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2026 Oregon Peer Workforce Conference

The Power of Us: Fostering Belonging

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Join Us

August 20 & 21, 2026

Pendleton Convention Center

Stay in Touch

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What is the Oregon Peer Workforce Conference?

GOBHI’s Peer Workforce Conference is a place for peers working in behavioral health in Eastern Oregon and across the state to connect, learn, and grow together. 
 
The two days of presentations and training sessions will be centered around the theme of The Power of Us: Fostering Belonging. 

The conference is open to peer workers of all specialty types, and those who work alongside them. 
 

Presenters

This year, we are seeking diverse proposals/workshops that offer unique educational & lived life experiences for peer workers of varying specialty types (Addictions, Mental Health, Family, Youth, etc.) and can offer insight into the conference focus areas.

Sponsorship and Tabling

Become a Sponsor

Support the 2026 Oregon Peer Workforce Conference and help empower the peer support workforce across Oregon! Your sponsorship directly contributes to a conference that uplifts lived experience, fosters connection, and advances the vital work of peer professionals in behavioral health. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your organization’s commitment to the Power of Us.

Tabling

Community partners or vendors can reserve a table using the registration link below. Tables will be open on both days of the conference.

Note: Sponsorship tiers 1-3 include a table. Tabling-only registration includes meals for up to two people and does not include registration to attend the conference workshops.

Keynote

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Elliott Hinkle

Where You Belong: The Radical Power of Being Seen, Heard, and Held in Community

What does it mean to truly belong, not just to be present, but to be known? This keynote explores how belonging transforms peer support work, how lived experience in systems becomes a source of wisdom and power, and how creating spaces where every person feels genuinely at home is the most radical act of healing we can offer.

Elliott Orrin Hinkle (they/them) is a skilled consultant, facilitator, trainer, speaker, advisor, and national expert focused on elevating lived experience and expertise in systems that serve children, youth, and families. As Principal and Founder of Unicorn Solutions LLC, they are an advocate and professional with 14+ years of experience on topics such as child welfare, youth mental health, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community through training, advising, and facilitating culture change efforts.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Conference Schedule

Thursday, August 20

​7:30-9:00am

Registration check-in and continental breakfast

9:00am-12:00pm

Morning sessions

9:00: Welcome/Opening ceremony

9:30: Keynote speaker—Elliott Hinkle

11:00: Breakout sessions

12:00-1:00pm

Lunch

1:00-4:00pm

Afternoon sessions

4:00-5:00pm

Appetizers and social hour at the convention center

6:00pm

Join us for a no-host welcome reception and live music at the Great Pacific restaurant in downtown Pendleton

Friday, August 21

7:00-7:45am

Activity: Walk along the river

8:00-9:00am

Continental breakfast

9:00am-12:00pm

Morning sessions

12:00-1:00pm

Lunch

1:00-3:00pm

Afternoon sessions

3:00pm

Closing statements

Lodging

Special group rates are available at the following hotels:

Best Western

400 SE Nye Ave, Pendleton

Rate: $149 per night

Reserve at group rate

Phone: 541-276-2135

America’s Best Value Inn

201 SW Court Ave, Pendleton

Rate: King: $84 per night / 2 Queens: $94 per night

Call to make a reservation, and let them know it is for the 2026 Peer Conference to get the discounted rate.

Phone: 541-276-1400

​More hotel group rates to be announced. Please check back for updates.

Conference Information

Pendleton Convention Center

1601 Westgate
Pendleton, OR 97801

Directions

Location

Early Bird Registration

Register by June 30: $175

Standard Registration

Starting July 1: $250

 

Includes:

  • 2 days of workshops

  • 2 breakfasts

  • 2 lunches

Cost

Questions?

Email: 
eopeerconference@gobhi.org

Contact

Photos From Last Year's Conference

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