[Nfbc-info] Fwd: Planning your trip to Orlando: 2018 NFB National Convention

[EverHairston]

Ever Lee Hairston, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
H: 323 654.2975
C: 323 252.9188
ever.hairston at gmail.com

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nations Blind. Every day we work together to help Blind people live the lives we want.

Begin forwarded message:

From: "National Federation of the Blind" <webmaster at nfb.org>
Date: June 20, 2018 at 3:46:20 AM PDT
To: Ever Hairston <ever.hairston at gmail.com>
Subject: Planning your trip to Orlando: 2018 NFB National Convention
Reply-To: "National Federation of the Blind" <webmaster at nfb.org>

 


We are all getting excited for the 2018 National Convention! Enclosed is some information we think you will find useful as your plan your week in Orlando. 

The agenda for the 2018 National Convention is now available. You can view several different formats on our convention webpage. We will provide additional formats as they become available.

Preregistration and On-Site Registration

When you arrive in Orlando, you may pick up your preregistration packet in Sebastian Ballroom Pre-function area, Level 1, in the area designated "Preregistration," beginning 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, and at other times as listed throughout the week. Those who did not preregister may go to the area designated “Registration.”

Resources for First-Time Convention Attendees

All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Panzacola Ballroom G-1, Level 1. President Riccobono and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week’s activities. More helpful tips to help you prepare are including in:

Convention First-Timer’s Guide.
The latest Nation's Blind Podcast all about our national convention.
Convention 101: Answers to the Questions about the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. By Candace Chapman from June’s Braille Monitor.
Exhibit Hall and Independence Market

The Exhibit Hall and Independence Market will be located in Sebastian Ballrooms K and L, Level 1. There is a special sponsor-only exhibitor preview for convention attendees on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Exhibit Hall hours of operation are:

Wednesday, July 4: 9:00 to 11:00 AM (sponsors only)
Wednesday, July 4: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, July 5: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday, July 6: Noon to 1:45 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Saturday, July 7: Noon to 1:45 PM 
To view the list of the sales and offers available in the Exhibit Hall this year, please visit our Exhibit Hall announcements page. Thank you to our affiliates, divisions, exhibitors, and sponsors for providing these opportunities.

Independence Market hours of operation are:

Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday: Noon to 1:45 PM
Saturday: Noon to 1:45 PM (final opportunity to visit the Market)
Return of the Cash Express Lane

We are pleased to announce that the 3 Items or Less Cash Express Lane in the Independence Market will again be available in 2018. Need to grab a replacement cane? Want to buy that tuck-away stylus, but without all the hassle? Or just need a deck of Braille playing cards to keep you occupied on that long flight home? No problem! To help cut down on waiting time for all of our customers, all cash transactions for 3 items or less will be directed to a separate express order processing window. To take advantage of this, simply collect your product tags as usual and join the main checkout line. When you reach our line marshal, let them know that you are purchasing 3 items or less with cash and they will direct you to the proper window. Getting in and out of the Independence Market is easier than ever!

You Are Cordially Invited

All convention attendees are invited by Mark and Melissa Riccobono to visit the Presidential Suite (13217). The suite will be open during much of the convention. Please stop by the suite to schedule a meeting with the President. You are also welcome to visit Dr. Maurer’s Suite (13216), pending his availability. And please take a moment to visit the Host Affiliates’ Suite (11230).

Streaming Convention Proceedings

Portions of the 2018 National Convention will be streamed in English and Spanish. Please share this information with your friends and family who aren’t able to join us in Orlando! This year, we are partnering with 195 The Globe, an internet radio station run by blind Federationists, for our English stream. The events that will be streamed are the meeting of the Board of Directors, general sessions, and banquet. Check out the full schedule here.

We want to connect with you on social media!

Please follow us on twitter @nfb_voice, and on Facebook. Use the hashtag #nfb18 when talking about the convention. We look forward to hearing about all the exciting things that happen while you are in Orlando!

Experience Aira for Free in Orlando

Aira will be free to use for the entire convention at select locations. You can take advantage by downloading the free Aira app on your smartphone before traveling to Orlando for the National Federation of the Blind Nation Convention. Download the free Aira app on iOS or Android here (direct links for iOS or Android) and sign in as a guest if you aren’t already an Explorer.

At the Orlando International Airport, you’ll be able to connect with an Aira agent free of charge. In addition, Aira calls for Lyft use are free throughout the convention, made possible by a partnership with Lyft. You can take a Lyft rideshare from the airport to Rosen Shingle Creek or the Rosen Centre Hotel. And feel free to connect with Aira agents to explore the hotel meeting rooms, the General Session ballroom, restaurants, and the Exhibit Hall--they, too, will be free Aira access locations.  

Aira Presentations at NFB National Convention

Aira will also be showcasing three presentations at the event.

Tuesday, July 3, 3:00-5:00 PM, Aira Programs Track: Education, Employment and Accommodation, in Panzacola H-3 Ballroom
Wednesday, July 4, 6:00-8:00 PM, Aira Technology Track: New Features, in Panzacola H-3 Ballroom
Saturday, July 7, 7:00-9:00 PM, Aira Community Track: Meet Explorers and Guests, in Panzacola H-3 Ballroom
Information about Aira happenings at this year’s NFB National Convention will be updated here.

 

 

 

   	   	  	  	  	 	
National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | (410) 659-9314
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