by Janet Dickelman
Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full swing, it is time to think about all the excitement the 2026 American Council of the Blind conference and convention has in store for you. Convention dates are Friday, July 24 through Friday, July 31.
Get ready to shop the exhibit hall (open Sunday through Wednesday) for the latest and greatest in technology and items for home, work and play!
Our opening general session will be on Saturday, July 25th, with morning sessions Monday through Wednesday and all day Thursday, culminating in our banquet Thursday evening. ACB affiliates and committees are beginning to plan their programs, seminars and mixers.
Visiting local attractions is always very popular during the convention. This year we have a great variety of fun, educational, inspirational and thrilling tours. Please keep in mind that due to unforeseen circumstances, dates and tour venues may be changed or added.
First Friday, July 24, History and a Riverboat
Museum of History:
Learn all about the World’s Fair in St. Louis, and so much more. This museum is filled with exciting exhibits!
Riverboat Cruise:
Enjoy dinner while cruising the mighty Mississippi! Sit indoors or on the deck, purchase a cool drink from the cash bar, and enjoy some music!
Note: you can attend both Friday tours.
Final Friday, July 31
Amish Country
Visit a buggy shop, bakery, candy store, quilt shop and houses built in the 1890s. We’ll have lunch in an Amish home with lots of meats, sides and desserts.
Other Tours
We know we will hold the following tours, but are still working on the dates.
- City bus tours (Saturday and Sunday)
- The Saint Louis Arch
- Grant Farms (yes, we’ll get to spend time with the Clydesdales)
- The National Museum of Transportation (this is a must for any train or automobile enthusiast)
- The Missouri School for the Blind
- World Chess Hall of Fame
- Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum
- An evening Cardinals-Cubs game
Three dinners: Pappy’s Barbecue, which will include beer tasting; Favazza’s for Italian food; Blueberry Hill which, in addition to a meal, will feature a tour of numerous display cases filled with music and pop-culture memorabilia.
Full tour descriptions will be sent out to the convention announce list and shown on the convention registration form. Please make sure to read them carefully. Several tours will involve a lot of walking.
Hotel Details
Room rates at the Hyatt are $104 single or double, $129 triple, $154 quad, plus applicable state and local taxes (currently 17.92%).
To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/STLRS/G-ACBL.
If you prefer to make your reservations by telephone, please call central reservations at
(888) 591-1234. Make sure to let them know you are reserving a room at the Hyatt St. Louis Arch at 315 Chestnut Street and use group code G-ACBL.
Room Amenities
All sleeping rooms have safes, ironing boards, refrigerators and K-cup coffee makers.
The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center. It does not have a pool. There are no guest washers and dryers; there is a dry-cleaning service.
Staying in Touch
The convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. If you received updates for the 2025 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the list.
For any convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via email, janet.dickelman@gmail.com.