2026 NECA Winter Ball

The Oregon-Columbia Chapter, NECA looks forward to gathering for the 2026 Winter Ball on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Redd in Portland.

The Winter Ball is a winter-formal evening bringing together Oregon-Columbia Chapter, NECA members and guests for a night to connect, celebrate, and enjoy time with colleagues and friends. This year’s event reflects an updated name, timing, and venue, while continuing a long-standing tradition within our Chapter.

About the Venue

This year’s Winter Ball will be held at The Redd, a distinctive Portland venue with deep roots in the city’s industrial past. Once part of the historic produce district, The Redd has been thoughtfully reimagined into a modern event space that reflects Portland’s working heritage while offering a fresh and unique setting for gatherings. We look forward to welcoming guests to this one-of-a-kind venue for a winter-formal evening.

The Redd is located in inner Southeast Portland, offering convenient access via rideshare and nearby accommodations.

Lodging Information

A hotel room block has been arranged at Cascada for guests planning to stay overnight. Cascada is the only property with a guaranteed NECA room block for the Winter Ball.

Discounted room rates will be available for Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis until January 30, 2026, or until the room block is fully reserved.

A booking link and additional reservation details will be shared with invited attendees.

For guests who prefer to stay elsewhere, suggested nearby hotel options include:

• Jupiter Next (Burnside)

• The Sentinel (Downtown)

• The Ritz-Carlton, Portland (Downtown)

• Hotel Eastlund (NE Grand)

All listed hotels are conveniently located for rideshare or short travel to The Redd.

Parking & Transportation

Parking at The Redd will be extremely limited due to event setup and vendor load-in. On-site parking should not be relied upon. If you require on-site parking, please contact the Chapter Office.

For safety and convenience, guests are strongly encouraged to use a rideshare service when traveling to and from the event, whether coming from a hotel, another location, or home.

Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, and additional public transportation and nearby parking options are located within walking distance of the venue. More detailed parking and transportation information will be shared with attendees closer to the event date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same event as the Sweetheart Ball?
Yes. Formerly known as the Sweetheart Ball, the Winter Ball reflects an updated name, timing, and venue while continuing the same tradition of gathering our NECA community for a formal evening event.

Why did the name change?
The updated name reflects a broader, inclusive annual celebration while maintaining the spirit and tradition of the event.

Why is the event at a new venue this year?
This year’s Winter Ball will be held at The Redd, a unique venue located in Portland’s historic produce district. The Redd’s industrial roots and modern design offer a fresh setting with character.

Where should I stay if I’m traveling from out of town?
The Winter Ball will take place in inner Southeast Portland. A room block has been secured at Cascada, and additional nearby hotel options are listed above for your convenience. Guests are welcome to stay wherever best fits their preferences, and rideshare services make it easy to travel to and from the venue.

How should I plan to get to the event?
Due to limited on-site parking, rideshare services are strongly encouraged. Street parking is available nearby, and additional details will be shared closer to the event.

What if I believe I should have received an invitation but did not?
If you believe you should have received an invitation to the 2026 Winter Ball but did not, please contact the Chapter office to confirm your contact information.