[nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

[Kay Burrows]

Will your writing schedule allow you and Rene to come to the Greater Seattle
Chapter picnic?

KB

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Frye, Dan
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 5:57 AM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

List Colleagues:

Convention 2009 for me was a good one. It was great to catch up with
many of our friends from Washington State. The program agenda, during
both the pre-plenary session days and the formal sessions, seemed
particularly packed this year. I think the feeling of intensity can be
partially attributed to the abbreviated convention schedule. For my
part, I missed having the business session on the last day so that
farewells to people could have been made in a more relaxed atmosphere.
It was virtually impossible to say goodbye to everybody with the
convention adjourning right after the banquet. President Maurer's
banquet address (at least its primary topic) strongly resonated with me
this year and the detail in the Presidential Report showed what an
engaged 2009 we had as an organization. In view of the economy, I think
all were surprised with our lift in convention attendance, 2,809 people.
I don't know that I found the circular architecture of the hotel
significantly more challenging than other years, but I tend at almost
every convention to simply orient myself by asking questions and heading
out to particular meetings with time to spare. The relatively smaller
size of the hotel made it feel more crowded, though, particularly in and
around the elevators. I'll always remember with fond amusement the
presentation from Representative Conyers (spelling uncertain). I think
he was genuinely good hearted. The presentations on the influence of
Braille (provided in some instances and not in others) were touching and
meaningful. The March this year occurred on a beautiful morning for a
stroll; I wish that the speaker system could have been better, though,
since during the march itself I felt some disconnected from the chanting
encouragement of march leaders. During the rally itself, I could hear
the program fine. The pedestrian-friendly aspect of the March along
Detroit's River Walk was great. Martha Reeves's absence was a small
disappointment. Washington State can take much pride with Michael
Freeman's election to the National Board to fill out the unexpired term
of Sam Gleese who resigned from the board last fall; Mike will add a
thoughtful dimension to the board's deliberations. Busy, though, is the
phrase that summarizes the convention for me. I found myself in meetings
or events from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. almost every day. I presented the
Social Security seminar on Tuesday evening, delivered an address to the
Affiliate Action Back to Basics seminar on Sunday evening, and helped to
introduce the new NFB diabetes publication at the Diabetes Action
Network meeting on Sunday afternoon. Despite these obligations, I
enjoyed dinners with my good friends Gary and Denise Mackenstadt and
sampled Detroit's Greek food with Noel Nightingale and Elizabeth and
Jeff from Canada. It was good to get a chance to become better
acquainted with Elizabeth and Jeff. Technology added a new wrinkle to
convention; a Tweet-Up for those on Twitter was held early in the
conference, and we're tracking how much Twitter traffic attributable to
convention-related events occurred. Finally, I participated in two
academic studies this year, one evaluating the new NUBS Braille system
and one looking at effective marketing techniques that appeal especially
to blind people. NFB convention is an excellent place for this type of
meaningful research to take place. These are my rambling personal
reflections on this year's convention.

I'll now be turning my attention to more formally summarizing this
entire affair for the Convention round-up that will be published in the
August/September issue of the Braille Monitor. If you had a unique
experienced, can share a touching incident that broadly characterizes
the convention for many, or have other reflections to offer, please pass
them along for potential inclusion. Small anecdotes helps to give the
round-up texture and color. A brief recap of the program items presented
is always helpful, but personal commentary makes the piece.

With Kind Regards,

Dan Frye    

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 2:23 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Hi, all.

Anyone care to give their impressions of convention?

Mike Freeman

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