by Janet Dickelman
As I write this article, the convention committee is preparing for its fall visit to Schaumburg, Ill. We will meet with the local host committee, talk with hotel staff, contact volunteer groups and visit potential tour venues.
We have already booked one tour which I know will be extremely popular. On the final Friday evening, July 10th, we will explore Lake Michigan for a three-hour plated dinner cruise on the Odyssey. This is a three-course gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Entertainment will be provided by the onboard DJ.
Convention dates are July 3rd through 10th. Opening general session will be Saturday evening, July 4th. The exhibit hall will be open Saturday through Wednesday. Special-interest affiliates, ACB committees and our business partners will hold sessions beginning Saturday, July 4th through Wednesday, July 8th. Don’t miss our banquet Thursday evening, July 9th.
Hotel Details
Room rates at the Renaissance are $94 per night (for up to four people in a room), plus tax, which is currently 15%. For telephone reservations, call 1-800-468-3571. Note that this is a central reservation number, so please indicate you are with the American Council of the Blind 2020 conference and convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, Ill. Rooms must be reserved by June 10, 2020 to guarantee the convention rate.
Staying in Touch
Once again this year, the conference and convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to [email protected]. If you received updates for the 2019 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe.
Convention Contacts
2020 exhibit information: Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740, [email protected]
2020 advertising and sponsorships: Margarine Beaman, (512) 921-1625, [email protected]
For any other convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via e-mail, [email protected].