Local Delegations

All delegates attend YIG with their local delegation or the Statewide delegation. Each delegation has a Delegation Director who facilitates delegation meetings leading up to the conference, communicates with caregivers, relays announcements to delegates from the CYV State Office, and facilitates conference transportation and meals. Delegations may choose to add additional fees for local delegation costs. At the conference, Delegation Directors and advisors are responsible for their delegates, completing daily room checks, and their advisor assignment. 

Lodging and Programming at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis  

Lodging: All delegates, Delegation Directors, and adult advisors stay at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis for three nights during YIG. Sleeping rooms are assigned with four delegates to a room. Rooms assignments are submitted by delegation. All sleeping rooms have a mini fridge but no microwave. Delegates are required to stay at the hotel for the duration of the conference. Delegates are encouraged to bring along breakfast and snack items during their stay.

Programming: The Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis houses the following program areas during the conference: Hotel Legislature, Leadership Corps, Media, Lobbying, and some Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State positions. All evening activities take place in common spaces at the hotel.

Resources for Advisors: There is a dedicated advisor zone for adults to utilize for work, networking, or relaxing when they are not assigned a shift during the conference. 

Resources for Delegates and Advisors: CYV volunteer Hotel Directors are at the hotel around the clock to support and respond to any delegate or advisor needs during the conference. The CYV State Office and swag store are also located in common spaces at the hotel.  

Programming at the Minnesota Capitol Complex

We are incredibly grateful to utilize multiple buildings at the Minnesota Capitol Complex for Youth in Government each year. The Minnesota Capitol Complex houses the following program areas during the conference: Capitol Legislature, National Issues Forum, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, Trial and District Court, and the Governor's staff program. Leadership Corps will tour the Capitol on Thursday night. Maps and program area lists are shared on the YAPP and in session books to support students as they navigate the Minnesota Capitol Complex. 

Meals

Delegates and delegations are responsible for all of their meals at the conference with the exception of a meal that is provided to delegates in the Leadership Corps during their tour of the Capitol on Thursday evening. The YAPP will include lists of restaurants that will be available during the conference. 

The program areas that are located at the hotel will utilize the skyway restaurants or be bussed off-site for meals. A logistics team is stationed in the skyway to set boundaries for delegates during mealtimes. Program areas that are located in the Capitol Complex will be bussed off-site for most meals. A transportation team facilitates students loading on and off of the busses. 

Breakfast items should be brought to the conference as there is limited skyway access and restaurant availability before programming begins each day. The CYV State Office recommends that delegates bring $50 - $60 to cover their meals during the conference. Some Delegation Directors arrange a group meal for their delegation during the conference. 

Schedule

The conference schedule will be posted in the YAPP in the fall. Times may vary slightly by program area for meals and transportation purposes. Connect with your local delegation for more information. 

Thursday, January 9, 2025:

Registration at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis: Time TBD 

Opening Session: Time TBD 

Sunday, January 12, 2025:

Conference adjourns and departure from the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 

Transportation

Delegation Directors organize transportation to and from the conference for their delegation. Delegates are not allowed to drive their own vehicles to the conference. 

Shuttle busses travel between the Hilton Hotel and the Capitol every 30 minutes during program time to transport delegates and advisors. Refer to the YAPP for pick-up and drop-off locations. Busses will be available to transport students to and from off-site meal locations.

Dress Code

During the conference, students and advisors must follow the CYV conference program dress code. Business professional and business casual attire is strongly encouraged. Casual wear is permitted during evening activities.

Evening Activities

Evening activities take place Friday and Saturday night during the conference in common spaces at the Hilton Hotel. Evening activities include: 

  • YIG Fest: inflatables, cotton candy, popcorn, caricature artists, and more!
  • Karaoke
  • Trivia
  • Bingo 
  • Quiet Space
  • Arts and Crafts 
  • Photo booth
  • Giant games 

Swag and Merchandise

Show off your love for Youth in Government with some YIG merch! Items range in price from $1-$50. A detailed list of available merch will be available in the YAPP before the conference. Swag will be available for purchase when registration begins on Thursday until the conference concludes on Sunday. Cash and card are accepted. Some items you can expect to see in our store include:

  • Sweatshirts
  • T-shirts
  • Padfolios
  • Water bottles
  • Stickers
  • Hats

Adults

Youth in Government would not be possible without the committed adults that support delegates, lead program areas, and are passionate about YIG. 

  • Delegation Directors: Delegation Directors lead their local delegation and facilitate delegation meetings leading up to the conference, communicate with caregivers, relay announcements to delegates from the CYV State Office, and facilitate conference transportation and meals.
  • Program Specialists: Over 50 volunteers attend YIG each year to lead lead program areas. Many of these individuals are YIG alum, teachers, Delegation Directors, and YMCA team members.  
  • Advisors: Advisors attend with conference with a delegation or as a YIG volunteer. These adults pick up shifts in program areas and keep delegates safe and supervised. 
  • Resource Advisors: RAs help lead the Leadership Corps program area and support the Courts program area. RAs are all college students who support YIG over their winter break from school. 
  • CYV State Office Team: The YMCA Center for Youth Voice State Office staff team is always present at conferences and available to support delegate and volunteer needs throughout the program season.