Convention 1995: Make plans for Chicago

by Kenneth Jernigan

This article appeared in the Braille Monitor, December 1994, published by the
National Federation of the Blind. Dr. Jernigan is president emeritus of the
federation.

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. 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.
Remember that we need door prizes from state affiliates, local chapters, and
individuals. Prizes should be relatively small in size and large in value.
Cash is always popular. In any case, we ask that no prize have a value of less
than $25. Drawings will be made steadily throughout the convention sessions.
As usual the grand prize at the banquet will be spectacular  worthy of the
occasion and the host affiliate. The 1994 grand prize in Detroit was a
thousand dollars in cash. The 1995 grand prize will be at least as good. Don't
miss the fun! You may bring door prizes with you or send them ahead of time
to: Pam and Don Gillmore, 5132 West Fletcher Street, Chicago, Illinois
60641-5049.
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.n

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