United States Ombudsman Association’s 44th Annual Conference
Ombuds: Elevating Practice and Service
The Hythe Vail, 715 West Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO 81657
Pre-Conference Workshops: October 20-21, 2025
Main Conference: October 22-24, 2025
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Please continue to check the USOA Conference webpage for updates.
Pre-Conference Option #1: New Ombudsman Training - MONDAY and TUESDAY
Monday, October 20, and Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (Two Full Day)
This two-day training is taught by experienced ombuds with more than three decades of combined experience. This course provides an overview of the history of public service ombudsman practice, principles of effective ombudsman offices and tools and methods for handling cases and complaints. Designed to be applicable to all areas of practice, this training will provide participants with a various skills including interviewing basics, how to approach complex issues, establishing thoughtful and effective best practice standards, report writing and communication principles.
Additionally, this training will include breakout sessions during which participants will be able to begin applying these tools to scenarios that mimic real cases from all areas of practice. Participants will be provided ample time to ask questions and have productive dialog with instructors and fellow participants. Instructors include USOA Board members from jurisdictions across they country.
The limit is capped at 80, but individuals may request to be added to a waitlist. If you are unable to sign up and would like to attend, please email MLucarelli-Beltran@auditor.lacounty.gov and JSteffen@coloradocpo.org to be added to the waitlist.
The fee for this preconference session includes breakfast and lunch on Monday, October 20, and Tuesday, October 21.
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $750.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $850.00
- USOA Member: US $800.00
- Non-Member: US $900.00
- Student: US $400.00
Early Bird Rate: Early Bird rates will be offered until July 31, 2025.
Registration will tentatively close on September 26, 2025.
*Payment notifications will be sent out September 12, 2025 for unpaid invoices. No registration refunds will be issued after September 29, 2025. Substitutions are allowed if someone is unable to attend after September 29, 2025. If the USOA does not receive confirmation of payment by September 29, 2025, then the registration will be canceled. (Please see additional information in Terms and Conditions below.)
For registration assistance, please CONTACT US.
Hotel Rates, Reservations and Cancellation: After completing this registration form, you will be sent a unique link to book your rooms at the Hythe for the discounted rate of $209/night. This discounted rate will apply from October 18, 2025 to October 25, 2025.
Additionally, please note, if you cancel your room within the conference block on or after September 29, 2025, the hotel will charge you the equivalent of one night's stay, including taxes.
Cancellation and Refund Policies: The USOA will NOT refund any registration fees for cancellations made on or after September 29, 2025. Cancellations made prior to this date will be refunded in full.
Terms and Conditions: I understand participation in the 2025 United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) Conference is entirely voluntary, and as a conference attendee, I voluntarily assume all risks that may occur as a result of my participation in the conference, including, without limitation, the risk of property damage, illness, or personal injury (including death).
I understand and acknowledge I risk exposure to and contraction of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by attending the 2025 USOA Conference in person, and my related travels to, from, and during the conference. I understand the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the 2025 USOA Conference may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of others who may attend the conference or their families, colleagues, or others with whom they may have contact. I acknowledge USOA makes no representations it has taken any safety precautions that relate to COVID-19 or exposure, and I understand, even if USOA has taken any proactive measures to reduce potential exposure, USOA has made no representation that those measures will in any way reduce or prevent the risks associated with exposure.
I hereby agree to release and hold harmless USOA, its directors, officers, employees, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, and all expenses incidental thereto (including attorney's fees), based upon or arising out of any loss (including financial loss), property damage, illness (including COVID-19), or personal injury (including death) caused by or resulting in any way from my participation in the 2025 USOA Conference.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, including the formation, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, including whether the claims asserted are arbitrable, will be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The place of arbitration will be Colorado. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings will be English. Judgement upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska, exclusive of conflict or choice of law rules.
By completion and submission of any USOA Conference registration form, I certify I have read, fully understand, and agree to the terms of the terms and conditions stated above.
