Dorchester Conference

Dorchester Conference America's oldest political conference- Where politics is fun! The Dorchester Conference is America’s oldest annual political conference.

Then-State Representative Bob Packwood founded the conference in 1965. Since its inception, Dorchester has sought to have lively debate among political activists about timely issues facing the state, nation and world. The lively debate, intellectual conversation, humor, and camaraderie result in hundreds of Oregonians registering for the Conference each year. Dorchester is the only grassroots poli

tical conference of its kind in the nation and still thrives as it approaches its golden anniversary.

After an incredible 60th Dorchester Conference, we're already looking forward to doing it all again in 2027! Save the Da...
08/25/2026

After an incredible 60th Dorchester Conference, we're already looking forward to doing it all again in 2027!

Save the Date: April 23–25, 2027

Join us for another unforgettable weekend of thought-provoking discussions, great speakers, lively debates, networking, and all the traditions that make Dorchester one of Oregon's most unique political gatherings.

Whether you've been attending Dorchester for decades or just joined us for the first time this year, we hope you'll mark your calendar and plan to be part of Dorchester 2027.

More details, registration information, and announcements will be coming soon.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸
07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸

07/03/2026

Congratulations to past Dorchester Rising Star Lori Chavez DeRemer on her newest adventure!

The Dorchester Conference family is saddened by the passing earlier today of our founder, former U.S. Senator Bob Packwo...
06/06/2026

The Dorchester Conference family is saddened by the passing earlier today of our founder, former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood.

In 1965, Senator Packwood established the Dorchester Conference with a vision of bringing Oregonians together to discuss ideas, public policy, and the future of our state. For more than six decades, that vision has helped shape generations of civic and political leaders across Oregon.

Today, we remember his commitment to public service, his belief in the importance of civic engagement, and the enduring institution he created.

We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and dedication to Oregon.

We are forever changed by his impact. May he rest in peace.

It was perfect weather and a great day on the course at the Mike Riley Invitational at the 60th Dorchester Conference. T...
06/02/2026

It was perfect weather and a great day on the course at the Mike Riley Invitational at the 60th Dorchester Conference. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun kickoff to the weekend.

Dorchester attendees enjoyed a great discussion on Oregon’s future at the federal level, moderated by Clackamas County C...
05/31/2026

Dorchester attendees enjoyed a great discussion on Oregon’s future at the federal level, moderated by Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West, featuring State Senator David Brock Smith (candidate for U.S. Senate) and Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair (candidate for CD5).

Energy, ideas, and the future of our movement was on full display during the Young Republicans of Oregon panel. The next...
05/29/2026

Energy, ideas, and the future of our movement was on full display during the Young Republicans of Oregon panel. The next generation of leaders continues to step up—and Dorchester is proud to be part of that journey.

Join us in thanking an incredible panel for breaking down the gas tax referendum with real insight and perspective. Than...
05/27/2026

Join us in thanking an incredible panel for breaking down the gas tax referendum with real insight and perspective. Thank you to Eric Fruits for moderating, with insights from Mike Riley (Riley Research), State Representative & gubernatorial candidate Ed Diehl, Senate GOP Leader Bruce Starr, Jason Williams (Oregon Taxpayers Association), and Nick Stark (Oregon Freedom Coalition). An important conversation on transportation accountability, affordability, and the future of infrastructure funding in Oregon.

The Dorchester Conference was proud to host a strong and substantive discussion at the Oregon Republican Gubernatorial P...
05/15/2026

The Dorchester Conference was proud to host a strong and substantive discussion at the Oregon Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate. Thank you to State Representative Ed Diehl, State Senator Christine Drazan, and Chris Dudley, and to moderator Greg Walden, for a thoughtful conversation on the issues that matter most to Oregonians.

Dorchester doesn’t happen without our incredible sponsors. Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your commit...
05/13/2026

Dorchester doesn’t happen without our incredible sponsors. Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your commitment to making this conference possible year after year.

Address

3772 Portland Rd NE
Salem, OR
97303

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dorchester Conference posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Dorchester Conference:

Shortcuts

Share

Category