Join us at 2026 GWCO Congress
SURF'S UP FOR SIGHT: RIDING THE VISION WAVE
October 15 - 18, 2026 | Portland, Oregon
The Portland Marriott at the Waterfront
Congress enables attendees to participate in innovative learning formats and engaging meetings. We help partners take advantage of sharing their products, services, and research with optometric professionals from throughout the twelve great western states and beyond.
Have Questions? Email us at info@gwco.org.
Exhibitor Information
This year our exhibit hall will host 60 booths!
To view the available exhibitor packages, please visit our 2026 Prospectus.
Exhibit Hall Hours:
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sponsor Information
This year's sponsorship packages have upgraded! Take some time to read through the 2026 Prospectus to view the available sponsorships for your company.
Don't see the right package for you?
We would love to work with you on making a package that meets your needs. To set up a meeting time, please email the GWCO event planning staff at info@gwco.org.
GWCO Congress is Your Opportunity To
Attract and influence professionals at every stage of their career—from students and PARAs to experienced ODs—at the GWCO Congress. Engage directly with a diverse, motivated audience ready to discover new products, services, and solutions.
Generate new leads, uncover untapped business opportunities, and build lasting relationships that drive real results.
Connect with collaborators, strengthen partnerships, and reconnect with colleagues in a high-energy environment.
Maximize visibility in the Exhibit Hall, at receptions, social events, and throughout engaging Congress programming—alongside returning sponsors and exhibitors who recognize the value of GWCO Congress.
GWCO is a Non-Profit Organization That
- Provides a common voice for members within organized optometry
- Provides financial support to 12 member state associations
- Enhances professional development
- Facilitates communication
Policies & Information
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds will be sent for written cancellations emailed or postmarked no more than 30 days after purchase minus a $500 processing fee. There will be no refunds if cancellations are made after 30 days of purchase. Please note, sponsorship do not go into effect until payment of your Sponsorship is paid in full.
Privacy Policy: We will not sell or rent your personal contact information to other companies. The Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO) cannot be held liable for events beyond its control, such as acts of God, government regulations, disasters or weather-related hazards, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, or any other emergency, making it inadvisable or impossible to hold the Congress. GWCO will make every effort to inform participants of any cancellation as soon as possible to enable participants to cancel hotel and flight arrangements.