It’s official — the 2007 AAN Annual Convention will be held in Portland, Oregon, from June 14-16. “We’re jazzed to be hosting the convention in 2007,” says Mark Zusman, editor of Willamette Week.

The AAN Board of Directors tentatively approved the City of Roses as the site of the 2007 convention during its October meeting in Little Rock. AAN delayed the announcement until it had signed a contract with a hotel to hold the event.

The Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, homebase for the convention, is located in the heart of Portland’s financial and entertainment districts. Zusman promises “sunshine, the biggest bookstore in the world, a vigorous discussion about the future of independent journalism, fresh salmon, sales-tax-free shopping, pinot noir — all within an espresso shot from the hotel.”

Should convention-goers want to travel farther afield, Portland has excellent public transportation, including buses, a light rail and streetcars. The city is also very pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

In fact, Portland has often been recognized for its unique, environmentally friendly, clean, artsy character. Vegetarian food is easy to come by, and microbreweries abound. “Portland’s different. Everyone knows that,” Zusman says. In 2007, AAN members will have the chance to see for themselves.