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About The UNITY Midyear Conference

More than 700 Native American and Alaska Native youth (ages 12-24) and advisors will gather in Phoenix, AZ in early February for the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference.

The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference will provide three days of professional leadership development, highlighting community service and advocacy for Indigenous communities. Native American and Alaska Native youth will continuously engage with one another through a variety of professional development workshops and breakout sessions, as well as extracurricular activities that include the sharing of culture, music and art. The focus for the 2025 Midyear curriculum is digital storytelling. Stay tuned for more details about “Digitizing Youth Voices. Inspiring Indigenous Stories.”

UNITY is excited to host several speakers and presenters that are passionate in supporting community service and advocacy throughout Native Country. Through a variety of programmatic activities, team building and collaboration, our Native youth leaders will actively engage with one another, brainstorming and building on new ideas to create change within their respective communities.

SAVE ON 2025 REGISTRATION FEES - PAY NOW WITH UNUSED FUNDS!

Are you wondering what to do with unused youth program funding for 2024? UNITY is happy to work with you! Below are the conference registration rates for 2025. If you wish to use any remaining End of Year funds, please consider paying for youth and adult registration fees in advance. If you have any questions about conference registrations, please contact LorenAshley Buford at La.buford@unityinc.org or Tami Patterson today at t.patterson@unityinc.org.

UNITY Midyear Conference 2025
February 7 – 9 (Pre-conference activities Feb. 6)
Phoenix, AZ
Discounted (Nov. 1 – Jan. 7) $450
Full Rate (Jan. 8 – Feb. 7) $500

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

340 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | Phone: (602) 262-2500
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates

Conference Hotel

 

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Agenda

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More Conference Information:

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Exhibitors - Your involvement will enhance the experience for attendees!

Package Rates

 

⟐ Vendor $500.00

⟐ Tribal Enterprise/Non-profit $600.00

⟐ Government Corporations/For-profit $1,000.00

⟐ Education/Career Day (1 day) $300

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⟐ Meet up to 750 Native Youth, ages 14-24 and their adult advisor

⟐ Education & Career Expo – Saturday

⟐ Speed workshop presentations

⟐ All day and evening activities

⟐ Cultural Sharing Night open to the community and public

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Each Exhibitor/Vendor Booth Will Include

 

⟐ One (1) 6-ft table

⟐ Two (2) Chairs-ft table

⟐ Two (2) non-transferable registrations

Speed Workshops

WHAT IS A SPEED WORKSHOP?

Similar to speed dating, presenters will have 25 minutes with each group of 10-12 Native youth participants. You will be required to present 4 times. The youth will rotate between tables of topics that interest them. The participants come to the table. You present your topic for about 15 minutes, then, for the remaining 10 minutes you engage the participants in discussion questions about your topic. Your job is to carry the discussion and to make sure everyone has a better understanding of the topic at the end of the 25 minute period.Please remember – this format of “workshopping” is meant to keep your audience engaged and feeling comfortable enough to contribute to the discussion. It’s also meant to share and to learn in a safe and positive atmosphere. Have fun with this new way of presenting your information.

Please note: Honorariums are not provided for workshop presenters. A One-Day Conference Pass is provided on Day-Of workshop presentation only (for presenters). To experience the Midyear Conference in its entirety, please register and pay for full registration. Email questions to LorenAshley at la.buford@unityinc.org

2025 UNITY Midyear Speed Workshop Application

Thank you for your interest in conducting a speed workshop at the 2025 Midyear UNITY Conference taking place February 7 – 9 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.

Speed Workshop Day: Saturday, February 8, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM

What is a Speed Workshop?

Similar to the concept of speed dating, presenters will have 25 minutes with each group of 10-12 Native youth participants. You will be required to present on your topic for four (4) consecutive rounds. The youth will rotate between tables of topics that interest them. The participants come to the tables and you will present your topic for about 15 minutes, then the remaining 10 minutes, you engage the participants in discussion about your topic. Your job is to carry the discussion and to make sure everyone has a better understanding of the topic at the end of 25 minutes.

Please remember that this format of “workshopping” is meant to keep your audience engaged and feeling comfortable enough to contribute to the discussion. It’s also meant to share and learn in a safe and positive atmosphere. Have fun in this new way of presenting your information.

Subject matters may include (but not limited to):

CAREER: Higher Education, Fellowship Programs, STEM-related Education, Politics and Leadership, and Financial Planning

CULTURE: Language and Culture Retention Programs/Models, Using the Arts as a Means of Retaining Culture, Historic Preservation, and Using Culture as a Means to Live a Healthy Life;

ENVIRONMENT: Global Warming, Environmental Issues Confronting Tribal Communities, Careers and Opportunities in Environmental Sciences, Political Issues Involving Our Planet;

HEALTH: Physical, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Violence, Wellness Programs, Fitness and Active Lifestyles.

STORYTELLING: Mediums of Art, Music, Writing, Zine Making, News, Vlogging, Performing Arts, Fashion,

UNITY serves Native American and Alaska Native youth ages 14-24 years old. Your content should be appealing and directed to youth in this age range. There is high interest in Peer-to-Peer workshops. Youth and youth councils are encouraged to submit proposals.

Workshop submissions will be confirmed no later than December 15, 2024.
Email questions to Audri Mitchell at a.mitchell@unityinc.org.

Please note:

Honorariums are not provided for workshop presenters.

All presenters are responsible for supplying copies of any handouts.

No Audiovisual opportunities are available.

You may bring any handouts, props, or visuals that fit on your tabletop.

A One-Day Conference Pass is provided on Day-Of the workshop presentations only (for presenters).

To experience the Midyear Conference in its entirety, we ask that you please register and pay for full registration.

Thank you for your interest.

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Sponsorship Opportunties

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FAQ

1. 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 of January 24, 2025. If participant names are unknown when first registering, simply put “TBD”. (TBD = To Be Determined)

2. Can I get a registration reimbursement, if I cancel my registration?

Yes, as long as the cancellation occurs before January 17, 2025. There will be a $25 cancellation fee per each individual registration.

3. Will there be On-site Registration?

No, there will be no on-site registration.

4. Will I be able to get a refund if I don’t show up?

No, registration will be forfeited with no future conference credit.

5. Can I attend the conference by myself, if I’m 18, without chaperone?

All youth participants ages 14-24 must be chaperoned.

6. Do advisors have to register?

Yes, all participants, including chaperones are required to have a name badge to access all sessions.

7. Is there a one-day registration fee?

No, there will not be a one day conference fee available.

8. Will masks be mandatory?

UNITY will follow CDC guidelines. Masks are recommended among those who are not vaccinated.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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. 

13. Is there a dress code for the conference?

Yes, casual to business casual.  The dress code is similar to a school dress code.

14. How many people can stay in a room?

Up to four people may stay in a room with double beds.

15. Will there be other host hotels with discounted rates?

No other host hotel will be available with a conference rate.

16. 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.

17. Will transportation be provided to and from the airport?

The hotel does not provide shuttle transportation from the airport. There is a light rail that departs from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to the nearest stop to the hotel, Van Buren/Central Ave., which is approximately 0.3 miles from the hotel. The best options would be to use a taxi service or a mobile ride service such as lyft/uber.

18. How far from Sky Harbor Airport is the hotel/conference site?

The downtown Sheraton is about 8 miles from the airport.

19. Do I have to be in a UNITY affiliated youth council to attend the conference?

No, you are welcome to attend as an individual.  We encourage all youth councils to find out how to become affiliated and take advantage of the benefits, otherwise you are welcome to attend as a group or individual, affiliated or not.

20. Are students under the age of 14 allowed to attend?

Yes, however, parents and advisors must consider whether topics and length of sessions are age appropriate.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. What will my workshop room be equipped with?

Chairs and a round table will be provided.

25. What are the parking fees?

Yes, the hotel parking fees are $32 per day or $224 per week. If you have any further questions about hotel parking please contact the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown at +1 602-262-2500. https://www.parkwhiz.com/sheraton-phoenix-downtown-hotel-parking/?daily=1  

26. 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/

27. 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.

28. 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.

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Past UNITY Midyear Conference Videos

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