Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, WorldOregon’s International Speaker Series is one of the nation’s premier platforms for international affairs. For two decades, the series has put you in the room with the global leaders, visionaries, and inspiring voices that are changing our world. 

This year's series theme “Bridging Perspectives” seeks to look at an inspiring and balanced array of ideas and issues, including public service, national security and challenges for the U.S. as a global leader, human rights, and – in honor of the series 20^th anniversary – a look at one Oregonian’s lessons in covering the world.

 

BUY SERIES TICKETS!

 

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2020 International Speaker Series FAQs:

How do you choose speakers?

In alignment with our nonprofit mission, and as a non-partisan organization, each year we identify important global issues and trends to assess which speakers would have the highest impact on audiences here in Oregon. 

• Tuesday, January 21

Samantha Power: The Education of An Idealist – What Can One Person Do?

Former UN Ambassador & Pulitzer Prize winner

• Wednesday, February 19

Gen. H.R. McMaster: Geopolitics, Security, and the State of the World Today

Retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Army and National Security Advisor (2017–2018)

•  Wednesday, March 4

Nadia Murad: The Last Girl-My Story of Courage and Resilience

2018 Nobel Peace Prize Winner/Human Rights Activist

• Thursday, May 14

Nicholas D. Kristof: Global Leadership & the Humanitarian Challenge - Lessons from 35 Years of Covering the World
Award-winning New York Times Columnist

 

Where will the International Speaker Series be held? 

We have listened to your feedback and we're moving the 2020 International Speaker Series back to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall! All events start at 7:00pm, with the post-reception starting around 8:30pm. All Patron ticket purchases include the post-reception in the Pavilion of the Oregon Historical Society, two blocks from the theater.  

 

What about the post-reception?

Patron level ticket holders and Sponsors are invited to attend special speaker receptions immediately following each series event. Here you will have the opportunity to mingle with each speaker as well as fellow WorldOregon supporters while enjoying light refreshments and beverages. Receptions will be held at the Oregon Historical Society located at 1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. Speaker series tickets or ticket stubs are required for admittance to the reception. 

In previous years both Patron and Premier ticket holders received an invitation to the post-reception. To simplify, we have discontinued the Premier level and reduced the price of Patron tickets.  From now on, Patron ticket holders and Sponsors receive an invitation to the post-receptions.

 

How can I purchase tickets?

Tickets to the 2020 International Speaker Series can be purchased as a series on the Portland‘5 website. You can also purchase your tickets by calling the Portland’5 Box Office at 503-248-4910. Their regular hours are weekdays between 10am-2pm. If you reach voicemail, please leave your name and phone number and they will return your call ASAP. It is also possible to purchase tickets in person at the Portland'5 Box Office at 1111 SW Broadway Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. As we advise people to call the Portland’5 box office directly, you can also purchase your tickets via the TicketsWest Box Office at 800-273-1530.

International Speaker Series tickets are nonrefundable. While every effort is made to communicate series details in advance, specific speakers and dates are subject to change.  

 

Your ticket levels and prices look a little different. What has changed? 

As you may have noticed, we have lowered our ticket prices! After listening to your feedback, we have also brought back General Admission (GA) seating. You can select GA seats in either the Orchestra/Mezzanine level or on the Lower Balcony. These seats are on a first come basis and we advise you to come a little early to obtain the best seating.

In previous years both Patron and Premier ticket holders received an invitation to the post-reception. To simplify, we have discontinued the Premier level and reduced the price of Patron tickets.  From now on, Patron ticket holders and Sponsors receive an invitation to the post-receptions. Please note that when purchasing tickets through Portland5 that service charges will apply to your total. 

 

Can I still choose my seat?

Absolutely! Aside from General Admission seating, all seating on the Orchestra level and in the Dress Circle is reserved. So when you purchase Reserved Silver, Gold or Patron seats, you will be able to choose specific seats! 

 

How do I use my WorldOregon membership discount?

WorldOregon members should have received an email announcing the 2020 International Speaker Series line-up with the 10% WorldOregon member discount code. This code can be applied to most tickets, excluding student levels. (Student prices are already offered at the lowest possible price and we encourage K-12 schools to contact us to inquire about possible free tickets.) You can input your membership code under the WorldOregon logo on the ticketing page. **Please note--the discount code needs to be entered before seat selection. 

If you did not receive your WorldOregon discount code, please contact our WorldOregon Development Manager, Marjel van Dijk at: (503) 306-5252 or [email protected]

 

Do you offer any other discounted tickets?

WorldOregon is a proud participating member of Arts for All. Anyone who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, and has the Oregon Trail Card is eligible to purchase individual International Speaker Series tickets for $5 at the Portland'5 Box Office (1111 SW Broadway Avenue, Portland, OR 97205; M-SA 10am-5pm). Please note: Purchases are available on the day of Series events and limited to two tickets per cardholder. You must show your Oregon Trail Card at the time of purchase and pay with cash or credit card. SNAP credit on the Oregon Trail Card cannot be used to buy tickets.

 

I have special accommodations. How do I ensure accessibility for the International Speaker Series?

All of Portland'5 buildings have accessible entrances, as well as elevators that operate between the street level and upper floors. If you need to purchase accessible (ADA) seating, please contact the Portland-5 box office at (503) 248-4335.

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall will also provide Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) which amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Individual headsets with a receiver are available, as are neck loops for use with hearing aids and cochlear implants with a “T” switch. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a “T” switch (telecoil) and how to use it with an assistive listening headset or neck loop. Portland'5 will distribute devices free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis with ID at the Coat Checkroom of each building.

In addition to ALD's, the International Speakers will be closed captioned and available on your personal cellular-connected device.