On Sunday, April 28th, 2019, representatives from UNAA’s executive committee, council, the board of trustees and the 2019 Chicago Convention Local Organizing Committee completed a 3-day series of meetings to iron out the last details ahead of the annual UNAA Convention and assess the local community’s readiness. At the end of the weekend, UNAA leaders declared the Chicago community was ready to host the 2019 convention.
The 2019 UNAA Convention will run August 29th to September 1st, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel in Chicago’s downtown. Thousands of delegates are expected, including Ugandan and non-Ugandan cultural enthusiasts, business professionals, leaders and potential investors.
UNAA Vice President Eng. John Julius Muwulya and Executive Secretary Peter Mukunya, representing the UNAA executive, promised that the executive will provide all the necessary support that the local community needs, and thanked the local community for rising above their differences to work together.
The organizing committee has then released a statement about what to expect in the 4 eventful days at Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The most exciting things to catch at the 2019 UNAA Convention in Chicago;
Miss Uganda North America
Beauty Pageant, titled ‘Night of Culture and Fashion for Women Empowerment’ featuring Ugandan Designers on the global stage including Ipigogo House of Fashion.
Passport to Uganda Tourism Expo / Invest in Uganda Business Expo
The themed exhibition will attract international guests that are interested in visiting Uganda or investing in Uganda.
Uganda-North America Trade and Investment Forum
Featuring panels on financial security, business, trade, investment and wealth management, as well as UNAA’s version of the Shark Tank, titled the Venture Podium
Top Local home based Artists
John Blaq, Geosteady, Fille, Kenneth Mugabi, Naira Ali, Jose Chameleone, various cultural performers and traditional dancers. There will be concerts, including gospel, on each day of the 4-day The United States labor day weekend.
The Evening Dinner Boat Cruises
The 700 Seater Odyssey on Lake Michigan features 4 levels of entertainment, including a VIP section. That means 4 parties happening on the boat – one DJ on every floor.
Sights and sounds of Chicago
The Hyatt Regency Hotel is overwhelmingly big. It’s a mini Dubai within Chicago. The shopping experience as well as attractions a walking distance from the hotel leaves you breathless.
Attractions include Millenium Park, the Willis Tower with a Skydeck for panorama city views, the home of the Cubs (baseball stadium), and the Navy Pier where the boat cruises set off to view the city from a distance and have dinner by the sunset.
Registration can be made online at www.unaaonline.org/chicago2019