2027 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
– 2027 National UNITY Conference
– July 1–5, 2027
– Gaylord Palms Resort &Convention Center
– Kissimmee/Orlando, Florida
– Registration opens October 1, 2026
REGISTRATION RATES
– $400 Early Registration: October 1–November 30, 2026
– $550 Regular Registration: December 1, 2026–March 31, 2027
– $725 Standard Registration: April 1–May 31, 2027
– $875 Late Registration: June 1 through the final registration close date
– The final registration closing date is still pending, so please do not carry over the 2026 closing date.
– Registration questions can continue to list [email protected] and 985-240-5511.
– Approved membership discounts are currently $30 per person for eligible UNITY Youth Council members and $25 for eligible individual UNITY members.
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 3,000 Native youth and advisors are expected to attend the 2026 National UNITY Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (July 10 – July 14, 2026). 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.
UNITY is celebrating 50 years of tradition and Native Youth empowerment. This national conference is a place where Native youth voices are encouraged and valued. We want to commemorate our time through the decades by highlighting some of our organization’s key achievements. Look forward to looking back into UNITY’s immense history along with some familiar faces.
All activities are planned with safety in mind. 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 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!
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center / Host Hotel
More information coming soon.
Safety Policy
Workshops
Workshops will take place at the following dates and times with a 15 minute break in between each session. Once workshops are confirmed, their descriptions will be added to the website for attendees to choose their favorites. Subject matter may include (but is not limited to): College & Career, Leadership Development, Prevention Efforts, Cultural Sharing, Environmental Stewardship, and Wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conference Overview
Where and when is the 2027 National UNITY Conference?
The 2027 National UNITY Conference will be held July 1–5, 2027 at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida 34746, in the Orlando area.
Where will conference sessions take place?
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is the host venue. Specific ballroom, breakout, exhibitor, and activity locations will be listed in the final conference program and agenda.
When does registration open?
Registration opens October 1, 2026. The registration button on the National Conference page will connect attendees to the 2027 registration site.
Registration
When does registration open?
Registration opens October 1, 2026. The registration button on the National Conference page will connect attendees to the 2027 registration site.
What are the 2027 registration rates?
Early Registration: $400 — October 1–November 30, 2026
Regular Registration: $550 — December 1, 2026–March 31, 2027
Standard Registration: $725 — April 1–May 31, 2027
Late Registration: $875 — June 1, 2027 through the final registration close date.
When does registration close?
The final 2027 registration closing date is still being finalized. The 2026 closing date should not be reused. UNITY will post the confirmed deadline as soon as it is approved.
Can we submit registration name changes?
Attendees should create and retain access to their registration account so participant details can be updated. The final deadline for name changes will be posted once the 2027 registration closing date is confirmed.
Do advisors and chaperones have to register?
Yes. All conference attendees, including youth, advisors, and chaperones, must be registered and wear their official conference badge to access conference sessions and activities.
Is there a one-day registration option?
A one-day registration option is not currently planned. Conference registration is intended for the full National UNITY Conference experience.
Are there membership discounts?
The currently approved membership discounts are $30 per person for eligible UNITY youth council members and $25 for eligible individual UNITY members. Discount eligibility and application instructions will be provided through the registration process.
How do groups pay by check or purchase order?
Credit-card payment secures registration immediately. Groups paying by check or purchase order should complete the National Conference Invoice Request Form linked on the National Conference page. Questions about invoice requests may be directed to [email protected].
Refunds and Cancellations
What is the 2027 refund and cancellation policy?
The final 2027 refund deadline, processing-fee language, and date registrations become final are still pending approval. The 2026 refund deadline and fee language should not be published as the 2027 policy. The website will be updated as soon as the final Terms, Conditions & Payment Policy is approved.
Will I receive a refund if I do not attend?
The final 2027 no-show and refund terms will follow the approved Terms, Conditions & Payment Policy. Until that policy is final, attendees should not assume a registration is refundable.
Hotel and Travel
What is the host hotel?
Gaylord Palms currently lists hotel check-in at 4:00 p.m. and check-out at 11:00 a.m. Hotel policies are subject to change.
What airport should attendees use?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 19 miles from Gaylord Palms. The hotel does not provide airport shuttle service, so attendees should plan ground transportation in advance.
What are the hotel check-in and check-out times?
Gaylord Palms currently lists hotel check-in at 4:00 p.m. and check-out at 11:00 a.m. Hotel policies are subject to change.
What should attendees expect for weather?
Central Florida in July is typically hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Attendees should pack for heat and rain and check the local forecast shortly before travel.
What can attendees do during free time?
The resort is in the Orlando/Kissimmee area near major attractions and also has on-site recreation. Any off-site activities during personal free time are on your own unless UNITY specifically announces an organized conference activity. Youth should follow their advisor or chaperone’s supervision plan and all conference safety policies.
Conference Experience
What is the conference dress code?
Casual to business-casual, culturally respectful, and school-appropriate clothing is recommended. UNITY may announce theme days, cultural attire days, or special-event dress guidance as the conference agenda is finalized.
Will there be workshops, exhibitors, and youth activities?
Yes. The National UNITY Conference traditionally includes general assemblies, workshops, exhibitors, cultural sharing, youth-led activities, National UNITY Council programming, and special events. The detailed 2027 agenda and activity sign-ups will be posted as they are confirmed.
I am an exhibitor or workshop presenter. Will electrical power or AV be available?
Exhibitors and workshop presenters should identify electrical, audio, visual, or other setup needs in advance. Availability and any associated charges will be confirmed with selected exhibitors and presenters.
What will Speed Workshop areas include?
Final Speed Workshop room setup and equipment details for 2027 are still being finalized. Selected presenters will receive setup instructions before the conference.
Where can I find the agenda?
The detailed 2027 agenda is still being finalized. A working agenda has been prepared for staff and registration-site development, and the public agenda will be linked on the National Conference page when approved.
What should I do if I have registration questions?
Registration questions may be directed to [email protected] or 985-240-5511.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors and Partners
