[nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

[Lauren Merryfield]

Hi,
Thanks for your convention update.  I'm glad you had a good time and were 
able to do so much.
Thanks
Lauren
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frye, Dan" <DFrye at nfb.org>
To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 5:56 AM
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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