February 14-16, 2003 (over President's Day Weekend) with the Positive
Youth Institute taking place on February 13, 2004
Where is it?
The Eleventh Annual Ryan White National Youth Conference on HIV and AIDS 2004 will be
held at the Hilton Portland and Executive Towers Hotel, 921 SW Sixth Street, in
Portland, Oregon.
Who's going to be there?
Only 600 of the best youth and HIV activists from across the country and abroad. There
will be gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, African-American,
Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino/a, White, Native American, HIV positive, HIV negative youth
and adults and a million other types of people in attendance. We expect that all our
differences will be respected and celebrated.
What if I can't afford the conference?
Scholarships are available for youth from the conference coordinators. Check out the part
of this web site with scholarship info. We would coordinate registration and air
travel.
Some participants also plan fund-raisers in their communities—candy sales, car
washes, and things like that. Participants have also attained sponsorships from their
family, neighbors, church members, teachers, or from local businesses. Don't be afraid to
ask someone to support your attendance at this conference—it could be a great way to
teach someone else about HIV and youth.
How do I present a workshop or Saturday institute?
Workshops are one hour and 30 minutes in length and Saturday institutes are 3 hours. We
encourage them to be youth-led and interactive with the other participants. To apply to
present, please follow the abstract submission format on this web site.
How do I get there?
Call Pillsbury and Company, the conference travel agency, at (202) 232-2737 or toll
free at (800) 544-4316 for discounted flight rates.
Where do I sleep?
The conference pays the lodging costs and makes room arrangements for all YOUTH
attendees. Adult registrants must make their own arrangements at the Hilton
Portland and Executive Towers Hotel, 921 SW Sixth Street, in Portland,
Oregon. To be ensured a room at the special
conference rate ($99 plus tax for a Single/king, $109 for a Double, and $129
for a Triple/Quad), you must identify yourself as a conference participant. To
reserve a room at the Hilton call (800) 445-8667. Please note that all youth hotel rooms
booked by the organizers for youth are NON-smoking, and you will have a
roommate. You may REQUEST a particular roommate, but there is no guarantee
on fulfilling these requests.
How's the food?
Yum... the conference fees cover several meals during your stay. Breakfast and
Lunch on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There will be NO Dinner on Saturday and
Sunday. The refrigerators in the hotel rooms are off limits (unless you have
medication needs), so please be prepared to pay for any additional snacks that you may
want during the weekend. (Conference registration does not cover ANY hotel incidentals
including the mini-bar, room service, or in-room entertainment.)
What is supervision like?
We expect that all participants—youth and adults alike—will, on their own,
conduct themselves appropriately throughout the duration of the weekend. Many youth attend
the conference with adult sponsors, many youth also attend on their own or with friends.
There is supervision by staff of the national organizing partners, including nightly,
hourly hall walks in the hotels. We have never had problems with attendees, but we do have
a grievance process if any participant is violating hotel or conference regulations. There
is chance for dismissal, at the cost of the participant, if any weapons, illegal
substances or unsafe behaviors are observed by conference or hotel staff.
How much does it cost?
Before January 9, 2004:
January 4, 2004 and after:
Local Youth Registration:
Youth (25 and under) $150, no
hotel, entire weekend; $75 one day
Presenters will receive a $25.00 discount from their registration.
What about language translation?
American Sign Language interpretation will be available, but please contact
Joseph Lovato at NAPWA (202-898-0414,
jlovato@napwa.org)
by January 15 to set up these arrangements.
What about my medications?
If you need a refrigerator in your room, indicate this on your registration form.
Portland-based medics will volunteer their time during the conference to assist in the
event of any medical emergency. Last year we also had acupuncture and massage therapy.
So what if I'm in recovery?
Various identity-based groups, as well as several twelve step groups, will be meeting
throughout the weekend. Please be aware that these groups may or may not be facilitated,
and space will also be available for any ad hoc meetings that participants wish to
conduct.
What should I wear?
The average February temperature in Portland is pretty close to freezing, and snow
is common, so be ready for a winter wonderland experience. Bring warm gloves, coats and
boots (in addition to your dancing shoes). Layers always help for cold hotels.
What else should I bring?
