[nagdu] question on conventions in general

[Marsha Drenth]

Daniel, 

this will be my first convention not to go to in like 8 years. if you have never been, you need to atleast go once. Its an experience that is awesome. 

A NFB convention is the largest gathering of blind persons, from all walks of life, youn g and old. The first few days are dedicated to division meetings, like NAGDU or the Science and Technology group. if your intereested in something in particular, I would assume that there is a group, division, or others who have that same interest in the NFB and at the convention. There are meetings from abou 7am to midnight. When the official convention begins, during the day there are general sessions, which will have speakers about everything and anything to do with the blind. While at convention you can go on tours of the surrounding city and attractions. on the close of the convention is a banquet, where the scholarship winners are announced officially, and Dr. mauer gives his presidential speech. Usually the general session is held in huge ballrooms, with an upwards of 3000 members. Yes there is an exhibit hall where you can look at new technology, sign up for different services, learn about other affiliates, and buy products. If you look on to the NFB website, you will find some documents for new convention go'ers. 

I am sure others will chime in and tell you other things too, hope atleast that gives you an idea. 

Marsha drenth  
Sent with my IPhone 

On Jun 29, 2013, at 2:14 PM, "Daniel" <daniel.sweeney1 at comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi all, here I go again,
> 
> 
> 
> I have noticed that quite a few folks on the list seem to know each other
> pretty well. Whether this is just from communicating on the list or from
> meeting at schools or conventions.
> 
> There are a lot of you at convention this year, and this is probably not
> your first.
> 
> Could you tell me what you do exactly at these conventions? I am curious
> about what you have learned at past ones. I know that there are many vendors
> from blindness related companies and representatives from related
> organizations, but am not sure what past themes have been, and what has been
> gained from these conventions.
> 
> I plan on checking out the live feed from the NFB which is available on
> their website. The content only says "general discussion", so I am not sure
> what their lectures will be about. I assume NAGDU will be present
> information on advocacy, training issues and the like.
> 
> I was too late in learning about the convention in Florida to make plans to
> attend. I have never attended any ACB, NFB, or guide dog related conference
> of any kind, and am curious about what the experience is like, and what you
> come away with.
> 
> We are in the process of organizing a Colorado chapter of NAGDU, and
> hopefully I will learn more about the people and the organization in
> general. 
> 
> I know some of you on the list remember my experiences with my last dog.
> After retiring him I didn't think I would ever get another guide dog. When I
> made the decision to do so a year later, it was with much trepidation. After
> getting Cass I know I made the best decision I could have ever made. I now
> have the confidence that I can travel somewhere and not worry about my
> safety.
> 
> Anyway, if you could share a bit of your experiences it would be
> appreciated.
> 
> If this is not considered appropriate for list traffic, you can email me off
> list.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> Daniel and Cass
> 
> Lakewood, Colorado
> 
> Daniel.sweeney1 at comcast.net
> 
> 
> 
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