---
title: 'OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon'
date: '2008-07-09T12:59:31-07:00'
type: post
word_count: 702
char_count: 4549
tokens: 913
categories:
  - Events
  - HowTo
  - OpenSource
  - Oregon
  - OSCON
  - Portland
  - Portvangelist
  - Tips
  - Twitter
tags:
  - Events
  - 'how to'
  - 'open source'
  - Oregon
  - OSCON
  - Portland
  - Portvangelist
  - Tips
  - Twitter
---

# OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon

[![Portland skyline at night](https://i0.wp.com/siliconflorist.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/imgportlandskylinenight.jpg?w=925)](http://flickr.com/photos/pleeker/126738485/ "Portland skyline at night")

We here in [Portland, Oregon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland,_Oregon "Portland Oregon"), like to think of our town as the de facto hub of [open source](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source "Open Source") and open web technologies. I mean, [Linus Torvalds](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds "Linus Torvalds") lives around here, so does [Ward Cunningham](http://www.aboutus.org/Ward_Cunningham "Ward Cunningham").

And, that’s not all. We’ve got the [OpenID](http://openid.net "OpenID") contingent with [Vidoop](http://vidoop.com "Vidoop") and [JanRain](http://janrain.com "JanRain"), too. What’s more, Portland is home to a bunch of cool open source shops and developers. Oh, and don’t forget, we used to host [RailsConf](http://en.oreilly.com/rails2008/public/content/home "RailsConf"), too.

But there’s one little get-together that causes our collective open source head to swell ever so slightly. And that event is just around the corner.

[OSCON 2008](http://www.conferences.oreilly.com/oscon/ "OSCON 2008"), the premiere open source conference, will be again gracing Portland with its presence, beginning July 21. And with it, thousands of open source types will be descending upon town. No doubt, many of them will be wondering, “What the heck am I supposed to do when I’m not in sessions?”

Have no fear, open source aficionado! There are a few activities with which you can keep yourself entertained, a handful of establishments where you can slake your thirst, and a joint or two where you can get your fill of vittles.

As you’re planning your trip to Portland, here are some links that might help:

- **[Hacking PDX: A geek’s guide to Portland International Airport](http://siliconflorist.com/2008/03/27/hacking-pdx-compiling-a-geeks-guide-to-portland-international-airport/ "Hacking PDX geek guide to Portland International Airport")**
  “We have a great airport with plenty of features that just about any traveler could need. But, despite all its ease-of-use, there are always a few tips-and-tricks that make the experience that much better.”
- **[Falling in love with Portland, again and again](http://siliconflorist.com/2008/03/03/guest-editorial-scott-kveton/ "Falling in Love with Portland again and again")**
  “This is the beginning of a fantastic renaissance period for Portland. It’s such a vibrant, eclectic, talented and diverse city with so many things going on, that it inspires the mind and spirit around every corner you turn.”
- **[Amy Winkelman says “Hi Vidoop, Welcome to Portland!” (An extensive primer on the Rose City)](http://siliconflorist.com/2008/06/13/why-portland-amy-winkelman-says-hi-vidoop-welcome-to-portland/ "Amy Winkelman says Hi Vidoop Welcome to Portland")**
  “As a native Oregonian and fanatic Portlander, I love recommending things to new folks visiting the city.”
- **[What to do in Portland while you’re at RailsConf](http://www.mattking.org/2007-05/what-to-do-in-portland-railsconf-2007.html "What do to in Portland while you're at RailsConf")** (or OSCON)
  “If you’re attending RailsConf this year and are from out of town, you might be like me when you’re in another city: I don’t really find much outside of the touristy areas, or what’s immediately around where I’m staying. But you’re in luck! I live here in Portland, Oregon and I have a list of places to go and things to do that I think are quintessential Portland.”
- **[Portland’s top 30 tech Twitter-ers](http://siliconflorist.com/2008/03/19/portlands-top-30-tech-twitter-ers-1-may-surprise-you/ "Portland's top 30 tech Twitter-ers")**
  “And that got me thinking. I began to wonder: Who is at the top of the Twitter heap when it comes to Portland startup and tech types? Who has the most ‘influence’? Who is the holder of the mythical ‘Twitter juice’?”

Still feel like you need some help? Drop a comment here, or feel free to [ping me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/turoczy "Rick Turoczy on Twitter"). Or look for me at OSCON. I’d be happy to answer any Portland questions for you.

Whatever your question, rest assured that [Portvangelists](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=portvangelist "Portvangelist") are standing by.

*Photo courtesy [Matt McGee](http://flickr.com/photos/pleeker/126738485/ "Portland skyline") used under Creative Commons.*