Would you like a speaker at your event? Now you can enjoy a sedate stroll from the luxury of a comfortable chair, where we come to your organization and take an entertaining stroll without getting up. All of our staff loves to talk, especially about Portland and its incredible past, present, and future. We are often called upon to visit groups and chat about our knowledge and our experiences. Our speaking and training services are customized to your group, but our most frequent requests are the 10 minute (and free to meetings and conferences) “Welcome to Portland”, our “Things you never knew about Portland,” and the “Armchair Walk though Time.”

We have many years of experience talking to meetings and conventions, Rotary Clubs, church groups, retirement centers, and more. With the exception of our “Welcome Speeches”, talks can be tailored to your own requirements although they generally last for around 45 minutes, allowing time for questions from the audience. Some of the talks are illustrated with slides and we bring everything with us – from the sideshows to the projectors to the photo books. You just tell us what you want and we’ll be thrilled to make Portland come alive to your group. If you would like us to speak to your group on a subject that isn’t listed here, just ask us about it. There are many requests that we get that are not detailed here.

In this one hour presentation, one of our Resident Experts will lead you your group through a fun and fascinating look into amazing tidbits, facts & trivia on Portland and the state of Oregon. From the official city flower (it’s not the Rose!) to Clark Gable selling neckties at Meier & Frank, you’re guaranteed to learn many things you never knew.

13,000 years of history in one sitting – impossible! That’s quite true of course but, with this talk, we give a general picture of the area’s history with the arrival of the American Indians right on through to the installation of skateboard lanes in downtown.

The free 10 minute talks are designed to get your group in a great mood before they dive into a conference. There are only two goals for these speeches: 1) make your guests feel included, and 2) provide a genuine welcome. We get them smiling as we breeze through all the great things the city has to offer and we never leave out information about how to take the free public transit so they can get around during their time away from your sessions. The speeches include an optional thanks to sponsors, a toast, or thanks to those who organized the function.

"Please pass on to David how much we enjoyed having him speak at our conference this last weekend. He did a wonderful job and really set the tone for a fun and informal weekend of learning."

- Amber Kern, Executive Director, Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation

"...thanks again for your fabulous talk."

- Lisa Oetken, Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst

"Thank you so much for agreeing to do the welcome speech! Wow, the stress you’ve taken off of me. I wish that I would have asked you sooner. I’ve been sweating this one for weeks!"

- Sissy Lawty, Convention Services Manager, Travel Portland