About Us
About The Unity National Conference
The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S. About 2,500 Native youth and advisors are expected to attend the 2024 National UNITY Conference in Portland, Oregon, (June 29 – July 3, 2024). The National UNITY Conference complete with general sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, career/education fair, and fun evening activities provides hands-on leadership development activities and where the National UNITY Council conducts elections and its annual business meeting. The national conference is a place where Native youth voice is encouraged and valued. All activities are planned with safety in mind. In addition, UNITY offers unique youth programming through its UNITY Spirit Room and UNITY Drum. The Spirit Room, led by alumni, is used for social and prayer purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for support, healing and spiritual nourishment. The Spirit Room is meant for all beliefs and religions to share their “Good Medicine” with other participants. The UNITY Drum, also led by alumni, is an open drum with roots in the southern style of powwow singing. All youth singers are encouraged to bring their drumsticks to join in. While youth leaders meet, advisors and adults who work with youth are also involved in intense training and networking activities. Adult training may include building rapport, peer-to-peer sharing, conflict resolution, approaches to youth work, and more.
Affiliated Youth Councils and individual members are eligible for registration discounts. Become a member today!
Hyatt Regency Portland At The Oregon Convention Center
Group Code: Pono
Rate: $184 - $199 + Tax & Fees
Conference Hotel
REMEMBER TO MENTION “UNITY” WHEN BOOKING YOUR HOTEL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNTED RATES.
GROUP CODE: PONO
RATE: $184 – $199 + TAX & FEES
EXHIBITORS - YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE FOR ATTENDEES!
JUNE 29 – JULY 3, 2024
PACKAGE RATES
National 2024 (4 days)
Native American Artists: $700
Tribal Enterprise/Non-Profit: $800
Government Corporations/For Profit: $1300
Education/Career Day Expo (1 Day): $500
Bag Stuffing Includes:
⟐ Limited to 10 per conference
⟐ Informational Items (brochures, flyers, booklets, etc.)
⟐ Promotional Items (pens, hand sanitizer, note pads, etc.)
EACH EXHIBITOR/VENDOR BOOTH WILL INCLUDE
⟐ One (1) 6-ft table
⟐ Two (2) Chairs-ft table
⟐ Two (2) non-transferable registrations
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
⟐ Meet up to 500 Native Youth, ages 14-24 and their adult advisor
⟐ College & Career Day – Saturday
⟐ Speed workshop presentations
⟐ All day and evening activities
⟐ Cultural Sharing Night open to the community and public
SET UP INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE COMING SOON.
Sponsorship Opportunties
Faq
Can We Submit Registration Name Changes? And When Is The Last Day To Submit Name Changes?
When registering, you may create an account that will allow you to make changes. Changes can be made up until the online registration deadline. If participant names are unknown when first registering, simply put “TBD”. (TBD = To Be Determined)
Can I Get A Registration Reimbursement, If I Cancel My Registration?
Yes, as long as the cancellation occurs before November 30th. There will be a $25 cancellation fee per each individual registration.
Will There Be On-site Registration?
Yes. There will be on-site registration this year. However, it is highly recommended for all planning to attend to register online ahead of time, even if you plan to pay onsite, so badges may be prepared in advance.
WILL I BE ABLE TO GET A REFUND IF I DON’T SHOW UP?
Yes. There will be on-site registration this year. However, it is highly recommended for all planning to attend to register online ahead of time, even if you plan to pay onsite, so badges may be prepared in advance.
Can I Attend The Conference By Myself, If I’m 18, Without Chaperone?
All youth participants ages 14-24 must be chaperoned.
Do Advisors Have To Register?
Yes, all participants, including chaperones are required to have a name badge to access all sessions.
What Are Some Of The Covid19 Protocols For This Conference?
Social distancing will be encouraged during this event. There will be hand sanitizers widely available during this event. Advisors! Please note, if someone begins to exhibit covid symptoms, they will be asked to self quarantine in their hotel rooms.
Are Covid-19 Vaccines Required To Attend?
No, COVID-19 vaccines are not required for attendance. UNITY will abide by CDC guidelines for the duration of the conference. If you received a COVID-19 vaccine, you may consider keeping proof of your vaccination with you.
Can We Pay A Fee To Attend Just The Luncheon?
The banquet fee is included for each registration. If a registered attendee wishes to bring a guest, you can pay for an additional banquet ticket online.
Are Purchase Orders Accepted When Making Registrations?
Yes, when registering please note the Purchase Order or indicate a pending purchase order. A purchase order will hold the current rate until payment is received for a fee of $25 and must be paid within 60 days.
Is There A Dress Code For The Conference?
Yes, casual to business casual. The dress code is similar to a school dress code.
How Many People Can Stay In A Room?
Up to four people may stay in a room with double beds.
Will There Be Other Host Hotels With Discounted Rates?
No other host hotel will be available with a conference rate.
What If We Plan To Arrive A Day Or Two Early Or Stay Extra Days? Will Hotel Rooms Be Available At The Conference Rate Prior To Or After The Conference?
There are limited hotel rooms available prior to and after the conference on a first come first served basis.
Will Transportation Be Provided To And From The Airport?
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown does not provide transportation from the airport. However, here is a helpful link that provides transportation options
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Phoenix-Airport-PHX/Sheraton-Phoenix-Downtown
How Far From Sky Harbor Airport Is The Hotel/conference Site?
The downtown Sheraton is about 8 miles from the airport.
Can I Participate In The Conference If I’m Not A U.s. Citizen?
Yes, you can participate in our conference, however, per the National UNITY Council Constitution and Bylaws, youth participants who wish to vote in the business meeting are required to be a U.S. citizen. You may be an observer if you are not a U.S. citizen.
What Will The Weather Be Like In Phoenix, During The Conference Days?
A slight chance of rain is in the forecast for Thursday, February 1, and partly cloudy skies from February 2 – 4. The temperature will be 70 degrees on Thursday but drops to high 50s to mid-60s from Friday through Sunday.
I’m An Exhibitor. Will Electrical Power Be Available For My Booth Space?
Exhibitors and workshop presenters must specify ahead of time if they have any audio or visual needs. A charge may apply.
What Will My Workshop Room Be Equipped With?
Chairs and a podium will be provided.
What Are The Parking Fees?
Parking is $15 per day at the host hotel. Nearby public parking lots within walking distance can be found here. https://www.parkwhiz.com/sheraton-phoenix-downtown-hotel-parking/?daily=1
What Are Some Fun Things To Do Around The Hotel In Phoenix?
Attractions include:
Phoenix Zoo https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
Biltmore Fashion Mall https://www.shopbiltmore.com/
Heard Museum https://heard.org/
Desert Botanical Garden https://dbg.org/
Pueblo Grande Museum https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/pueblo-grande
Butterfly Wonderland https://butterflywonderland.com/
Odysea Aquarium https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/
Will There Be Places To Eat Near The Conference Site?
The Hotel will offer indoor dining and grab and go options. There are some fast food places within walking distance but some are limited to weekday and business hours. The nearest mall, Biltmore Fashion Mall is 2.6 miles away, which offers fast food options.
Where Can I Go For Medical Help, If Needed?
Phoenix Indian Medical Center https://www.ihs.gov/phoenix/healthcarefacilities/phoenix/ is an Indian Health Service facility. It is located 4.5 miles away from the hotel. The nearest medical facility to the hotel is the John C. Lincoln Medical Center, which is 2 miles away.