Convention 1999

Convention 1999

Dr. Maurer, Dr. Jernigan

at his side, presides over the 1998

NFB Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Convention Bulletin 1999

by Barbara Pierce

It is time to plan for the 1999 convention of the National Federation of the Blind.

Last year's convention in Dallas was one of the best we have ever experienced—a great

hotel staff, a truly impressive program and exhibits, and fellowship of the highest order.

The year before, 1997, we set an attendance record in New Orleans. Atlanta in 1999,

however, promises to bring not only a bigger and better program but also likely a record

attendance, as we gather to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Jernigan and to continue

our march to equal opportunity and full participation through the movement he loved and

led.

We will meet at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, a truly beautiful and

spacious world-class hotel. Rooms have been reserved for us at the Marquis and the Atlanta

Hilton and Towers, a short walk away. The Marquis, with its 120,000 square feet of meeting

space and over 1,600 guest rooms, will be perfect for our convention. The Hilton and

Towers has over 1,200 elegantly furnished guestrooms and a number of special guest

services.

Once again, our hotel rates at the Marquis are the envy of all. For the 1999 convention

they are singles, $57; doubles and twins, $59; triples, $61; and quads, $63. In addition

to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 14 percent. There will be no

charge for children in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is requested.

For 1999 convention room reservations you should write directly to Atlanta Marriott

Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, or call (404) 521-0000.

Marriott has a national toll-free number, but do not (we emphasize not) use it.

Reservations made through this national number will not be valid. They must be made

directly with the hotel. The hotel will want a deposit of $60 or a credit card number. If

a credit card is used, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately, just as

would be the case with a $60 check. If a reservation is canceled prior to June 4, 1999,

$30 of the $60 deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be made.

The Marquis is a beautiful, fifty-story atrium hotel with a panoramic view of this

bustling city in the heart of the New South. It is twelve miles north of the

Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport. Those driving to the convention will find the

hotel conveniently located off of Interstate 85, by taking Exit 96, International

Boulevard, turning left onto International Boulevard, going to Peachtree Center Avenue,

and turning right. The hotel is on the right in the second block. There are three

excellent restaurants in the Marquis: Allie's American Grille, open for breakfast, lunch,

and dinner; Atrium Express, open for breakfast and lunch; and Marquis Steakhouse, open for

dinner only. Champions Sports Bar is open until 2:00 a.m. and serves lunch and dinner. The

hotel features indoor and outdoor pools, a solarium, a health club, whirlpool, and sauna.

Rooms provide voice mail, telephone data ports, and complimentary in-room coffee.

The 1998 Convention Hall

The Hilton and Towers combines a convenient location right across the street from the

Marquis with superb accommodations and amenities. Rooms are newly renovated, spacious, and

luxurious, with rich cherry furnishings and a warm atmosphere.

Since both hotels are in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Federationists attending the

convention will have access to a wealth of restaurants, shops, and other attractions like

Martin Luther King Center (1.5 miles), Underground Atlanta (0.8 mile), and World of

Coca-Cola (0.8 mile). See later issues of the Monitor for information on tours and other

outings into the Greater Atlanta area.

The 1999 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be a truly exciting

and memorable event, with a program unparalleled, an exciting city to explore, and a

rededication to the goals and work of our movement. Make plans now to be a part of it. The

schedule this year is a little different from the one to which we are accustomed.

Pre-convention seminars for parents of blind children and other groups and set-up of the

exhibit hall will take place on Wednesday, June 30, and adjournment will be Tuesday, July

6, at 5:00 p.m. To assure a room in one of the convention hotels at convention rates, you

must make reservations early. Convention registration will begin on Thursday, July 1, and

both Thursday and Friday will be filled with meetings of divisions and committees,

including the Friday morning annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the National

Federation of the Blind, which is open to all. General convention sessions begin on

Saturday and continue through the afternoon of Tuesday, July 6. The annual banquet will

take place on Monday evening, July 5.

Prize Chairman,

Diane McGeorge, at

the 1998 Convention

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 general rule we ask that prizes of any

variety have a value of at least $25. 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 or send them ahead of time

to Roger Womble, 3966 Wildwood Lake Drive, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30331-4361.

Peggy Elliott (standing)

addresses the 1998 Resolutions

Committee

The best collection of exhibits, featuring new technology; meetings of our special

interest groups, committees, and divisions; memorable tours arranged by the host Georgia

affiliate; famous Southern hospitality; 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 1999 National Convention. Hotel reservations are now being accepted. Make

yours right away, and we'll see you in Atlanta in 1999!