Upcoming Expo delivers a winning combination of unparalleled networking, inspiring speaker sessions, interactive exhibits, and innovative facility tours that engage all ages.
Beaverton, OR, February 19, 2026: BESThq announced today that Business Expo West will be back for its 15th year on April 8, 2026, with returning site hosts Portland Community College (PCC) Willow Creek Opportunity Center and PCC Small Business Development Center (241 SE Edgeway Dr, Hillsboro, OR). The afternoon event will once again be open to all ages and industries with a focus to inspire and activate supporters ages 7-77+.
Aiming to educate, ignite, and advance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) growth for the next generation and current professionals, Business Expo West: STEAM Connect offers exciting opportunities for the business community, job seekers, mentors, and students alike. Attendees can expect an exciting mix of featured speakers from industry leaders, hands-on exhibits, and millions in work opportunities through one-on-one networking with exhibitors. The event will center around the theme of “Connection” with speaker sessions focusing on Workforce Connect, Technology Connect, and Construction Opportunities Connect. Speakers from Washington County, PCC Office of Planning and Construction, Hoffman, and more are sure to inspire, educate, and motivate.
Additionally, the Expo will showcase interactive exhibits led by the STEAM Pathways Coalition, First Lego League, and others. The exhibits will extend to facility tours highlighting the semiconductor, clinical nursing, clean room, and AI labs in PCC’s state-of-the-art facility at Willow Creek.
The 2026 Business Expo West: STEAM Connect offers valuable opportunities to attendees in any stage of their life and career pathway. There will be something for everyone: youth looking for motivation and inspiration, job seekers looking for the next step in their journey through the workforce, established professionals looking for connection and to be re-inspired, small businesses looking to find resources for growth, mentors looking to share their knowledge, and contractors looking for bidding opportunities for active contracts. This event is not just your average trade show but rather a day of purpose, collaboration, motivation, and fun.
“Business Expo West started as your typical B2B networking trade show but has truly morphed into something much deeper in its 15-year run,” says Ron White, BESThq’s founder. “It has become a place where collaboration takes hold, partnerships are formed, people are encouraged and inspired, and goals are set or revisited. Our hope is that everyone leaves the event with some great takeaways that will incentivize and advance their journey.”
Following the event’s conclusion, participants are encouraged to continue collaborating and networking at an after-party just down the road at Old Chicago. Join us to continue building on the commitment to collaboration, growth, opportunity, and progress.
BESThq is grateful to welcome back Platinum Sponsors PCC, Fulcrum Construction, SBDC, and Washington County who have been, and remain, pivotal in the growth and success of this Expo throughout the years.
Since its inception 15 years ago, thousands have gathered for Business Expo West. Participants connect with business professionals, government and public agencies, and community non-profit and faith-based organizations to foster sustained growth within our regional economic ecosystem. Focusing on purposeful work and advancement opportunities, Business Expo West continues to promote collaboration, progress, and inclusion. To learn more, visit www.bizexpowest.com.
About BESThq:
BESThq is a collaborative, community-centered organization focused on helping small businesses and non-profits thrive, elevate, and exceed their goals and bring forth purposeful work. With our vast offering of resources and services – from communications and marketing support to project management, to production support – we work to supplement organizations’ efforts to ensure advancement and growth. BESThq works to elevate community and bring the quadruple bottom line of People, Profit, Planet, and Purpose to the forefront of the mission and work of the businesses, non-profits, and public agencies we represent. To learn more, visit www.besthq.net
About The STEAM Pathways Coalition:
Formed in 2024 as a grassroots effort, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Pathways Coalition is a partnership of individuals and organizations from varying industries and backgrounds joining to advance the expansion of accessibility to STEAM offerings and resources for our youth and the broader community and ultimately broaden our reach and increase participation levels. This coalition is committed to finding “the pathway” for each participant and providing them with the learning, activities, tasks, and mentoring needed to develop the necessary skills to achieve their personal goals. We are creating an environment in which STEAM activities are offered to our youth, participants, and community in a fun, safe, inclusive setting that promotes growth, teamwork, and fun. Learn more: www.steampathways.org/coalition.
