Online registration is now officially open for The Jewish Federations of North America’s 2012 TribeFest in Las Vegas.

Now in its second year, TribeFest will take place from March 25 to 27 at the Venetian Hotel and is expected to draw over 1,500 young adults (ages 22 to 45) for three days of meaningful and transformational Jewish experiences and events.

This year, for the first time, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is offering subsidies to participants to cover the full cost of registration – a $450 to $499 value. Additionally, the Venetian is offering attendees substantial discounts on rooms during the event, with prices starting at $109 per night for single or double occupancy.

“For young Jews in the Lehigh Valley, this is truly the best opportunity to connect with peers from across the country and really understand what it means to be the ‘next generation,” said Ben Davis, director of outreach and community relations for the Lehigh Valley Federation and one of this year’s participants. “Combined with the bargain rate this year, it should really be a no-brainer.”

The inaugural TribeFest, which took place last March in Las Vegas, drew more than 1,300 participants from 84 communities around the world for a groundbreaking program designed to engage and inspire young Jews. More than 46 partner organizations joined Jewish Federations to create an innovative event filled with music, learning, social service, networking and fun.

Following the overwhelming success of the first-ever TribeFest, this year’s event is expected to draw even more attendees and include participation from a greater number of partner organizations.

“Enthusiasm for the 2012 TribeFest is already building,” said Rachel Wright of Detroit, one of the co-chairs of the event. “TribeFest is truly about making your own connection to Jewish community, and finding new meaning in your Jewish life. We are excited to not only welcome back last year’s TribeFest participants, but also invite many new faces into our midst.”

One of the hallmarks of TribeFest is attracting new and diverse voices to the Jewish community. Nearly 60 percent of last year’s audience had never attended a JFNA function prior to TribeFest, and almost 40 percent had never even been to a program run by their local Federation.

Many of those attendees, like Danielle Aaronson of Richmond, have enhanced their involvement in the Jewish world since experiencing TribeFest. “I attended TribeFest with only a pre-TribeFest meeting as my Federation background,” said Aaronson. She is now the Young Leadership Director at the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

“Being in an environment with so much strong energy and passion will make a difference on any individual who attends,” said Aaronson. “It is impossible not to feel part of something bigger when you are surrounded by people who continuously set the bar so high to make a positive difference in this world.”

The 2012 TribeFest will be even more interactive for attendees, and reflective of their interests and passions. To build content for TribeFest, JFNA collected more than 150 program proposals from participants, local Federations and event partners during an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

“We received so many interesting and thought-provoking program proposals,” said Jason Rubinoff of Toronto, event co-chair. “We are confident that this year’s TribeFest will be filled with unique sessions that challenge and engage attendees, and create dynamic conversations around Jewish life.”

The second edition of TribeFest will offer six program tracks on themes important to young Jews. The track process, which was implemented for the 2011 General Assembly in Denver for the first time, creates a more focused program, ensuring that the conference addresses issues crucial to TribeFest attendees through meaningful content.

TribeFest’s tracks include Social Justice and Global Responsibility; Culture and the Arts; Israel and the Middle East; Innovation; Faith and Spirituality; and Hot Topics. The conference will also feature a “Clergy Track,” examining how rabbis and cantors can understand the Federation mission and effect change for the global Jewish community. The “Clergy Track” will also highlight new and exciting ways to partner with other organizations to effectively engage the next generation of Jews.

There will also be a companion program prior to the commencement of TribeFest. On Sunday, March 25, JFNA’s National Young Leadership will hold a Leadership Development Institute from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Institute will offer young lay leaders – both current members of NYL Cabinet and those who have displayed leadership potential in their communities – a chance to further develop skills and passions for the Jewish community. The Institute will also serve as an opportunity for attendees to learn about and explore the Jewish world, and become inspired to make a difference with their work.

“With cutting-edge presentations and compelling events, TribeFest is making the Jewish experience relevant and accessible for a whole new audience,” said Jerry Silverman, JFNA’s president and CEO. “For Jews in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are looking to be inspired and invigorated, TribeFest is a can’t-miss on next year’s Jewish communal calendar.” 

Visit www.tribefest.org to learn more and register for the event. Register before January 20, 2012, for early-bird discounts.