Dear Members and Friends of UNAA,
As we approach the last week before our upcoming 26th Annual Convention, we wanted to give you a quick update on what we have planned for you and some last minute key pieces of information.
Hotel Venue and Dates
The 26th Annual Convention of the Ugandan North American Association will take place from Friday August 29th through Sunday September 1st, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Jolla (San Diego), CA. As has been previously reported, there are no more sleeping rooms available at the Hyatt. However, accommodations can still be found at the following over flow hotels.
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
3299 Holiday Ct, La Jolla, CA 92037
Tel: +1 (858) 453-5500
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1959&language=en_US
Residence Inn San Diego La Jolla
8901 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037
Tel: +1 (858) 587-1770
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lajca-residence-inn-san-diego-la-jolla/
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
10950 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Tel: +1 (858) 558-1500
http://www.hiltonlajollatorreypines.com
Transportation during peak periods of demand will be provided between the Hyatt Hotel and these overflow hotels.
Convention Program
Following a 25 year tradition, we have worked diligently to create a program of events that is varied, insightful, informational and entertaining. Scheduled forums include the following.
� Trade and Investments
� Northern Uganda
� Ssenga and Kojja
� Health and Fitness
� Political
� Technology
� Breaking Barriers (a parent/youth symposium)
� Special Meeting of UNAA Members
Entertainment and other special events
� Ice-breaker Meet-and-Greet Social
� Gospel Concert (Friday night)
� Opening Ceremonies
� Cultural dances
� Special live entertainers from Uganda and US
� DJ dancing until 4 AM
� Dinner/dance cruise in the San Diego harbor
� International Super Concert
� Religious services
� Basic health screening
� Fashion Show
� Key Note Speech
Youth Programs
� Day care and baby sitting
� Special programs and events for Middle and High School age youth
� Separate program and events for young adults
� Talent Show (Saturday night)
� Game room
� Movies
Meals
� Trade and Investments Lunch (for paid attendees only)
� Formal Saturday lunch
� Buffet dinner on the Boat Cruise
� Formal Sunday Banquet and Gala
Boat Cruise
UNAA is pleased to once again feature an exquisite dinner and dance evening aboard the Hornblower Adventure in the San Diego Bay. The cruise will feature a sumptuous buffet dinner followed by high intensity entertainment and dancing - all the while gently cruising around the stunning San Diego bay and passing by such landmarks as the San Diego Coronado Bridge, the USS Midway historic naval aircraft carrier and the San Diego waterfront.
Additional Special Events
We are pleased to welcome Uganda's Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, delegates from the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Africa Travel Association who will kick off a major US "Destination Uganda" tourism campaign at our convention. These special guests will make presentations during several different events at the convention.
We are also pleased to announce an international concert event titled "Fire at the Hyatt." This will actually be a separate event in the Hyatt independently owned and organized by the Los Angeles based production company Network Show Biz.
Plans are still being developed to feature a family picnic in a nearby park on Sunday afternoon. This will be a time for families to just "hang out" and socialize away from the hotel.
Plans are also underway to feature a Youth Talent Show on Saturday night at the Hyatt during the same time as the Boat Cruise. Prizes will be awarded to participants in various categories.
Touring San Diego
And finally, as always, delegates will have ample time and opportunities to travel around the beautiful City of San Diego and experience the multitude of attractions available. These include the following.
� Balboa Park
� Sea World
� Old Town San Diego
� The Gas Lamp District
� New Downtown San Diego Waterfront Park
� Fisherman's Wharf restaurants and shopping area
� The Tall Ships Festival
� USS Midway Aircraft Museum
� The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park
� Nearby Mission Bay and numerous other beaches
� Shopping at the nearby University Towne Center Mall
� Historical Mission San Diego de Alcala
� Tijuana, Mexico
Socializing and Networking
And finally, 24-hour non-stop socializing and networking. As always, this will be a fantastic opportunity and time to catch up and socialize with family and friends from throughout North America, the international Diaspora and Uganda. Don't forget to come "dressed to kill" for the many dance opportunities planned and bring traditional or other formal wear for the Formal Banquet on Sunday night.
Security
A quick word of caution; we have developed a very comprehensive security program in association with a private professional security company. San Diego police officers will be on hand for the entire duration of the convention and most especially during the evenings.
Financial Update
With less than a week to go; the convention has already registered an impressive more than 600 delegates, and more than 300 registered for the popular Saturday dinner boat cruise - UNAA's strongest showing since New York 2006. We are just $5,000 short of matching the sponsorship amount for the Dallas 2013 convention with a few more prospects. All this considering more than 300 people historically have registered in the last week and onsite.
So Welcome To San Diego
We look forward to seeing you at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla for the 26th Annual Convention of the Ugandan North American Association.
Sincerely,
The UNAA Secretariat and the San Diego Convention Organizing Team
