Oregon Permit Technicians
Association's 2026 Fall Education Summit &
Annual Business Meeting
Tue. November 3rd & Wed. November 4th: 8 am - 5 pm
Why do we look forward to it every year? Because it means OPTA's Annual Business Meeting is back in session. Members from across Oregon converge in one room to work-through jurisdiction-specific headaches, weird edge cases, and the eternal question of how to get a truth trickler to just tell you what they're actually doing.
This year we are hurdling into Eugene, November 3 and 4, with two days of education sessions built in. For a lot of Permit Techs, this is the only in-person conference on the calendar all year.
Come brainstorm with us. Bring your questions, leave with other people's solutions.
Nov. 3rd: Choose Your Track
Option #1: Over the Counter Plan Review
with
Instructor: Jessica Sorensen, Shums Code Associates
Jessica Sorensen brings the pace of the counter: fast questions, faster judgement calls, and the confidence to make the right one on the spot. Earn .6 CEUs
Option #2: Legal Aspects (structured panel discussion)
Moderator: Katherine Denight (Oregon BCD)
Panelists: Ted Zuk (Jackson County), Adele Shaffeld (Malheur County), and Amy Williams (City of Hillsboro)
Every permit decision rests on a chain of authority most techs never see spelled out. This structured panel discussion pulls back the curtain on statutes, rules, and the rights and responsibilities that back up what you tell a customer. Earn .6 CEUs
Nov. 4th: ABM, Kelly Marshall, & the Rest of the Docket
Day two brings OPTA's annual business meeting, where we look back at the year and talk about what's ahead, a return visit from the legendary Kelly Marshall (Oregon BCD's ePermitting program), and the presentation of the Permit Technician of the Year Award. Know someone who deserves it? Submit a nomination by Oct. 4, 2026.
It's often said, "not my circus, not my monkey." In the building department, it's more like your llama, and sadly, your drama. The rest of the day will feature open floor discussions built around the jurisdiction headaches and edge cases Oregon's permit specialists and front-counter experts inherit every day.
A full schedule, session list, and speaker lineup will be posted closer to the conference.
Conference Location
Hilton Garden Inn Eugene/Springfield
3528 Gateway St
Springfield, OR 97477
Standard Room: $199/night*
Reserve under group code 90I (90i)** at Hilton Garden Inn Eugene/Springfield - Springfield, Oregon | ReservationDesk.com
*based on availability
** Deadline to reserve is Oct. 10th
Registration: Two ways to join
One Day Only: $200 OPTA Member Rate $300 Non-Member Rate
Both Days: $400 OPTA Member Rate $$450 Non-Member Rate
Tues Nov 3: Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks provided
Wed Nov 4: Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks provided
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
OPTA is a proud ICC Preferred Provider - ICC PP# 1370
**Minimum $25 Cancellation Fee per registration.
No cancellations accepted 72 hours before start of conference.
