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 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (July 8 – 12). 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 Fire and UNITY Drum. The UNITY Fire, which burns 24-7 during the annual conference and led by alumni fire keepers, is used for social and prayer purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for support, healing and spiritual nourishment. The fire 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!
Featured Speakers
Line up coming soon!
Awards
2022 UNITY J.R. Cook Advisor of the Year Award
2022 UNITY Eddie Wadda Alumni of the Year Award
Conference Deadlines
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 Marquette Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
1-800-HILTONS
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates
Exhibitors - UNITY Is all about providing resources and opportunities to Native Youth!
July 8-12 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Package Rates
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
⟐ 10’x10’ booth space with Pipe and Drape: 8’ high back wall drape, 3’ high side drape
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Outreach Opportunity
⟐ Meet up to 1,800 Native Youth, ages 14-24 and their adult advisors
⟐ Education and Career Expo
⟐ Workshop presentation opportunity
⟐ Day and evening activities
⟐ Cultural Sharing Night open to the community and public
Set up information and schedule coming soon.
Workshops
Thank you for your interest in conducting a speed workshop at the 2021 National UNITY Conference in Minneapolis, MN.
Sponsorship Opportunties
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Conference program advertisements are due no later than Friday, June 10, 2022.
Video/commercial submissions are due no later than Wednesday, June 15, 2022
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Yes, casual to business casual. The dress code is similar to a school dress code.
Rooms at the Hilton can accommodate up to 4 people (two double beds).
No other host hotel will be available with a conference rate.
There are limited hotel rooms available prior to and after the conference on a first come first served basis.
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.
The Hilton is approximately 9 miles from the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport.
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.
Yes, however, parents and advisors must consider whether topics and length of sessions are age appropriate.
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.
The weather will be warm and humid with lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s.
Exhibitors and workshop presenters must specify ahead of time if they have any audio or visual needs. A charge may apply.
Chairs and a podium will be provided.
Parking is available at the host hotel but it is a public parking garage. The daily parking rate is $15. You will be expected to pay when leaving and re-entering the parking garage. For more information about hotel parking, you may contact the hotel at (612) 376-1000. The Minneapolis Convention Center is within walking distance. For those not staying at the host hotel, public parking is also available at the convention center at the following rates:
Early Bird (In before 8 am, out by 5 pm) $9
1 hour $5
3 – 6 hours $10
6 – 12 hours $15
12 – 24 hours $20
Lost Ticket $25
Attractions include:
Walker Art Center https://walkerart.org
Mall of America https://www.mallofamerica.com
Guthrie Theater https://www.guthrietheater.org
The Lynhall https://www.thelynhall.com
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, Nicollet Mall is 0.3 miles away, which offers fast food options.
The Indian Health Board Medical & Dental Center is an Indian Health Service facility. It is located 1.7 miles away from the hotel. The number to the facility is (612) 721-9800. The nearest medical facility (non-IHS) to the hotel is the Hennepin Healthcare Center, which is 1 mile away.