Future Reflections Winter/Spring, Vol. 14 No. 1
[PICTURE] Sears Tower presides over Chicago's dramatic skyline
Reprinted from the December, 1994, issue of the Braille Monitor.
The time has come to plan for the 1995 convention of the National Federation of the Blind. As Federationists know, our recent National Conventions in New Orleans, Charlotte, Dallas, and Detroit have been record-breaking in every sense of the word-excellent programs, good food and facilities, and wonderful hospitality. But Chicago in '95 promises to be the best we have ever had. All you have to do is to remember our Chicago convention in 1988, and you will know what a wonderful experience is in store.
We are going to the Hilton and Towers Hotel at 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago. You have to be there to believe it. Read Steve Benson's article elsewhere in this issue, and you will know what I mean. This exquisite hotel, built in the 1920's, originally had over 3,000 rooms. In the 1980's it was remodeled to have only 1,543 rooms, but the elevators (all fourteen of them) and the rest of the infrastructure for a 3,000-room hotel were left intact. Mrs. Jernigan and I have now been to the Hilton and Towers for several planning meetings, and each time I am more impressed than the last.
As usual, our hotel rates are good. For the 1995 convention they are: singles, $47; doubles and twins, $49; triples, $54; and quads, $57. In addition to the room rates, there will be a tax, which at present is almost 15 percent. There will be no charge for children in a room with parents as long as no extra bed is required.
In recent years we have sometimes taken hotel reservations through the National Office, but for the 1995 convention you should write directly to Hilton and Towers Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605, Attention: Reservations; or call (312) 922-4400. Hilton 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 Hilton and Towers in Chicago.
Here are the convention dates and schedule;
Saturday, July 1-seminars for parents of blind children, blind job seekers, and vendors and merchants; several other workshops and meetings.
Sunday, July 2-convention registration, first meeting of the Resolutions Committee, other committees, and some of the divisions.
Monday, July 3-meeting of the Board of Directors (open to all), division meetings, committee meetings, continuing registration.
Tuesday, July 4-opening general session, evening gala.
Wednesday, July 5-general sessions, tours.
Thursday, July 6-general sessions, banquet.
Friday, July 7-general sessions, adjournment.
The displays of new technology; the meetings of special interest groups, committees, and divisions; the exciting tours; the hospitality and renewed friendships; the solid program items; and the exhilaration of being where the action is and where the decisions are being made-all of these join together to call the blind of the nation to the Hilton and Towers Hotel in Chicago in July of 1995. Come and be part of it-and for further information read the following article from the Illinois affiliate for color and details.