Join Us for High Energy Networking! 

PLMA prides itself on connecting load management practitioners in supportive, collegial environments. And, together with the many learning opportunities of these conferences, we're also in favor of adding a little bit of fun to the mix! Here is an overview of the networking opportunities planned for the 49^th Conference — we hope you'll join us!

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Oregon Historical Society

2:00 to 5:00 pm

The Oregon Historical Society is dedicated to making Oregon’s long, rich history visible and accessible to all. For more than a century, it has served as the state’s collective memory, gathering and preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, films, manuscripts, books, and oral histories. It exists because history is powerful and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

The Oregon Historical Society offers self-guided tours of its permanent and rotating exhibitions for groups of 10 to 100 people. The Hilton Portland Downtown is a 5-minute walk from the Historical Society. Transportation will not be planned for this event.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Portland Art Museum

2:00 to 5:00 pm

Coming to the Portland Art Museum from the Bata Shoe Museum in Canada, "Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks" is a groundbreaking new exhibition that features nearly sixty futuristic footwear designs like the auto-lacing Nike MAG.

It explores how cutting-edge technologies, unexpected materials, and new ideas are transforming footwear today. The provocative exhibition features digitally designed and 3D-printed shoes, sneakers made from mushroom leather and reclaimed ocean plastics, and footwear created for the metaverse. Portland is a sneaker town!

The Hilton Portland Downtown is a 6-minute walk from the Art Museum. Transportation will not be planned for this event.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Join Us for Brews and Spectacular City Views at The Jupiter NEXT Hotel

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Sponsored by Opinion Dynamics

Join us for a casual evening of food, drinks, and conversation at the unique Jupiter NEXT hotel - a sophisticated and elevated expansion that displays the vibrancy of Portland’s urban life and features spectacular views of the city.

Adding to this unique experience, PLMA's Retail Pricing Interest Group Co-Chair Jordan Folks of Opinion Dynamics will be showcasing a variety of his home-brewed craft beers during the reception. Jordan’s beer is not to be missed! He is a two-time National Gold Medal Winner, the 2022 Oregon State Homebrewer of the year, and is also a co-host of The Brülosophy Podcast and The Brü Lab Podcast.

This event includes round-trip transportation provided by PLMA from the Hilton Portland Downtown hotel and is $30 per person.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Monday Meetup

in Skyline I and II
4:00 to 5:00 pm

If you're in need of a well-deserved chance to unwind after a full day of DR Training and/or Interest Group sessions, please join us for a casual Monday Meetup! Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Monday First Timers' Special Welcome

in Skyline I and II
5:00 to 5:45 pm

If this is your first PLMA Conference, join us for a fun opportunity to meet and get to know some fellow first-time attendees! In addition, our Portland hosts will be with us to welcome you to the PLMA community. P.S. You can recognize fellow first-timers by the green stripe across the top of their badges.

Mr. Bailey, Octopus shoe, 2018, Collection of Mr. Bailey. Courtesy American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Monday Welcome Reception and Sneaker Ball
at the Portland Art Museum

8:00 to 10:00 pm

Reception Sponsor:

Reception Entertainment Sponsors:

Portland is the sneaker capital of America with Nike, adidas, and Under Armour all calling it home. In recognition of this wonderful opportunity, PLMA is hosting our Welcome Reception in the format of a Sneaker Ball. No black tie required but we invite you to join us in wearing your coolest, flashiest, or most fun pair of sneakers as we mix and mingle and enjoy the company of old friends and new. There’ll be prizes for the most creative footwear so dress accordingly. Everyone welcome!

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. The campus is a cornerstone of the downtown Portland cultural district.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Women in DM: Breakfast Connect!

in Skyline II
7:30 to 8:30 am

Grab some breakfast and join the Women in DM Co-Chairs for some lively networking with friends and colleagues, plus a panel of speakers who will focus on flexible load management careers. 

Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Networking Reception in the Sponsor Lounge

5:00 to 6:30 pm

Sponsored by Resideo Grid Services
Raptor Encounter Demonstration Sponsored by Opinion Dynamics

Immediately following the conclusion of Tuesday’s General Session and the dynamic Sponsor Showcase Lightning Round, join us in the Sponsor Lounge and enjoy a beverage, some hors d’oeurvres, a chance to ask questions of our sponsors, and take your chances at winning one of PLMA's awesome door prizes! Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Ice Cream Social

2:45 to 3:15 pm

Sponsored by Resource Innovations

A longstanding PLMA tradition, the Ice Cream Social serves as the official closing event for each conference and offers a gathering place for final conversations and check-ins, as well as an opportunity for utility attendees to enjoy an afternoon treat before heading into the ULME meeting. Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars will be cold and plentiful! No sign-up required.

Daily!

Meet New Colleagues at Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Breaks

Good food, a supportive and welcoming community, and lots to talk about! Join us daily! No sign-up required.