[Ohio-talk] Convention

[Suzanne Turner]

Ohio,

Can you believe that the 2018 Team Convention has come to an end. I can not. Our President and the Convention Planning Team has been working on this endeavor for a year. It was awesome!

I must say thank you for all of the kind sentiments. Without each and all, the federation would not be what it is today. We are a network of tens of thousands making a difference with positive change on what it means to be blind. We all are needed to spread the word. 

The Committee again would like to thank everyone for participating at the 2018 Team Convention and we hope that it has been a productive and memorable time. We understand that there were some mishaps. So, we apologize and next year we will do our best to improve and learn.

My most exciting time at the Convention was seeing the young adults take charge and become active participants. Emily was outstanding, Robby facilitated the registration process, the Stover Twins provided entertainment, Macy facilitated the memorial, Rachel was in the play and the competition during the auction by them were crazy good. There were so many moments that I can not list them all.

For the Committee's last email for 2018, we would like to reacquaint some and introduce others to the information on the National Federation of the Blind 2019 National Convention info that is below. 

On behalf of the Convention Committee members, Sheri, Annette, Shawn, Sandy, Milena, Sherry and Dave; we thank you for allowing us to serve you.

2019 National Convention 

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at duskThe largest gathering of blind people in the world, the National Federation of the Blind's annual National Convention is the premier event for training, support, and inspiration for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing the year's organizational priorities.

For the first time in seven years, the convention will be held west of the Mississippi, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Listen to Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett announce the new location to our members (play MP3; 3 minutes; English).

This will be a unique experience you won't want to miss.

If you'd like to relive some of the most exciting moments from last year's convention, we invite you to read the 2018 banquet speech, the 2018 presidential report, and the 2018 resolutions. You can also listen to audio highlights from the 2018 National Convention.

Dates

The 2019 National Convention will take place Sunday, July 7 through Friday, July 12, 2019.

Location

The 2019 National Convention will be held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119).

Situated at the beginning of the world-famous Las Vegas strip, it is the perfect location for enjoying as much or as little of the strip as you want.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino has more than two dozen restaurants and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Among its features is an aquatic playground called Mandalay Bay Beach which has real sand, a wave pool, and rentable cabanas. The hotel is also home to an aquarium with more than 2,000 animals including sharks, green sea turtles, and a Komodo dragon. Plus, it offers top-notch entertainment including Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.

Room reservations can be made starting January 1, 2019.

For NFB convention attendees, the nightly rate for singles, doubles, triples, and quads will be $99. Hotel and sales taxes are 12 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.

The resort fee (normally $37 a night) will be waived for NFB convention attendees. However, fees for internet access, local and toll-free calls, and fitness center access may apply.

Registration

Online Preregistration

Online preregistration will be available between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019.

On-Site Registration

Registration will be available on site in Las Vegas.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

The 2019 National Convention offers a variety of opportunities for organizations to show support for the blind, increase brand awareness, and connect with consumers. Sponsorship and exhibiting details will be available soon. If you have questions, please contact Anna Adler at 410-659-9314, extension 2282, or aadler at nfb.org.

Additional Information

We will add additional information, including the convention agenda, to this page as it becomes available.
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See you there!

Suzanne Hartfield Turner
Convention Planning Chair