The Stafford Challenge Conference 2026

Hello poet.

You did it! Thank you for registering for The Stafford Challenge 2026 Conference, happening at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. I am delighted you will be joining us. I'll be in touch a number of times over the next few months with more information, to share about the breakout workshops for which you will sign-up for, the conference schedule, and other details. In the meantime, you may have some more immediate questions.

Details
Location: Lewis & Clark College - Flanagan Chapel & Gregg Pavilion (615 S Palatine Hill Rd, Portland, OR 97219)

Dates: Thursday, June 18, 12pm - Sunday, June 21, 1pm

Timing: Check-in will open at 12pm on Thursday. We will start the conference with a special panel discussion about William Stafford and the Stafford Archive housed at Lewis & Clark College at 1pm. If it is a travel day for you, and you will not be able to arrive in time for this, no worries. We will formally begin the conference with an opening gathering at 3pm on Thursday. Hopefully, you can make it for that gathering. If not, again no worries, we will see you when you arrive! Just let us know, so we'll know when to expect you.

Housing
If you are not local to Portland, OR, you are likely needing to find a place to stay. You are welcome to find a place that fits your comfort. Here are some options:

  • Lewis & Clark has agreements with some of the local hotels for discounts. Click here for options.
  • Explore Airbnb
  • Explore Vrbo
  • You can always find a place on your own.

Airfare
I am working on arranging a discount code for those flying Southwest Airlines. I will share the code as soon as it is available.

Stafford Challenge Swag
We have a great discount on Stafford Challenge items (mugs, sweatshirts, notebooks, etc) from the store for conference attendees. If you purchase ahead of time by May 1, you will get:

  • 5% discount
  • No shipping cost (which I know can get pricey!)
  • No tax
  • You will pick up your items at the conference

The order form for this will be live soon. 

Have questions about the conference?
Please feel free to reach out with questions to: events@staffordchallenge.com

Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing you in-person!

With gratitude,
-Brian