Latest Convention News and Updates

• Alert! There are no more rooms available at Fortune Bay Resort Casino. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of other options. See below for alternative lodging.

Don’t miss the Slovenian celebration of the year! The Slovenian Union of America turns 100 with a grand weekend of Slovenian-style entertainment and activities in Minnesota’s attractive Iron Range.
Join the fun as a visitor or convention delegate.

Registration Forms and Documents

• Download the mail in registration here.
• Online Registration here.
• Download the official Zarja Fest and Camp Heritage Flyer here.
• Camp Heritage consent form available here.

Registration Details

Anyone attending the SUA convention must complete a basic registration. Registration provides you with access to events, Camp Heritage for All, and the ability to pay for ticketed add-ons. All events are first come, first serve and subject to room availability.

Registration deadline is May 31, 2026. Member and Non-member options are available. Both will entitle you to access to all programs as above. Consider becoming a member of SUA to take advantage of convention discounts!

Fortune Bay Resort Casino

Fortune Bay Resort Casino awaits you with deluxe rooms and a world of family-friendly activities on beautiful Lake Vermilion. Choose from golf, water sports, indoor pool, a sauna and more.

Alternative Lodging

Fortune Bay Resort Casino has no more rooms, below is a list of alternative lodging. Ely is 27 miles from the convention center. Other neighboring towns are Virginia and Hibbing.

• Resorts on Lake Vermilion
• Grand Ely Lodge
• Northwoods Inn and Suites
• Silver Rapids
• Motel Ely
• Canoe On Inn
• Paddle Inn
• Adventure Inn
• Stay Inn Ely
• AirBnb and Vrbo

Convention Schedule

Welcome Event. Thursday, July 30 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Check into Fortune Bay and then meet and greet your SUA friends at the Dobrodošli welcome reception with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, appetizers, music and cash bar.

SUA Convention Banquet. Friday, July 31, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm. Thrill to the gala Centennial Banquet, an elegant evening of fine dining and Slovenian entertainment with a ballroom social hour, program, cash bar, music, and dancing. If you have desired seat-mates for the banquet, please email Denise Bartlett at denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com.

Zarjafest. Saturday, August 1, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm. Explore the fascinating Minnesota Discovery Center, with a history museum, Slovenian music and dancing, topical talks, and genealogy research, plus hiking, biking and canoeing. Bus transportation will be provided from Fortune Bay to the Discovery Center.

Camp Heritage for All. (Age 6-106). Friday morning, July 31. Bring the kids to Camp Heritage for a day of Slovenian-themed fun at Fortune Bay and at Zarjafest. A release form will be required for any under 18. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. Release Form Download.

Potica Contest. Do you bake? Join the fun and sign up!

Explore Northern Minnesota!

Take a look at this flyer for ideas.

Excitement is in the Air!