Speaker line-ups live for WTSFest London & Portland
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WTSFest Portland City Guide

Author: WTS Team

Last updated: 09/01/2025

The Women in Tech SEO Festival is headed to Portland, Oregon, USA for the first time on April 3rd, 2025!

We're so excited to bring WTSFest to the west coast of the states.

A full day conference - 10 brilliant talks by 10 brilliant speakers

Don't have a ticket? You can grab one right here.

Our brilliant WTSFest Portland speaker line-up!

With many WTSFest attendees visiting Portland from all around the world to join us for our conference, we wanted to put together a guide to help you make the most out of your time with us.

Our guide is focused on the surrounding area where we'll be hosting our conference, with local recommendations on accommodation, attractions, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Without further ado, presenting our WTSFest Portland City Guide!

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Portland, Oregon’s largest city, nestles between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.

Dubbed the "City of Roses", Portland is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, pioneering sustainability, and a deep-rooted DIY ethos.

Our venue, Jupiter NEXT, is conveniently located at 900 E Burnside St in the bustling Eastside district.

Jupiter NEXT - home to WTSFest Portland 2025

The Eastside district pulses with the eclectic energy of Portland, spanning diverse neighborhoods from the historic charm of Hawthorne to the buzzing nightlife of Lower Burnside. It's a brilliant melting pot of old Portland grit and new-age vibes.

Jupiter NEXT sits in the Lower Burnside area, known locally as "LoBu". This area is a hotspot for live music venues, innovative eateries, and some of the city’s most iconic street art. Just steps away, you can dive into Portland’s celebrated craft beer scene or catch a show at the renowned Doug Fir Lounge.

Lower Burnside is more than just a destination; it’s a Portland experience, where every corner offers a slice of the city’s unique culture and spirit.

Our venue

Location: Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

The venue is on multiple bus lines and a 15-minute walk from the Convention Center MAX Station.

Getting there & around

Folks coming in from Portland Union Station have a lot of options from the 12, 19, and 20 bus lines to the lightrail A line.

If arriving via Portland International airport - you can take a 20-minute Uber or Lyft ride or jump on the MAX Red line to land at the Convention Center MAX station, a 15-minute walk to Jupiter NEXT.

Ubers and Lyfts are frequent, reliable and easy to catch in Portland.

Accommodation

A list of recommended hotels near the venue.

Jupiter NEXT - 0-minute walk, $$ (Venue on 2nd floor of this hotel)

  • Go to: www.jupiterhotel.com
  • Click: the “Book Now” button in the top right corner of the page
  • Click: "Enter Promo Code"
  • Enter: “SLEEPWITHUS” for 10% off (it is case sensitive)
  • Select your dates and book!

If able, we highly recommend staying at Jupiter NEXT for ease of access to the conference on Floor 2. This is also the only hotel we've personally visited and can vouch for how brilliant it is! (note: we recommend booking "Jupiter NEXT", not "Jupiter Original")

KEX Portland Hotel - 8-minute walk, $

Violet Suites PDX Boutique Hotel - 15-minute walk, $$$

Attractions

Below are some of the most popular attractions near the venue-

Burnside Skatepark
Open year-round and situated within a 10-minute walk from our venue, this world-famous skatepark is a must-visit for skating enthusiasts and offers a unique glimpse into Portland's vibrant skate culture.

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
Open daily, this classic arcade features over 100 classic video games and pinball machines. It’s a great spot for some retro fun and is located just over a mile from Jupiter NEXT, easily accessible by public transport or a short ride.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Open Wednesday to Monday from 9:30am-5:30pm
Tickets approx $20
Located just across the river from Jupiter NEXT, OMSI is a premier science center known for its interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and the USS Blueback submarine, accessible via a short ride on the Portland Streetcar.

Powell’s City of Books
An iconic bookstore that occupies an entire city block, Powell’s offers an enormous selection of new and used books and is a paradise for book lovers. Located within a 20-minute walk or a short transit ride from Jupiter NEXT.

Food & Drink

Your ticket to WTSFest includes lots of catering throughout the day, with a light breakfast, hot lunch, refreshments, and snacks in our breaks. But if you plan on spending a longer time in Portland, here are a few recommendations near our venue.

Food

$

  • Kinboshi Ramen ($10 - $20) - Casual ramen joint serving Japanese noodle bowls in a light-filled space with communal seating. - 4 minute walk
  • Snappy's ($10 - $20) - Old school, retro sandwich and hot wings shop, featuring grab-and-go sandwiches and sodas - 4 minute walk
  • MidCity Smashed Burger ($1 to $10) - a simple, no-nonsense meat, cheese, and sauce on a bun spot. Also has vegetarian options - 8 minute walk

$$

  • Hey Love ($20–30) - A top-notch cocktail lounge, community meeting hall, hidden garden, and house party, all wrapped into one - in the lobby of Jupiter NEXT
  • Dimo's Pizza ($20 - 30) - 18" New Haven style pizzas, salads, handmade pastas, and season vegetables - 3 minute walk
  • Bar Casa Vale ($30 - $50) - Spanish-influenced foods pair with a vast sherry menu in an airy, old-world dining room & patio. - 3-minute walk

$$$

  • Le Pigeon ($100+) - Elegant French-inspired fare served with a diverse selection of wines in a lively & intimate room. - 2 minute walk
  • Kann ($100+) - Haitian cuisine meets PNW bounty, a live-fire restaurant from James Beard Award Winning chef Gregory Gourdet - 6 minute walk

Drink

Some bars and coffee shops near the venue-

Safety

Portland, like most cities, is generally safe in the built-up central areas like where our venue is. However, like any city, there are measures you can take to ensure you keep yourself safe.

  • Ensure your personal belongings are hidden when walking around- pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so be vigilant in busy places and popular tourist attractions.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, especially when exploring unfamiliar areas late at night.
  • If you plan to enjoy the nightlife, be cautious and use reputable transportation options to return to your accommodation.
  • Public transport in Portland is well connected, frequent and safe- however you are also able to take Ubers and Lyfts around the city, these are generally safe.