[Nebraska-Students] Join Us in Houston - Assistance Available

Tue Apr 25 02:42:55 UTC 2023

National Federation of the Blind National Convention 2023

July 1 through July 6, 2023
Houston, Texas

The NFB National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our  leadership and establishing each year's organizational priorities. 

Are you interested in attending the national convention, but don’t have the funds?  The NFB of Nebraska may be able to help!

Please read the below costs of attending a national convention and figure out how much you are able to afford.  We encourage you to talk with others who have attended a national convention to figure out a budget.

All persons requesting assistance must register for the convention. This registration fee and banquet ticket amount will not be covered as part of the financial assistance.  If you wish, you may register once you have received confirmation that the affiliate is able to provide you with assistance.

*	Registration for the 2023 National Convention is $25 per person.
*	Banquet tickets for Thursday, July 6, are $70 per person.
*	Online registration is open until May 31, 2023.

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=572> Register online

Room rates for both of the convention hotels is $119 plus 8.25% sales tax and 17% occupancy tax.  This equals approximately $142 per night.  If requesting hotel assistance, the affiliate will only cover half the room cost, so you must either find a roommate or cover the other half.

Rooms are still available in the main convention hotel, but they do fill up fast.  You may want to go ahead and book a room and cancel it if need be.  For each room, the hotel will take a deposit of the first night’s room rate and taxes and will require a credit card or a personal check. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately. If a reservation is cancelled before Monday, June 1, 2023, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise, refunds will not be made.

The Main Hotel:

The Hilton Americas-Houston <https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/houcvhh-hilton-americas-houston/hotel-info/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1HI2psh3ggl4amphtbrd5dkt6HOUCVHH7_153682779_1003528&gclid=CjwKCAjw0ZiiBhBKEiwA4PT9z2pgbQBctBOF4MwUGpzoN_T-2KquRsEuPKG6-n8LeQLWizbtOP4CGxoC1LoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds> 
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX 77010
800-236-2905

The Overflow Hotel (About 3 Blocks Away)

Marriott Marquis Houston <https://www.marriott.com/search/hotelQuickView.mi?propertyId=HOUMQ&brandCode=MC&marshaCode=HOUMQ> 
1777 Walker St,
Houston, TX 77010
877-622-3056

To book a room, call your preferred hotel and ask for the “NFB Convention” block. 

Both of the Omaha and Lincoln airports offer direct flights to Houston.  The cost of flying can very dependent on your location and the time of booking.  You may want to check out the flights in your area before requesting assistance, so you know how much to set aside for transportation.  Don’t forget to figure in ground transportation in your budget including transportation to and from the airport and hotel in Houston. 

Here is the schedule for this year’s convention:

*	Saturday, July 1: Seminar Day
*	Sunday, July 2: Resolutions Day
*	Monday, July 3: Board Meeting and Division Day
*	Tuesday, July 4: Opening Session
*	Wednesday, July 5: Business Session
*	Thursday, July 6: Banquet Day and Adjournment

If awarded assistance you will be required to attend all the general sessions, the board meeting and the Nebraska Caucus. The agenda will be posted in June, and it will be imperative that you review it ahead of time and find meetings and activities that interest you.  You may also be asked to work in the Independence Market or assist in other capacities.

With exception of the banquet all meals will be on your own.  The cost of food varies and members who have attended national convention can provide tricks and trips to extend your food budget.  Most people plan for around $500 in food for the week.

The Nebraska Affiliate is excited to assist people at the convention, but funds are limited.  Again, please review the above costs and figure out how much you are able to cover.  Keep in mind the following:

*	Registration and banquet at a cost of $95.00 is not covered.
*	The affiliate will only Cover half a hotel room.
*	Persons interested should make every effort to pay for part of the convention.

If you are interested in financial assistance to attend the convention you must act fast and send an email requesting assistance by May 10, 2023.  Emails should be sent to 

treasurer at ne.nfb.org <mailto:treasurer at ne.nfb.org> 

And include the following information:

*	Name and Relevant Contact Information
*	Amount of Assistance Requested
*	Reason for Wanting to Attend

Assistance is open to everyone no matter your membership status or if you have attended in the past.

The Awards Committee will contact you by May 24th if you will be granted assistance.  For questions contact Cheryl Livingston at 

treasurer at ne.nfb.org <mailto:treasurer at ne.nfb.org> 

(402) 488-2509

The deadline for submissions is May 10th, so act fast!  Hope to see you in Houston!