Past Conferences
Here is a summary of our past conferences. We hope to see you at our next one!
2024 Annual Conference: Sept. 9-11, 2024
Hyatt at Olive 8
Seattle, WA
In 2024, our conference took place at the Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle, where attendees participated in interactive sessions and learned from panel discussions. The selection of Seattle provided the perfect opportunity to host a welcome reception at Matika Wilbur’s (Swinomish and Tulalip) art gallery, Tidelands. Additionally, Matika Wilbur was the keynote speaker for the 24th Annual Travois Conference. We also honored industry leaders for their significant contributions to their communities with the Travois Superhero Awards.
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2023 Annual Conference: April 17-19, 2023
Line DC
Washington, D.C.
In 2023, we hosted the conference at the Line DC hotel in Washington, D.C., where attendees gathered for two days of interactive sessions and panels. With the conference in the capital city, speakers placed extra emphasis on advocacy efforts to increase housing and economic development opportunities for Native Nations. We also honored industry leaders who are making a difference in their communities.
2022 Annual Conference: April 25-27, 2022
The US Grant
San Diego, CA
We gathered at The US Grant, owned by the Sycuan Tribe, for two days of instruction. Travois staff, tribal developers and industry partners provided instruction on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and New Markets Tax Credit programs. Through case studies and panel discussions, attendees heard best practices in affordable housing and economic development. We also honored professionals doing amazing work in Native communities at our Superhero Awards ceremony!
2021 Annual Conference: May 10-14, 2021
Digital event
Our digital event provided instruction from Travois staff, experienced tribal developers and industry partners on best practices to move developments forward — planning, securing financing, architectural design, construction monitoring, asset management and compliance and more. Our attendees were welcomed by the Kansas City Indian Center. Additional special guests were Pascua Yaqui classical musician Gabriel Ayala and Diné chef Brian Yazzie!
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2020 Annual Conference: May 18-22, 2020
Digital event
After the need to cancel our in-person event (due to the coronavirus pandemic) in San Antonio, TX, we pivoted to digital instruction. We don’t have photos with friends and missed out on sharing a meal together, but we connected online and provided great instruction to veteran developers and newcomers. Insightful questions were asked and we learned about new and exciting housing and economic developments happening in Indian Country. And last but not least, we were honored to have Representative Sharice Davids speak to our group about the current status of recovery legislation.
Thank you for joining us digitally. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
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2019 Annual Conference: April 9-11, 2019
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Miami, FL
Magic happened in Magic City! Industry go-getters came ready to learn how to tackle their community needs using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and New Market Tax Credit programs.
Experienced tribal developers and our experts inspired with new ideas and helped develop new goals. Over two days of instruction, insightful questions were asked, the right people were there to answer them and personal experiences were shared. All enjoyed hearing success stories!
Between sessions, attendees networked with investors and project partners, met counterparts from other tribal organizations and, of course, we had a little non-tax credit fun (see our photo album below)! And for the fifth year, we honored professionals doing amazing work in Native communities at our Superhero Awards ceremony.
Thank you for joining us in Miami!
2018 Annual Conference: April 9-11, 2018
Marina del Rey Marriott
Marina del Rey, CA
Sunsets in California are beautiful — we began our 18th Annual Travois Conference by admiring one while sailing around the easy waters of the Marina del Rey harbor. On the first day of sessions, we introduced Carmen Morgan, an intern and senior at Haskell Indian Nations University. Together with Tepa, we offer a summer internship program for students of Haskell. Instruction topics included Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), client case studies, asset management and compliance, and design and construction best practices, and it was all accompanied by views of SoCal from the 10th floor. Attendees shared meals and networked on the patio with beautiful weather and an even better ocean views. On day two, attendees were given an introduction to the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) and heard from veteran developers and industry experts. We discussed conversion to homeownership and introduced the potential for Sustainable, Responsive Impact (SRI) investing in Indian Country. And we recognized a great group of industry Superheroes! Other things that made us smile: a photo booth, Magician Tam Vo and flower crowns!
This was a fun one!
2017 Annual Conference: April 3-5, 2017
The Westin Austin Downtown
Austin, TX
Austin was a two-steppin’ good time! We started the fun at a local honky-tonk where we greeted and networked with new and familiar faces and learned to Texas two-step! On our first day of sessions, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Housing staff members Martha Beltran and Ashley Portillo welcomed our group to their state’s capital! We also rolled out our new event app, hosted a puppy party, celebrated and thanked David Bland and Marianne Roos for their 20+ years of dedication to developing affordable housing in Indian Country, and filled our notebooks with great information on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, design and construction details, and advocacy tips. On the second day of sessions, we continued our instruction on the LIHTC program by highlighting a client case study with new construction and rehabilitation examples. We also dove into the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, discussed compliance best practices, and chatted about challenges and opportunities in climate change. With a full plate of activities and learning, we still took the time to recognize great people doing great work in Indian Country at our Travois Superhero Awards. It was a wonderful conference and we enjoyed the time we were able to spend with y’all. Until next year!
2016 Annual Conference: April 4-6, 2016
Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Nashville, TN
Our 16th Annual Conference was a hit in Music City! We started our Nashville adventure with our welcome reception on Broadway Street with live music and good company at Tin Roof. On day one of sessions, Wanda Janes, deputy director of United South & Eastern Tribes, welcomed us to Nashville, country music artist Luke Bell performed during lunch, and we had fun with a Nashville-themed photo booth. We filled our conference booklets with notes on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) programs. On the second day of sessions, we honored industry professionals at the Travois Superhero Awards ceremony, gave out some fun attendee prizes and continued our learning and note taking on design, construction, compliance and more. We had a great week in Nashville and our attendees couldn’t have said it better — read some reviews here.
2015 Annual Conference: Sept. 21-23, 2015
Le Meridien New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Hosing our 15th Annual Conference in New Orleans was a delicious decision! More than 50 tribes and tribal organizations sent representatives to our two-day educational conference. Our time in New Orleans was full of learning, networking, delicious food and fun! We hosted our welcome reception at The W Hotel’s beautiful courtyard, where we played yard games, greeted friends and made new ones. On the first day of conference sessions, we honored industry professionals at our first ever Superhero Awards! It was so nice to recognize the “superhero” work done by our clients and project partners. During the sessions, attendees heard from Travois staff, experienced clients, and knowledgeable industry partners. Our evenings were filled with great company and many laughs — we really enjoy the time we get to spend with clients after conference hours!
14th Annual Conference: Nov. 3-6, 2014
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
San Diego, CA
Sunny San Diego was the location of our 14th Annual Conference. We kicked things off at the San Diego Zoo with our welcome reception. Conference attendees, sponsors and Travois staff dined with rhinos, zebras, koalas, kangaroos and a talking parrot! Matika Wilbur, photographer, writer, educator, and leading force of Project 562, gave an inspiring keynote talk on the first day of the conference and told stories she’s collected while out on the road. Nearly 50 different tribes and tribal organizations sent representatives to our educational conference. Sessions included instruction over tax credits, architectural design, compliance and asset management and more. Attendees were also able to hear from client guest speakers on their experiences with the tax credit programs and see local affordable housing projects around San Diego on a design tour.
13th Annual Conference: Sept. 16-19, 2013
Marriott Country Club Plaza
Kansas City, MO
Travois hosted attendees in our hometown of Kansas City, MO, and opened the conference with a welcome reception at our office. Three renowned Kansas City restaurants provided delicious barbeque buffets, a caricature artist created lively caricature likeness for the crowd, and The Funnel Cake Truck treated everyone to delicious desserts. Bill Picotte, executive director of Yakama Nation Housing Authority, shared a few words to open the conference. Attendees who represented 38 different tribes, tribal housing authorities or departments or other entities plus 20 other sponsors, vendors and other organizations participated in sessions at the Marriott Country Club Plaza. Tatanka Means, an accomplished actor, comedian, entrepreneur and equality advocate from Chinle, AZ, who represents the Oglala Lakota, Omaha and Navajo Nations, shared his story during Tuesday’s keynote luncheon. In addition to educational sessions about tax credits, architectural design and inspections and more, attendees enjoyed planned activities at Howl at the Moon, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and Ameristar Casino.
12th Annual Conference: Sept. 10-13, 2012
Casino Del Sol Resort (Pascua Yaqui Tribe)
Tucson, AZ
The conference theme was “Building Healthy Communities.” Travois welcomed a record number of attendees — nearly 230 — to the conference. Nearly 50 different tribes and tribal organizations sent representatives, and attendees also included sponsors, vendors, artists, Travois staff and other guest speakers. Attendees engaged in many Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) and asset management sessions, toured the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s second LIHTC project, enjoyed appetizers at a welcome reception, sang at karaoke night, walked a mile for health, listened to a heartfelt keynote address by Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, toured the Pascua Yaqui Education Center site (which was partially funded with New Markets Tax Credits), enjoyed delicious food and more!
11th Annual Conference: Sept. 27-29, 2011
Tulalip Resort Casino (Tulalip Tribes of Washington)
Tulalip, WA
Attendees from nearly 40 tribal organizations registered for the conference and heard stories of successful projects: new and rehabilitated homes for tribal members and economic development projects that have provided desperately needed jobs and services in Indian Country. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, New Markets Tax Credit program, asset management/compliance, green building, renewable energy options, architectural design and inspections were also explained in detail. Conference attendees enjoyed a special menu, inspired by traditional Northwest Native cuisine, designed by the Tulalip Resort chefs. In addition to conference sessions, attendees were invited to visit the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve and a Tulalip bio-gas refinery, located in Monroe, Wash. Besides the Tulalip Casino, other entertainment options included a welcome reception, karaoke night and screening of the movie “Smoke Signals.”
10th Annual Conference: Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2010
Marriott Country Club Plaza
Kansas City, MO
The conference covered Indian Country housing, economic development, asset management and design and inspection topics and had a special focus on art in Indian Country. Kevin Red Star, an acclaimed Crow painter and printmaker whose works have been featured in exhibitions around the world, was the keynote speaker. He signed commemorative posters of his painting “Going Home,” which were given to each attendee. Curator Gaylord Torrence and Director Julian Zugazagoitia of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art welcomed attendees to Kansas City and gave the history of the new American Indian galleries. Attendees enjoyed a welcome reception at the museum and viewed the works on display. The final luncheon speaker was Eli Paul of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. He spoke of the “Autobiography of Red Cloud: war leader of the Oglalas,” which he edited, and the role of American Indian soldiers during World War I. Karaoke night, an interactive game and raffles provided entertainment over the three-day conference.
9th Annual Conference: Aug. 17-19, 2009
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa (Santa Ana Pueblo)
Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.
Tribal housing and economic development staff from around the United States attended the 9th Annual Travois Indian Country Tax Credit Conference, held Aug. 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. The Indian Country attendees, who represented 40 tribal organizations, were presented information on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and New Markets Tax Credit programs and heard excellent keynote speeches by Donna J. Gambrell, CDFI Fund director, and Richard Litsey, counsel and senior advisor for Indian Affairs for the U.S. Senate, Committee on Finance. A welcome reception, karaoke night, raffle and interactive game were conference extras during the three-day event.
8th Annual Conference: June 22-24, 2008
Grand Casino Mille Lacs (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe)
Onamia, MN
More than 30 tribes sent staff and council members to learn about the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, the New Markets Tax Credit program, compliance and more.
7th Annual Conference: Aug. 21-23, 2007
Grand Hyatt Seattle
Seattle, WA
With help from our sponsors, more than 40 tribes sent employees and council members to learn more about the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the New Markets Tax Credit. Thanks also to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission for providing the local perspective on tax credit issues. Lance Morgan, president of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, presented the keynote address.
6th Annual Conference: Sept. 19-21, 2006
Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community)
Prior Lake, MN
Attendance in 2006 surpassed the 2005 conference by 60 registrants. The 184 attendees represented more than 35 different tribes, including several tribal colleges. Several partners and sponsors also attended. Key speakers included Robert Durant (recipient of a $5,000 scholarship), Ron His Horse Is Thunder (the keynote speaker), Charles Anderson from the Tulalip Tribes, Richard Barrett from Red Lake, Brian Gillian from HUD, Renee Dickinson from MHFA, and Greg Sample from Drummond Woodsum & MacMahon. During the conference David Bland also announced that as of September 2006, Travois has helped provided more than $223 million in investor equity to tribal projects.
5th Annual Conference: Nov. 8-10, 2005
Chaparral Suites Resort
Scottsdale, AZ
4th Annual Conference: June 16-18, 2004
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM
3rd Annual Conference: June 4-7, 2002
KwaTaqNuk Resort (The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation)
Polson, MT
The featured luncheon speaker was Elouise Cobell, Blackfeet tribal member and founder of Blackfeet National Bank.
2nd Annual Conference: March 8-9, 2001
Florida