Events
2024 USET Tribal Best Practices Conference
August 13 - August 15
2024 USET Tribal Best Practices Conference
The Braided Path: Weaving together Wisdom, Innovation, and Community
August 13-15, 2024
Nashville, TN
Our Why: USET member Tribal Nations have cared for their communities and environments since time immemorial. This wisdom and these invaluable best practices have been passed down through the generations fostering a unique relationship among each other and all living things. This advances a deep connection with the environment, providing holistic health approaches, and cultivates sustainable economic development.
Conference Definition: USET presents an integrated approach to Tribal Sovereignty and Self-determination through the programmatic lens of our Offices of Environmental Resource Management, Economic Development, and Tribal Public Health . This conference hosts learning sessions for Tribal Leadership and staff to engage in a collaborative setting to share knowledge, wisdom, and innovation to enhance our collective strength and impact
Goals:
- To provide collaborative spaces for USET member Tribal Nation Leaders and staff to share knowledge, skills, resources, and fortify relationships.
- To promote USET foundational pillars, which support USET member Tribal Nations in strengthening communities of practice.
- To provide innovative support service through cross-sectional tracks.
- To ensure the health, well-being, and self-determination of present and future generations.
When: August 13-15, 2024
Where: Nashville, TN
Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport Hotel
777 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Make your hotel reservation before the cut off date to receive the group rate of $149. The discounted rate has been extended to July 25.
Who should attend:
USET member Tribal Nation Leaders, staff, committee members, volunteers, and citizens who can benefit in the exchange of information, such as:
- USET Member Tribal Nation Leaders
- USET Member Tribal Health Staff: Health directors, clinic staff, diabetes coordinators, behavioral health, social services personnel, emergency services personnel, and public health professionals.
- USET Member Tribal Economic Development Staff: Development Directors, Enterprise leaders, Community Development professionals
- USET Member Tribal Program Staff: Natural resource managers, water and wastewater utility professionals, agriculture program staff and producers, cultural resource managers, climate adaptation and resiliency staff, school and childcare facilities managers, and infrastructure and community development planners.
Tracks:
The USET Tribal Best Practices Conference tracks are designed to provide a diverse and comprehensive platform for exploring critical issues and emerging trends across various programmatic focuses. These tracks aim to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights, share expertise, and forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals and thought leaders.
The USET Offices of Environmental Resource Management, the Economic Development, and Tribal Public Health will present across these four domains:
- Our Homelands: Exploring the relationship between indigenous communities and their ancestral lands, this track delves into the challenges and best practices of preserving cultural heritage, community development, and environmental stewardship.
- Our Resources: Examining the sustainable management and utilization of resources (natural, human capital, and others) vital to communities.
- Our People: Focusing on the well-being and empowerment of indigenous people, this track addresses issues such as health, education, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and languages.
- Our Future: Envisioning a future shaped by indigenous perspectives, this track explores innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
Agenda:
Access the 2024 USET Tribal Best Practices Conference Smartsheet Dashboard to view the draft agenda and access additional details about the event, including speakers and vendors. We will continue to update the dashboard and the USET/USET SPF Events app as new information becomes available. If you have any questions, please email us at bpcsupport@usetinc.org.
Registration: Registration is open! We encourage all attendees and presenters to register in advance.
Travel Stipends:
The application for travel stipends is now closed.
USET provides Travel stipends for attendees designated by a USET member Tribal Nation to attend this event. The Tribal Nation will receive a stipend on your behalf to offset the cost of travel. Stipends are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions, please contact bpcsupport@usetinc.org.
Registration is required to attend the conference, so please register for the event.
Special Events:
- Tuesday Night Welcome Reception:– appetizers and refreshments provided
- Food Truck Festival on Tuesday and Thursday (Meals will be at individuals’ expense)
- Barter Market: Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 am the General Session will be a bartering exercise. The Barter Market is an opportunity for us to revitalize trade routes. If you would like to participate, please bring anything you value, large or small, that can make for a good trade. Some examples include: Maple syrup, seeds, beadwork, baskets, jam, teas, traditional tools, books, etc. People have also bartered services before: garden weeding, seed sorting, etc. If you made the item, even better, but that’s not required. This activity is more about conversation and remembering the value of our time, expertise, and craft beyond the cash economy.
Speakers:
For inquiries on speaker opportunities at the USET 2024 Tribal Best Practices Conference, please contact us at bpcsupport@usetinc.org.
Exhibitors:
The 2024 USET Tribal Best Practices Conference Exhibitor Space is full. Please reach out to BPCsupport@usetinc.org to be add to a waitlist.
Meeting App:
Download the USET/USET SPF Events app from your app store. Then within the app search for USET 2024 Tribal Best Practices Conference. Download the event to the app. You can use it to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, create your schedule, view all agendas, and connect with attendees.
If you have used the app for a previous USET meeting, you will need to exit that event. Click on your profile, go to settings, and click “exit the event” at the bottom of the screen. Then search for USET 2024 Tribal Best Practices Conference and download the event to your app.
What to Expect:
- A complimentary airport hotel shuttle runs every 30 minutes (Please note that the shuttle only goes between the hotel and the airport. The shuttle does not provide transportation to downtown Nashville.)
- All meals will not be provided.
- Food trucks will be at the hotel on Tuesday and Thursday for participants to order their lunch.
- There will be a free reception on Tuesday night at the hotel and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
- Lunch is provided on Wednesday.
- A wellness room will be available for participants to take a moment to unwind and relieve some stress.
- A lactation room will be provided for participants needing to pump or breastfeed.
- It will be hot and humid in Nashville. The weather is a bit unpredictable, but heat and humidity are a guarantee. However, some rooms in the hotel might be a bit chilly so it’s suggested to bring a light jacket or sweater.
- There will be fabulous prizes given during general sessions and you must be present to win.
- Plan to stay until the very end. An amazing prize will be awarded at the closing on Thursday, and you must be present to win.
- There will be amazing vendors!
- The USET/USET Event app will have the most up-to-date information regarding sessions, locations, and maps. Notifications will be sent throughout the conference for helpful reminders and announcements.
- Visit the USET Tribal Best Practices Conference webpage for more information.
What to Do in Nashville:
Creativity is the heart and soul of Nashville, the “Music City,” and there’s never a shortage of inspiring things to do. From music, culture, and the arts to food, sports, and shopping, there is an “only in Nashville” experience waiting for you. Learn about things to do in Nashville.
COVID Protocols:
The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a recognized public health authority supported by the Tribal Nations within the USET region. Throughout the course of the COVID pandemic, we have relied on their expertise to guide us to ensure for the overall safety, health, and wellness for our members, staff, and event attendees. As the impacts of COVID have evolved, we have continued to assess our protocols to ensure that they remain reflective of the current status of the pandemic.
Currently (as of 04/17/2023, subject to change), USET is no longer requiring proof of vaccination to attend USET-sponsored meetings. A supply of masks and tests will be made available for attendees to use at their discretion.