National Conference 2022

About The UNITY Midyear Conference

The UNITY Midyear Conference is a three-day youth-led annual event held every February in Phoenix-metro, Arizona designed to empower Native youth and adults. About 500 youth and advisors safely attended the last in-person conference in 2020. The UNITY Midyear Conference is training focused and provides an opportunity for male and female reps of the National UNITY Council to meet to discuss its annual initiative.UNITY Trainers and peer leaders have utilized a proven UNITY YOUth Can! curriculum to challenge youth and advisors to come up with youth-led community service projects as a way to address social issues in their communities. Action plans can help guide people and groups, including youth councils, on what it takes to complete a project, task, initiative or strategy. The YOUth Can! curriculum involves 10 steps, allowing participants to determine objectives, goals, review milestones, measure progress, as well as responsibilities, specific assignments, and a timeline. Action plans are an important part of strategic planning. In this period of social distancing, youth can still develop Action Plans through video conferencing or conference calls.

Affiliated Youth Councils and individual members are eligible for registration discounts. Become a member today!

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Midyear Conference Agenda

Friday, February 25

7 am – 9 am Registration

9 am – 10:30 am Opening General Assembly

10:30 am – 10:45 am Break

10:45 am – 12:00 pm Sessions 1 (5 breakouts)

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch (on own)

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm Sessions 2 (5 breakouts)

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Break

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Afternoon General Assembly

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner (on own)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Evening Activities/Evening General Assembly

Saturday, February 26

8:30 am – 9:45 am Morning General Assembly

9:45 am – 10:00 am Break

10:00 am – 10:25 am Speed Workshops 1

10:30 am – 10:55 am Speed Workshops 2

11:00 am – 11:25 am Speed Workshops 3

11:30 am – 11:55 am Speed Workshops 4

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Luncheon & Program

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Afternoon General Assembly

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Break

3:15 pm – 4:30 pm Sessions 3 (5 breakouts)

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Dinner (on your own)

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cultural Exchange

Sunday, February 27

8:30 am – 11:30 am Closing General Assembly

11:30 am – 1:30 pm Lunch (on your own) / Departure

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Post-Conference Sessions (up to 5)

MIDYEAR-UNITY-CONF_Save-the-Date_Sept-2021

Registration dates and prices for the Midyear Conference are as follows: October 1 through November 30: $250 early bird registration

December 1 through January 31, 2022: $300 advance registration

February 1 through onsite registration: $350 full rate

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MIDYEAR REGISTRATION

DOWNLOAD AGENDA

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Featured Speakers

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Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

<div class=”styled-subtitle” style=”text-align: center;”>7677 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 | Phone: (602) 997-2626</div>

⟐ An additional resort fee of $20 per room per day will include:

⟐ Unlimited high-speed Internet for up to two devices ($29.90 value)

⟐ Unlimited local and 1-800 phone calls ($1/call value)

⟐ Use of Fitness Centre for up to four people ($48 value)

⟐ One round of 18-hole miniature golf for up to four people ($20 value)

⟐ Admittance into the River Ranch for up to four people (maximum four people per suite, ($140 value )

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Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates

Book Your Room Today!

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Exhibitors - Your involvement will enhance the experience for attendees!

February 25-27 Phoenix, Arizona | Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday ½ Day

Package Rates

Exhibitor $400.00
Conference Bag Stuffing $250

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.

Registration

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Workshops

Thank you for your interest in conducting a speed workshop at the 2021 Midyear UNITY Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thank you for your interest in conducting a speed workshop at the 2021 Midyear UNITY Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Workshop subject matters may include (but are 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, Music, dancing or singing, Cultural 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.

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.

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 3 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, we ask that you please register and pay for full registration.

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Sponsorship Opportunties

PREMIER SPONSOR | $50,000

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>PREMIER SPONSOR | $50,000</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• 60-second video to be played during morning general sessions
• In-person or pre-taped welcome message
• Logo on event promotions (digital and printed) with “Presenting Sponsor” designation
• Logo on program cover (digital and printed)
• Verbal thank you and mention during the event
• One exhibitor booth/table
• Item in conference bag (provided by sponsor)
• Welcome letter in printed and digital event program
• Back Page Full-page Ad in printed and digital event program
• Mention in pre- and post-conference Press Release
• “Thank you to our presenting sponsor” message with a digital ad posted on social media channels</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>(Facebook and Instagram)
• Digital Ad to be included in one upcoming UNITY Newsletter)
• Ticker Ad (name on scroll across the screen during live streamed general sessions)
• Web Banner Ad on the UNITY Website (for a two-month period)
• 30 National UNITY Conference VIP registrations (Includes reserved seating in general session and UNITY Banquet)
• Full-size Tribal Leader cutout</div>

EAGLE SPONSOR | $25,000

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>EAGLE SPONSOR | $25,000</div>
<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• 30-second video to be played during morning general sessions
• Logo on event promotions and program (digital and printed)
• Verbal thank you and mention during the event
• One exhibitor booth/table
• Full-page Ad in printed and digtial event program
• Mention in post-conference Press Release
• Mention in “thank you sponsors” message on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram
• Digital Ad to be included in one upcoming UNITY Newsletter)
• Ticker Ad (name on scroll across the screen during live streamed general sessions)
• 10 National UNITY Conference VIP registrations (Includes reserved seating in general session and
UNITY Banquet)
• Half-size Tribal Leader cutout</div>

FIRE SPONSOR | $15,000

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>FIRE SPONSOR | $15,000</div>
<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• Logo on event promotions and program (digital and printed)
• Verbal thank you and mention during the event
• One exhibitor booth/table
• Half-page Ad in printed and digital event program
• Mention in post-conference Press Release
• Mention in “thank you sponsors” message on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram
• Ticker Ad (name on scroll across the screen during live streamed general sessions)
• 6 National UNITY Conference VIP registrations (Includes reserved seating in general session and UNITY Banquet)</div>

EARTH SPONSOR | $10,000

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>EARTH SPONSOR | $10,000</div>
<div></div>
<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• Logo on event promotions and program (digital and printed)
• Verbal thank you and mention during the event
• One exhibitor booth/table
• Ticker Ad (name on scroll across the screen during live streamed general sessions)
• Mention in post-conference Press Release
• Mention in “thank you sponsors” message on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram
• 2 National UNITY Conference VIP registrations (Includes reserved seating in general session and
UNITY Banquet)</div>

SAGE SPONSOR | $5,000

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>SAGE SPONSOR | $5,000</div>
<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• Logo on event promotions and program
(digital and printed)
• Verbal thank you and mention during the event
• Mention in post-conference Press Release
• Mention in “thank you sponsors” message on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram)</div>

ABALONE SPONSOR | $2,500

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>ABALONE SPONSOR | $2,500</div>
<div class=”styled-subtitle”>• Logo on event promotions and program (digital and printed)
• Mention in post-conference Press Release
• Mention in “thank you sponsors” message on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram)</div>

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNTIES

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>AD IN PRINTED & DIGITAL PROGRAM
$500
• Half-page
$1,000
• Full-page</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>TICKER AD (Total of 8 general sessions)
$500
• Name to scroll across the screen during
live streamed general sessions</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>LANYARD
$2,500
• Exclusive sponsor name on event lanyard</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>CONFERENCE TOTES
$5,000
• Exclusive name and logo on
conference totes</div>
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<div class=”styled-subtitle”>LIVE STREAM
$15,000
• Logo watermark on screen
during all general live stream general
session (for virutal audience)</div>

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FAQ

Can we submit registration name changes? And when is the last day to submit name changes?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>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)</div>

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

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>Yes, as long as the cancellation occurs before July 1st. There will be a $25 cancellation fee per each individual registration.</div>

Will there be On-site Registration?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>There will be no on-site registration this year. Please register ahead of time.</div>

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

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>No, registration will be forfeited with no future conference credit.</div>

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

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>All youth participants ages 14-24 must be chaperoned.</div>

Do advisors have to register?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>Yes, all participants, including chaperones are required to have a name badge to access all sessions.</div>

Is there a one-day registration fee?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>No, there will not be a one day conference fee available.</div>

Will masks be mandatory?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>UNITY will follow CDC guidelines. Masks are recommended among those who are not vaccinated.</div>

What are some of the Covid19 protocols for this conference?

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>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.</div>

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 banquet?

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?

All rooms at the Hilton Resort are Suites that come with double beds and a sofa with a pull out bed, which can accommodate 4 – 6 people. However, there is only one bathroom. A King bed Suite includes a sofa sleeper (2 -4 people).

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?

There is no free hotel shuttle service. You may try ride sharing apps like Uber or Lyft or Taxi service. Depending on the time of day, the cost one-way may be $20 – $30 depending on the type of vehicle you require.

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

The Hilton at the Peak is approximately almost 10 miles from Sky Harbor Airport.

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.

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.

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?

The weather will be very pleasant with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.

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 free at the hotel site.

What are some fun things to do around the hotel in Phoenix?

Attractions include:

Phoenix Zoo <a href=”https://www.phoenixzoo.org/”>https://www.phoenixzoo.org/</a>

Biltmore Fashion Mall <a href=”https://www.shopbiltmore.com/”>https://www.shopbiltmore.com/</a>

Heard Museum <a href=”https://heard.org/”>https://heard.org/</a>

Desert Botanical Garden <a href=”https://dbg.org/”>https://dbg.org/</a>

Pueblo Grande Museum <a href=”https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/pueblo-grande”>https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/pueblo-grande</a>

Butterfly Wonderland <a href=”https://butterflywonderland.com/”>https://butterflywonderland.com/</a>

Odysea Aquarium <a href=”https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/”>https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/</a>

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 <a href=”https://www.ihs.gov/phoenix/healthcarefacilities/phoenix/”>https://www.ihs.gov/phoenix/healthcarefacilities/phoenix/</a> 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.

Info

<div class=”styled-subtitle”>Important dates to remember and information is being gathered and will be placed here soon.</div>

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Past UNITY Midyear Conference Videos

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