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The audio agenda is divided by day:
- Introduction (Audio)
- Tuesday, July 8 – Seminar Day (Audio)
- Wednesday, July 9 – Resolutions Day (Audio)
- Thursday, July 10 – Board Meeting Day (Audio)
- Friday, July 11 – Opening General Sessions (Audio)
- Saturday, July 12 – Business General Session (Audio)
- Sunday, July 13 - Final General Session and Banquet (Audio)
- Helpful Convention Resources and Reminders (Audio)
- Divisions, Committees, Groups (Audio)
- Sponsors & Ads (Audio)
- Navigating the Hotel (Audio)
Welcome!
Welcome to the 85th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
John Berggren, Chairman
Convention Organization and Activities
Pam Allen, President
National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana
Marriott New Orleans
555 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
855-821-4288
Thank you for being here. Together we transform dreams into reality.
The Power of Blind People
It’s time for the world’s largest annual event of the organized blind movement. The convention week offers countless opportunities to learn, connect, and share the lived experiences of blind people through both formal sessions and social gatherings.
New This Year – Agenda Refresh!
Find the information you need and explore new opportunities with our moderately refreshed agenda layout. Explore our new or enhanced sections:
- Big Easy Essentials for Your Schedule
- Access and Accommodations
- Relief and Support Information
- Helpful Convention Resources and Reminders
- Navigate the Hotel
Big Easy Essentials for Your Schedule
Plan time for the following must-visit areas, available during listed hours.
Check-In: Convention Registration and Packet Pickup
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday in Salons A, B, and C for on-site registration and banquet ticket sales and in Salon D for packet pickup for online registrants. Beginning on Thursday, registration will move as listed throughout the agenda.
Meet Leaders: Presidential and Host Affiliate Suites
All attendees are welcome to come to the Presidential Suite (room 4022) in the River Tower and the Host Affiliate Suite (room 2164) in the Quarter Tower for open conversations and social connections. Appointments to meet directly with President Riccobono may be made at the Presidential Suite.
Presidential and Host Affiliate Suites Open Hours
- Monday: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., noon to 1:45 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., noon to 1:45 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 1:45 p.m.
Visit: Exhibit Hall and Independence Market
The Exhibit Hall, the Independence Market, and Federation Free Reads Table are located in the Sheraton in the Napoleon Ballroom.
Exhibit Hall Open Hours
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: Noon to 1:45 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Independence Market and Federation Free Reads Open Hours
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: Noon to 1:45 p.m.
- Saturday: Noon to 1:45 p.m.
Attend: Welcome First-time Attendees!
Rookie Roundup—What to Know
Join us from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, in the Acadia Ballroom. President Riccobono, the Jernigan Fund Committee, and Federation leaders will welcome you and preview the week’s activities. Please encourage all first timers to attend this session.
Reminders for Your First Convention
- Access the First Timer’s Guide at nfb.org/convention
- Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Recipients, please visit the Galerie Registration Counter on July 9 and 10 between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
- Your presence here is important.
Inclusivity, Diversity, and Code of Conduct
Thank you for cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect where attendees can learn, network, and share with each other. The National Federation of the Blind is committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas as outlined in our Code of Conduct. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere.
Prohibited behaviors, such as harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention and/or other consequences. To report an incident at the convention, call 410-659-9314, extension 2475, or email [email protected]. You can submit a formal report using our online form. All formal reports will be investigated per our Code of Conduct.
The full Code of Conduct, resources, and report form are at nfb.org/codeofconduct.
For support or guidance, connect with our Survivors Group at [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2238, during the convention hours listed in this agenda.
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