by Janet Dickelman
In the November Forum I mentioned our final Friday evening tour would be a Red Wings baseball game. After our site visit to Niagara Falls, we have determined we will not return from Niagara Falls in time for those on the tour to attend the baseball game. We feel there would be very few people who would want to attend the game only on Friday, July 12th, so we have decided not to offer it as a tour option.
We know how anxious you all are to register for the conference and convention, especially the outstanding tours and many of the affiliate and committee sessions. This year we are offering an exclusive opportunity to register early for ACB members only. From May 22nd through 26th, pre-registration will be open only to ACB members. We feel this is a great way to thank each of you for your membership in ACB; it will enable members to have first choice to register for tours and other events.
If you’d like to become an ACB member, you can do so at www.acb.org/user/register. The cost to become a member at large is $10. If you don’t have computer access, contact the Minneapolis office at (612) 332-3242.
Convention dates are July 5th through 12th, 2019. The opening general session will be Saturday evening, July 6th. Daily general sessions will be held Sunday through Wednesday mornings and all day on Thursday. The exhibit hall is open Saturday through Wednesday.
We will have all-day tours on Friday the 5th and Friday the 12th, with many other tours throughout the convention.
Special-interest affiliates, ACB committees and our business partners will hold sessions beginning Saturday, July 6th.
Staying in Touch
The convention announce list will be loaded with information again this year. To subscribe to the list, send a blank email to [email protected]. If you received updates for the 2018 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe.
Hotel Details
Room rates at the Hyatt and the Riverside are $89 per night (single or double occupancy, with an additional $10 per person for up to four people). This room rate does not include tax, which is currently 14%. For telephone reservations, call the Riverside at (585) 546-6400, or the Hyatt at 1-800-233-1234. Make sure to mention you are with the American Council of the Blind 2019 convention; rooms must be booked by June 7, 2019 to guarantee the convention rate.
To make reservations online, visit www.acb.org and follow the 2019 convention link for online reservations.
Convention Contacts
2019 exhibit information: Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740, [email protected]
2019 advertising and sponsorships: Margarine Beaman, (512) 921-1625, [email protected]
For any other convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059 or via email, [email protected].
Wishing each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2019.