[NFBF-Melbourne] FW: [NFBF-L] Convention Bulletin 2020

Sun Dec 15 00:24:10 UTC 2019

For your information. Please note the open date to reserve your room for those interested in attending 2020 National Convention. 

Warmly,
Camille 

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBF-L <nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of DENISE VALKEMA via NFBF-L
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2019 2:05 PM
To: NFBF <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>; NFBF <nfbf-leaders at nfbnet.org>
Cc: DENISE VALKEMA <valkemadenise at aol.com>
Subject: [NFBF-L] Convention Bulletin 2020

https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1911/bm191102.htm

Convention Bulletin 2020

by John Berggren

>From the Editor: John Berggren serves in many capacities for the National Federation of the Blind, and what a wonderful mix of gentleness, competence, patience, and decisiveness. In this article he writes in his capacity as the chairman of convention organization and activities. Here is his exciting news:

As hard as it may be to believe, in just a few short weeks the world will celebrate the arrival of a new year. Many will gather to enjoy fireworks, raise a toast to family and friends, and realize that they have still not learned all the words to “Auld Lang Syne.” Some of us will turn our attention to the task of setting New Year’s resolutions. Whether you plan to eat more green vegetables or to visit the gym beyond the month of January, there is one goal that must be on your list. Resolve to be in Houston this July for the National Federation of the Blind’s 2020 National Convention. 

It has been nearly fifty years since the largest gathering of the organized blind has convened in Houston, Texas, and our return in 2020 will be an event not to be missed. The Hilton Americas-Houston hotel (1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010) will serve as our convention headquarters hotel. Situated in the heart of downtown Houston across the street from the beautiful twelve-acre Discovery Green park, the Hilton Americas is an ideal location for our annual event. Ballrooms, breakout space, and sleeping rooms are all stacked in the same tower housed on a single city block, simplifying navigation and minimizing travel distances. In-room internet is complimentary to all attendees as is access to the health club and swimming pool on the 23rd floor. There is an array of dining options on the hotel’s lobby level (including a Starbucks for those of you requiring a caffeine fix) and many more choices within easy walking distance from the Hilton’s front door.

The nightly rate at the Hilton Americas-Houston is $105 for singles, doubles, triples, and quads. In addition, the sales tax rate is 8.25 percent, and the hotel occupancy tax rate is 17 percent. To book your room for the 2020 convention, call  1-800-236-2905 after January 1. 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, 2020, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be made.

We have also secured overflow space at the wonderful Marriott Marquis Houston. The Marriott is only a three-block walk directly across Discovery Green, or attendees can walk entirely indoors through the George R. Brown convention center, connecting both hotels on the second level. You will find many of the same amenities at the Marriott as well as a Texas-shaped lazy river pool. The room rate at the Marriott Marquis is a slightly higher $119 per night for singles, doubles, triples, and quads. To book a room, call 1-877-688-4323 after January 1. The same deposit and cancellation policies apply.

The 2020 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. Please note that the convention dates, July 14 through July 19, are later than those originally announced this past summer in Las Vegas. Preconvention seminars for parents of blind children and other groups and set-up of the exhibit hall will take place on Tuesday, July 14, and adjournment will be Sunday, July 19, following the banquet. Convention registration and registration packet pick-up will begin on Wednesday, July 15, and both Wednesday and Thursday will be filled with meetings of divisions and committees, including Thursday morning’s annual meeting, open to all, of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. General convention sessions will begin on Friday, July 17, and continue through the banquet on Sunday, July 19. 

Remember that as usual we need door prizes from state affiliates, local chapters, and individuals. Once again prizes should be small in size but large in value. Cash, of course, is always appropriate and welcome. As a rule, we ask that prizes of all kinds have a value of at least $25 and not include alcohol. Drawings will occur steadily throughout the convention sessions, and you can anticipate a grand prize of truly impressive proportions to be drawn at the banquet. You may bring door prizes with you to convention or send them in advance to the National Federation of the Blind of Texas at 1600 E Highway 6, Suite 215, Alvin, TX 77511. 

The best collection of exhibits featuring new technology; meetings of our special interest groups, committees, and divisions; the most stimulating and provocative program items of any meeting of the blind in the world; the chance to renew friendships in our Federation family; and the unparalleled opportunity to be where the real action is and where decisions are being made—all of these mean you will not want to miss being a part of the 2020 National Convention. To assure yourself a room in the headquarters hotel at convention rates, make your reservations early. We plan to see you in Houston in July.

Together, 
Denise Valkema, President  National Federation of the Blind of Florida 
(305)972-8529
president at nfbflorida.org
www.nfbflorida.org
Follow us @nfbflorida
You can live the life you want.
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
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