Need help? Ask a member of the Conference Committee! We are easy to spot in our blue vests. Committee members can provide directions and other general information.
Conference registration: Delegates and guests must check in at the registration table to receive their Conference materials. The registration desk is located inside the Grand Ballroom.
Is this your first Conference? Stop by the first timer’s table in the hallway outside the Grand Ballroom! Conference committee members will be there, ready to answer any questions you may have.
Medical alert: Conference attendees should complete the emergency contact information on the back of their name badge. If you have any medical concerns, let the staff at the registration table know. They will be able to arrange assistance for you.
Delegate changes, on-site payments and other non-routine items: Last-minute changes to your registration can be taken care of by staff at the Conference registration table.
Conference events: All Conference events will take place at the Holiday Inn Portland — Columbia Riverfront. Business sessions are held in the Grand Ballroom on the main floor. See your agenda for detailed times and locations for all Conference activities.
Name badges: Delegates and guests must wear their name badges at all times. Name badges should be worn at chest level while on the Conference floor, when entering the election room and during meals. You will be given your name badge at the Conference registration table.
Name badges are color-coded to help identify the zones and classifications of Conference delegates:
Candidate and committee displays: Learn more about state committees and the candidates running for Board positions by checking out their displays in the hall across from the Mt. St. Helens Ballroom.
Lost and found: Lost and found is located at the Conference registration table.
Business session: Official meeting in which delegates conduct the formal business of Conference. Only delegates and registered guests may be present.
Conference chair: Presides over business sessions as a moderator to ensure business is conducted appropriately. OSEA’s state president acts as Conference chair.
Conference rules: A set of guidelines on how Conference runs. Delegates will approve the “Rules for the Conduct of Business” at the start of Conference.
Constitution: OSEA’s Constitution is the highest law of our union, providing the foundation for day-to-day operations and expressing the values and vision of our membership.
Credentials report: The count of delegates who have reported to Conference, used to determine if sufficient delegates are present to conduct business. It is updated and voted on at the beginning of each business session.
Delegate: An OSEA member elected by their chapter to represent the chapter membership at Conference.
Floor: The right to speak during a business session. A delegate has the floor after being acknowledged by the Conference chair.
Good of the order: An agenda item under which delegates may make statements or have discussions about topics related to the organization that do not pertain to Conference business.
Minutes: The official record of the proceedings of a meeting.
Motion: A formal proposal to the assembly for an action to be taken, such as conducting a vote or amending a resolution.
Parliamentary procedure: A set of rules for the orderly conduct of business at meetings. It is used to ensure every delegate can be heard and decisions can be made without confusion. OSEA uses Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised as a manual for parliamentary procedure.
Point of order: A question about whether the correct procedure is being followed.
Recognition: The chair’s formal acknowledgment that a delegate has the floor.
Resolution: An amendment to OSEA’s Constitution, Board Policy, Standing Rules or organizational positions proposed by a member and voted on by Conference delegates.
Second: An indication made by a delegate to endorse a motion or nomination so that debate or voting may begin. A second does not necessarily mean the delegate favors the motion.
Sergeant-at-Arms: An individual appointed to maintain order during Conference. If necessary, the sergeant-at-arms may be directed to remove a delegate or guest who is overly disruptive.
Standing Rules: OSEA’s Standing Rules are a set of guidelines for the administration of the organization.
Meals: Delegates can enjoy meals at no extra cost during Conference, including banquet. When you register, select the meals you will attend and be sure to specify any dietary restrictions. Meals are served buffet style.
Tipping: It is not necessary to tip the people who serve meals at Conference as meal prices include gratuity. Servers appreciate kind words for doing their jobs well.
Smoking and drinking: Smoking is not permitted in the hotel or within 20 feet of external doors. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Conference floor.
Snacks: Bring your own snacks. You must clean up any snack “messes” that occur.
Clothing: Casual clothing is appropriate. Keep in mind that you will be seated a great deal of the time. We will be in air-conditioned rooms so bring layers. There is a dress theme for each day — check the “Conference Fun” section for details!
Hats: On hat day, hats that do not block the view of others will be allowed. Although headcoverings are not restricted on the delegate floor during Conference, please remove hats that may block your colleagues' view at any point during Conference.
