor pool, and close proximity to shopping and restaurants.

Attendees may book directly with the hotel at the link or phone number below. Rooms at the $182 conference rate are limited.

Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/oraeyc2026-roomblock/

Call-in Code: CES95R

Reservations #: 800-821-5879

Summit Highlights

Grand Articulation Summit

The Grand Articulation Summit will once again be part of the ECE Summit experience, bringing together higher education and secondary faculty, administrators, and partners for conversations about pathways, transfer, workforce development, and the future of early childhood education preparation.

Professional Development

The Summit will offer learning opportunities designed for professionals at all stages of their careers with sessions focused on practical application, leadership growth, advocacy, emerging issues, and innovative practice.

Connection & Community

The ECE Summit is intentionally designed to create opportunities for meaningful connection through shared meals, networking opportunities, collaborative sessions, and informal gathering spaces throughout the event.

Informational Booths and Vendors

Enjoy learning about a variety of resources available to you and shopping some of our favorite vendors.

Celebrating Milestones in Early Childhood Education

The 2026 ECE Summit will also serve as a special opportunity to celebrate major milestones in the early childhood education community.

This year marks:

100 years of National Association for the Education of Young Children
60 years of Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children
20 years of NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation

Throughout the Summit, attendees will have opportunities to reflect on the history, leadership, advocacy, and innovation that continue to shape the future of early childhood education in Oregon.

We are excited to welcome a special guest from NAEYC as part of this celebration. Additional details and featured speaker information will be announced soon.