“Empowerment in Progress"August 14-15, 2012Salt Lake City, Utah |
About the Summit
The Native American Summit is an annual event hosted by the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the Utah Department of Community and Culture, and the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. This year we invite you to the 7th Annual Native American Summit to be held on August 14th and 15th in Salt Lake City, Utah. Last year, the Summit aimed to build and strengthen working relationships to address issues that are prevalent among Utah’s American Indians by addressing four critical areas: education, economic development, housing, and health. This year our theme of “Empowerment in Progress” continues to build on last year’s efforts by empowering participants with the skills to implement solutions to challenges, and to develop more strategic and deliberate methods that advance our community’s political, social, and economic well-being.
Who Attends?
Last year we had over 400 participants register for the Summit and this year we expect even more. Participants include tribal leaders and members, small businesses, federal and state employees, state representatives, city and county officials, educators, representatives from various public and private entities, and community members. This year, with our theme of empowerment, we welcome our future leaders and invite students to attend the Summit.
Conference Highlights
This year breakout sessions will incorporate solutions to help participants empower themselves to be stronger advocates, organizers, and leaders. Participants will have a chance to connect and strategize solutions to issues by attending interactive breakout sessions that emphasize an open dialogue.
Keynote Speakers
Howard Rainer is a Taos Pueblo-Creek Indian from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. He served many years administering the Native American Education Outreach Programs at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah before retiring in 2011. Last year, Howard was honored for his contribution to the American Indian community and received an award for Recognition for Excellence in Education. He is considered one of the leading Native American trainers in providing workshops in building self esteem and enhancing motivation among Native American adults and young people.
Travis Parashonts is a member of the Cedar Band Paiutes. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Suh’ dusting Technologies in Cedar City, an information technology services company owned by the Cedar Band of Paiutes. Travis founded the company in 2002, with the hopes of bringing economic and job creation to his reservation. Recently, Suh'dutsing was ranked the sixth-best minority contracting company by the government technology magazine, Federal Computer Week. For his work and leadership at Suh' dutsing, the Utah Office of the Small Business Administration chose Travis as its 2007 Small Business Person of the Year.
In addition, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Governor Gary R. Herbert, Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell, Shirley Silversmith, Director for the Division of Indian Affairs; Tribal leaders; State Agency Representatives; and, private and public resource and service providers.
Registration
Registration is FREE and includes conference materials, light breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks.
Hotel Accommodations
Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel
150 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Phone: (801) 401-2000
Fax: (801) 531-0705
Website: www.sheratonsaltlakecityhotel.com
The Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, in downtown Salt Lake City has just undergone a $14 million transformation. Relax in one of their 362 newly renovated guest rooms or 30 suites that feature 42” LCD flat screen TVs and thoughtful touches like ergonomic chairs and High Speed Internet Access. Enjoy the city lights while being cradled between picturesque mountains and a four season wonder. The Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the surrounding area, as well as Salt Lake City International Airport.
Presenter Opportunities
We are excited to announce that the 7th Annual Native American Summit is accepting proposals for presentations! The theme of the 2012 Summit is “Empowerment in Progress.” If you are interested in submitting a workshop for consideration, please complete the online Presenter Proposal form. This will give us the information we need for our conference materials and allow the Breakout Session Committee to get a better idea of your topic and of you as a presenter. After you complete this form, you will be contacted if your proposal was approved.
The submission period for Presenter Proposals runs from May 1, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Workshops will be accepted on a rolling basis, with final decisions being made in the beginning of July. If you have any questions about the Presenter Proposal process, please contact Amanda Rock at amandarock@utah.gov.
| Standard Presenter Proposal |
| Online Presenter Proposal |
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Native American Summit is currently seeking sponsorships. In its seventh year, the Native American Summit depends on the generosity of sponsors to continue hosting a successful event. For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Mike Squires
(801) 538-1041
Exhibitor Information
We are currently accepting submissions for Exhibitors. The Exhibitor fee is $50.00 for both days. The fees includes 1 standard 6' table, draped and skirted, 2 chairs, a sign, and registration to the conference. Booth locations are limited and first come, first served. For questions regarding exhibitor information please contact:
Samantha Eldridge
(801) 245-7210
Contact Information
Amanda Rock
(801) 245-7208