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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>The Marriott New Orleans will serve as our headquarters hotel while right across the street is the Sheraton New Orleans providing the balance of our sleeping rooms and activity space. The Mariotte will fill up fast, so if you want to stay there book sooner rather than later. The nightly rate for both the Marriott and the Sheraton is 119 dollars for singles and doubles. Triples and quads can be booked for 129 dollars per night. In addition, the combined sales tax and tourism support rate is 16.2 percent and there is a hotel occupancy fee of 3.00 dollars per night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Reserve your room by calling 888-236-2427 for the Marriott or 855-516-1090 for the Sheraton New Orleans. Ask for the “National Federation of the Blind 2025 Convention” block. Here are important things to know about the rates and booking the room:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here are some important details to know about booking your room:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rates and Taxes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The nightly rate for both the Marriott and the Sheraton is 119 dollars for singles and doubles, while triples and quads can be booked for 129 dollars per night. You should also anticipate the combined sales tax and tourism support rate of 16.2 percent and note there is a hotel occupancy fee of 3.00 dollars per night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deposit and Cancellation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the time you make a reservation, a deposit of the first night’s stay is required for each room reserved. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately, just as would be the case with a check. If a reservation is cancelled before Sunday, June 1, 2025, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise, refunds will not be made.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Convention Schedule<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 2025 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be a truly exciting and memorable event, with an unparalleled program and rededication to the goals and work of our movement.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>July 8: A wide range of seminars for parents of blind children, technology enthusiasts, job seekers, and other groups will kick the week off. Convention registration and registration packet pick-up will also open on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>July 9: Breakout sessions continue on Wednesday, July 9, along with committee meetings.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>July 10: Thursday will kick off with the annual meeting, open to all, of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. National division meetings will follow the board meeting that afternoon and evening.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>July 11-13: General convention sessions will begin on Friday, July 11, and continue through the afternoon of Sunday, July 13.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>July 13: Convention ends on a high note with the banquet Sunday evening, so be sure to pack your fancy clothes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With love, hope and determination, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>