Category: Let's talk
I haven't seen a topic for this year's NFB convention, so thought I'd start one.
Who is planning on going? Sound off! I am planning on making an adventure out of this. With that said, does anyone need to split costs? I'm getting my room, and will be looking for roommates. I know its early, but rooms tend to go fast. Message me if interested.
Otherwise, this topic is for any discussion relating to the convention.
I do plan to attend, if the state of Virginia will strike up the cash for my blind club to go.
I'll be there. Excited to be going back to Orlando.
I wonder if they'll have the car simulator again.
Now I'm going to have to rack my brain for what remains of memories of Florida 8 years ago and post here if I remember any attractions you all may want to hit up. Bush Gardens Tampa Bay is gonna be a ways away from there but that is really an attraction with fun for all. Pretty hot in mid summer though.
Not sure if the NFB would like or support something called such as a blind club.
Haha. they def would not for sure. I left FL and miss it. Am wanting so bad to go bc am secretary of my chapter but just started a new job and can't that much time off.
hmm never been to florida, would love the opportunity to go.
I'll definitely be there.
I don't get the reasoning behind blind only conventions. Sighted people don't have conventions for the sighted. What's the point?
It's not a blind convention, it's an NFB convention. Presumably one could be sighted and be a NFB member, but I don't know you'll have to ask them.
Look at it this way: Star Trek had conventions at least back in the 80s and 90s. Not all television series have conventions. But Star Trek did. It wasn't a television Series convention, it was a Star Trek Convention. Just because Seinfeld and Fraisure and friends didn't have conventions shouldn't exclude Star Trek from having one if they want.
I haven't been to either a NFB or a Star Trek convention, to be honest, because I'm not a NFB member nor am I more than a casual star trek fan. There are, by the way, conventions for almost everything. Every hobby I've been a part of has conventions, whether you actually go or not is another issue. Trades have conventions, whole industries do. It's a pretty common occurrence.
So again, it's not a blind convention, it's a NFB convention. And humans of all sorts, shapes, sizes, persuasions and drinking abilities go to conventions.
Yes, my union has conventions. I haven't been lucky enough to be selected to attend one as a delegate yet though.
I don't get the reasoning behind union conventions. Nonunion people don't have conventions for the nonunion. What's the point?
You bastard, you beat me to it. I was going to say that. Lol.
I'm going to call my old roommate from the center to see if he wants to split a room again this year. There are people who are sighted there as well. Think of the people who are married to someone who is blind. Anybody is welcome to register and come to the NFB conventions, and I'm pretty sure you don't have to become a member in order to do so. Like I've said in other threads, I'm not a hard core NFB fan. I like to go to browse and buy some of the products, see my old friends from the center, meet new people, and of course have a drink or five. I'm also going to take a look at the agenda this weekend. The NFB website usually posts it right on their site for anyone who is unsure, but curious about what the NFB convention consists of.
The only reason I might be at all inclined to go would be if that car simulator was there. I'd like to know how they figure they'll be able to enable us to drive safely on the same busy streets with drunks and people who text behind the wheel. Because even if that fellow what'shisface did drive the thing on a race track and dodge boxes thrown at him from a van, that's still a far cry from a busy freeway with people in front and behind you talking on the phone and texting behind the wheel. So I don't quite see the NFB's logic.
I am curious about the whole thing, it'll be my first year attending this so
The only reason my union has conventions is to discuss work issues.
And you don't think there might be some issues that blind people might want to get together to discuss? That thought never thunked into your skull while you were practicing for your hippocrisy?
I might go, I haven't decided. I might have to get a new dog then, so I might not. It still up in the air. I went two years ago and absolutely loved it though.
Yay, :d I'll be going! Totally excited! Need to start looking for cheap plane tickets! Anyone wanna chill or meet up, just holla
It's a risk that people take when they go on the road in general. There are car crashes and accidents that involve people as things are now, so I don't see how that can be avoidable unless everyone stops drinking and texting behind the wheel, which will never happen.
That's precisely the point though. There are some things we just should not try to put our hands in and driving is one of them.
I'm rather interested in attending, as the CFB (In Canada here) talks about the NFB a fair bit. Between work and taking care of my wife (8 months pregnant by then) I'm not sure I'll have a lot of time, but it would be interesting to check it out. The NFB does a lot more for the blind than does the CNIB here in Canada.
Thus far I don't think I'll be able to go. Money is the main reason, as it usually is. However, the past two years, I didn't think I was going either, and then my plans changed pretty late in the game. In both 2011 and 2012, I didn't know I was going til about late May. So while I have no plans to be there this summer, I'm aware circumstances could change on me. It'd be nice if they did, because it's both fun and informative to be there.
Alicia, you probably know way more than I do about this, probably checked it out. But anyway, is there perhaps a way for you to get a scholarship to attend? Lots of interest groups have scholarship funds for members to be able to get to their conventions. I thought you were kind of a active member, help them out quite a bit. Seems like turn about would be fair play, if they or one of their partner organizations has such a scholarship fund. You might have to give back, you know, bring back the highlights in a report for your local people who couldn't make it. Anyway all sorts of organizations do it, so I don't see how one for the blind would be any different.
Hello:
I definitely am hoping to go to the convention this year since I went 2 years ago when i was in orlando and absolutely loved it. It was one of the best times I've had in awhile, and I've been to three out of the last five conventions. I too may possibly be looking for a roommate since it is florida and believe me it will be mighty costly. Last time I went I had a blast at islands of adventure, going to the harry potter park, amongst other fun things I did there. And to the poaster saying they didn't get why there was blind conventions,are you aware there are conventions for almost anything out there? 2 years ago, when the nfb was in florida, there was also a zumba convention going on at the same time this convention was, so both hotels were extremely packed. I do hope to meet some of yall there.
Oh btw they might have the tweetup again like they did the last couple years, thats always neat too, :d
Leo, the NFB does give a variety of scholarships, but I don't think I'd be eligible for any of them this year. I've been the recipient of several different kinds of them in the past. One year I won a scholarship as a college student. Two different years, for two different reasons, I was assisted by a thing called the Jernigan fund. It's usually reserved for first-time attendees, but there were reasons they wanted me at Convention those years, so they helped. One year I'd been particularly active in my state affiliate, so they assisted me. Some years, I have been able to pay for myself.
However, I don't think any of those apply this year. Obviously I'm not a student, have no particular reason to be there to get help from the Jernigan fund, and have not been active in my state affiliate much in the past while, so I would not ask assistance from them. They'd likely not give it, but I won't even ask, because it's not fair to ask when I've not put in anything. That leaves me paying for myself which, as I said, probably will not be able to happen. We'll see.
Yes, conventions are fun, this will be my fifth convention.
For anyone seeking information about scholarships to attend this year's nationalconvention, you can find infomration on www.nfb.org and go to the national convention webpage.
You can also call the national center in Baltimore Maryland and the operator will be happy to direct you to the right person.
tweet-up? Hmm, I'll look into that. *smile*
I wasn't aware you didn't have to be a member to go. That's kind of neat. I've always wanted to go to a convention just to meet people and such, maybe buy something, too.
Oh, you definitely don't have to be a member to go. I've met plenty of people at Conventions who are not members, but had various reasons for being there. Besides, with around 2,500 people or so in attendance, there's no way they could track who were members and who were not.
That's the difference between these conventions and work conventions, you have to be a member to go for ours usually an elected delegate.
I'm not a member myself, and never want to be. I disagree with too many things, but the resources at the convention are second to none, so I go. Plus, I like meeting some of you peoples.
Wow I can't imagine meeting you in real life. Probably more of an asshole than you are behind a computer, and yes I disagree with a lot of what the NFB believes as well.
Trust me, you don't want to meet me in real life. I'd send you away in tears. You can't even hang with me on here when you can take your time and google facts. In a real live debate, where you have to be on the spot, I'd have you begging for mercy. Don't even try. I've eaten dumbass naive wanna be liberals like you for breakfast since I was sixteen.
If I didn't think you were so immature I'd take that as a threat.
And if you weren't so stupid, you'd realize there was no threat of physical harm in that entire post. Note the word debate. then, once you've noted it, get some reading comprehension skills. They'll help you if you ever want to get a real job.
I just wanna say I wanna meet cody, lol.
Getting back on topic though. I remember two years ago when I was at the convention, I went to a seminar about jobs. I was expecting to have some speakers who were at the top of their field, and could give me real world encouragement to find a good job.
However, the speakers there were mostly craftsman. One man had had dozens of jobs over the course of his life, none of them steady. I found this to be reather disconcerting.
Am I the only one who gets the feeling that the NFB and other organizations like it don't do enough to push blind people to be more than they are? I mean, I would think that the NFB would want to push people to be the highest possible thing they can be. Yet, I see seminars about food preporation services and massage therapy. I have yet to see a seminar for people who want more than that.
What do you guys think? Am I reading too much into this?
No, the NFB has people still working in sheltered shops like industries for the blind, then they speak out for fair wages for the blind. Very hypocritical.
Oh and I have a real job and I didn't go through voc rehab to get it, I earned it by working my way up, two real jobs actually.
They do not support sheltered workshops. In fact, there were a couple people who went up and spoke about how damaging they were during some of the general sessions. However, it wouldn't surprise me if some of the advocates of them went to the conventions to try and mask themselves and see if they could get anyone to go aong with them. That might be possible.
Is the National Industries for the Blind part of the NFB? I read a lot about it in the Braille Monitor but not sure who runs it.
I honestly don't know. I haven't heard of that organization before.
Putting the record straight, if I ever do meet Cody, I'm buyin' beers and we can hang out, perhaps even hit a cigar bar and do the cigars and Scotch thing. If I ever did go to a NFB convention I'd probably do like I do anywhere else: Hang around the fringes, hit the parties and exhibits and play around in the action have a good time and get informed.
That's neat. I wouldn't mind going sometime then. I don't want to be an NFB member either, but it'd be fun to go to a convention, any convention. I've never been to one. Just technology conferences, when i was a kid/teen. And I could have cared less about technology then. I just went cause a friend of mine was going who I didn't get to see much.
Take Care,
Dawnielle
Leo, you and I are on for scotch and cigars. We'll have a good time.
AFLCIO I don't care about your opinions because you're wrong. The NFB is actually the leading voice trying to get the clause in the minimum wage act of 1938 which allows for sheltered workshops repealed. You'd know that if you looked, but you haven't, so you don't.
But even more than sheltered workshops. I don't remember seeing anything but food stand workers, craftsmen, massage therapists and lawyers there. I remember one guy trying to convince me I need to go to the center in louisiana so I could learn how to build clocks. I"m sorry, we can do more than that. Those are burger flipping jobs, why are we settling for them?
Really good question, Cody. I agree that the NFB could do more to push people to better jobs. For instance, I really wish their student division did more job preparation and it's sad that every seminar of theirs centers around the same dull lectures and discussion topics. To be honest, NFB meetings and seminars get old after a while. You start circling back on the same topics without making any real progress. But, I think strategic networking opportunities exist if you go and find them. For example, I believe that different divisions (such as lawyers and writers) have their own small meetings, and I suppose you could get plugged in with one of these and meet successful blind people in these fields ... though personally, I'll pass on the opportunity to hang out with NFB lawyers. I haven't been in a couple years, but if I can get the time off from work I'm planning on going this year.
I have actually heard the idea that very successful blind people, like the ones you would want to hear from during a jobs seminar, tend to shun organizations like the NFB. Why? Perhaps it's because they don't need them. For example, I've started plugging into work-related conferences and groups more specialized to my career field. Once you reach a certain comfort, a certain level of achievement and satisfaction with your job, life, career and even blindness, does the appeal of general blindness-related organizations start to fade over time as you move onto other things?
Brice
Define successful?
Does that mean you're paying for the kids' college, in debt, tied to a corporate existence? Stuck in middle life wondering what the fuck happened? Is that successful? I question most things now that I took for granted when I was younger. And converse to what you said, Brice, I now would be more open than when I was younger, to going to something like that. I have no idea whether I would or not, or if, like often happens, something else would pique my interest. But you're doing the black-and-white young person thing, and i'm just telling you you can bust your ass, work very hard, and end up in middle age wondering just what the fuck happened and what you're gonna do about it. I don't believe any of the bullshit about most the blind are lazy or all these other horrific tales about creeping socially inept monsters and the like. That is just porn for the shame-based control types. Most the blind I have met in real life bust their ass. Of course, like all humans, there are exceptions. I'd like to think being successful was owning my own operation again, and not being beholden to a corporate existence, but I'm also realistic enough to know by now it's impossible to know, and all we have is do the best we can and make the most of it. And, perhaps, wondering what the fuck happened.
See, with me, if I do become successful, the thing I'll want to do is to go to the NFB conventions to tell other blind peopl that you can do it. I think that is the point of the convention, isn't it?
I think there's a certain stigma associated with going to blindness events for some people though.
You're probably right, Cody, and someone like us might have an easier time of it that way, because we're not all refined and cloistered and all of that. People are likely to believe people who are real and have been through shit, and say if that guy can do it, I can at least give it a good run.
No National Industries For The blind which is who I work for is not part of NFB. It is an agency that provides work to blind individuals.
One of the reasons I personally like going to conventions is networking opportunities, since I am a techy person, and trying to get a job in the assistive tech field or with one of the assistive tech companies, I find the assistive technology trainers division and computer science division invaluable sources of information and networking opportunities for example.
I'm glad both of you would be more likely to go and help others. But I've spoken to several professionals who are blind and really excel in their career fields, and contrary to what you might hope, they don't want anything to do with NFB, ACB, or any other group. They're content to stay where they are. Maybe they have an attitude of superiority. Maybe they think they can do it without interacting with all those "creeping socially inept monsters." Or maybe it's just natural that they were pulled in a different direction and don't have the time or the interest in helping because they're so busy with other obligations. I don't know.
I'm afraid I don't knoe either, but I think it is very disingenuous of them.
This discussion is extremely interesting. I was always under the impression that the NFB shuns those who do craftsmanship-type jobs. I thought, due to several stuffy NFB members I've met throughout the course of my life, that unless you're working in some high-paying career, you're pretty much shit on the bottom of their shoes. They've had an obsession with astronomy and going into space, for example. Perhaps not literally, not yet at least, but I know they have this program for teens that exposes them to NASA and stuff. Anyone in the know care to shed some light on this for me? That's always been one of my biggest disagreements with the NFB--the fact that, to me at least, they always talked like they were larger than life, and if, say, you chose a career path that was mediocre in their eyes, you might as well not even get involved with them.
Yep, I agree. Its all about how great they are and how they don't see blindness as a disability but I bet the same ones that talk like that have enjoyed plenty of services from the fine tax payers of this country!
I dont know but I'm tucking my hair up under my hat and going for scotch and cigars with Cody and Leo.
No, National Industries for the Blind is definitely not part of NFB. And as Cody said, NFB is the leading voice speaking out against sheltered workshops. I'm sure they do have members who work in those, they have members from every level of the blindness community, but that's to be expected.
Cody, I'm not arguing with what you saw at Convention, but I've been to many, and I've never seen all the things you're talking about. Yes, there are some of the stereotypical professions, as there would be anywhere. But there are also lots of seminars about technology, and there are professions like those in the human services field, journalism, law, etc.
Shattered Sanity, I can definitely see why you have that impression of NFB. I did for a very long time, too. The members I met in the early part of my life did the organization no favors in the way they portrayed it, because they did so exactly as you say. When I won my scholarship and went to my first Convention in 1999, I planned to take the money and run. It wasn't until that convention that I realized not all NFB members were like the ones I'd met up till then, they didn't all look down on people, some were actually very reasonable, and did push me to better myself without making me feel like an idiot. Every organization has its assholes, and NFB certainly does. Also, like most organizations I know of, it's the assholes who speak the most loudly and draw the most attention, whereas the good and reasonable members tend to be involved more quietly. It's unfortunate that you find many of those assholes in a position of National leadership. I wish the members would get their act together and elect most of the current guard right out of office, but it's going to take something pretty major for that to occur. It may though, in the next few years, because the guy who is rumored to take over the Presidency, likely in 2016, is a real tool. There's no other word for it.
I am an NFB member, but I am by no means a drone, and I do speak out when I disagree with the organization on issues. However, I do think we can often get things done most effectively as a larger group, such as lobbying for legislation, and NFB has the philosophy I agree with most. You'll never find a group you agree with 100% of the time, and I don't with these guys, but by and large I do.
No need to tuck your hair under your hat. Girls are entirely welcome at our scotch and cigar night. Leo and I are by no means sexist.
oh god, who's the president rumored to be when dr. Maur steps down?
Cody's right. Come all who would have a good time *smile*
im gunna b in the place
@Jess, Mark Rickabono is the likely replacement, his claim to fame was driving the Virginia-tech car at Daytona..
I have nothing against him, but I would much rather see someone like Eddie Bell, or Fred Schroeder take over the reigns as president..
Anyway@ Silver_lightning, I was lucky enough to meet quite a few professionals in various fields that do not have its own sub-group.. For example, I met 3 gentleman working as engineers, I got these contacts through members that I knew prior to joining the NFB. I can also bet I know exactly who you spoke to about that clock thing, he is.. Interesting, anyway if you'll be at convention this year, let me know what fields you are interested in, and I will scrounge you up a few contacts the best I can..
Anyways, yes, everyone should come, if not for the education, but for the experience. Some people absolutely adore their time at convention, but never join. It took me 3 NFB conventions until I finally joined. In fact, the vast majority of people who will attend will probably not attend a single general session, but what's wrong with padding your network a tad bit? or a bit of education on new technology? or even the experience of chillin with people you have chatted to online, and having a beer or two with..
If you don't like it, then you don't like it, but until you've tried it, don't hate it..
I'd go just to satisfy my curiosity about the car simulator and maybe to meet girls LOL. But I, like others disagree with the NFB on far too many issues to join or even really support them. Their supposed car is one, certainly, but even above that is their general one-size-fits-all teaching policy.
I'm going this year!! If anyone wants to hang out let me know! :)
Changed my name for those wondering who i am xD was tarra the tasty trout
And Cody would be great to meet, heck you've already met some of my friends now! :P
Hey Tarra! Didn't recognize your user name when you created the other board. Hope you found some interesting posts here. Wish I were going this year. It'd be fun to meet various people. Unfortunately, I don't foresee any last-minute changes of plans for me this year as there have been the last two that brought me to Orlando in 2011 and Dallas in 2012. Hope you have fun though!
How do people pay to attend anyway? Does voc rehab pay or SSI checks?
It varies widely. I'd say most of us pay out of pocket. Some people get a free ride if they work for organizations that do work at the convention. All the students who attend the three NFB centers get to go for free, but they pay for food and other expenses. I also believe some other centers get to go such as the one in Baltimore and others I don't know about. The most expensive part for those of us who pay out of pocket is the room, unless you know people that are willing to room with you and split the cost.
I'm going next year, by then I'll be 21, and I wanna go for scotch with some, it'd be fun, lol! Really, I believe that there's lots of interesting information, I'll see you in 2014!
UnionGirl: I imagine they pay for the NFB conventions the same way people pay to attend any other convention you can think of: out of pocket, and, as some have said here, rooming with fellow participants to reduce costs. Why is it that you assume because people cannot process light that they are automatically entitled? Wouldn't you say it was sexist if people assumed all women who went to a woman's convention were gold-diggers, getting it paid for by a man? Or racist if you said that because a group of people all had more or less pigment in their skin they were automatically expressing an entitlement mentality? How about take a step back and realize just how absurd, preposterous and ridiculous this sounds? And get back to me with expressly how, in fact, one's ability to process light energy and one's entitlement status are related? Sounds like apples and oranges to me.
The last time I had this sort of debate was with a pair of skinheads who acclaimed because someone had more pigment in their skin they were automatically of an entitlement mentality. You and them are equals, equally making as little sense.
Seems to me this topic looks no different from any other convention topics on other forums for other interest groups.
No, because of the economy and the unemployment of most visually impaired/blind people, I was wondering how costs are afforded. Curiousity.
Just like anybody else is, really. Everyone is their own person, blind or not, and they are at different income levels.
Exactly. People pay either out of pocket, from scholarships they get from the organization, all the ways in which someone would pay to attend any other convention of any other group or organization. I don't see why the NFB or ACB conventions need be different. There are things you can do to cut down on the cost: room with more people, buy groceries to keep in the room instead of always eating at the hotel restaurants, etc. Same thing I hear sighted people doing at conventions they go to.
Had to chime in here on a topic posted back a ways on NFB not excepting people with high paying jobs. This is something I def feel is true. When I became a member last summer, they were stunned I think to find out that I don't have a fancy college education. Then when I became employed at NIB, that prob sent them over the moon haha. Let me say that though I hate sheltered workshops, I need to be employed to feed my family and keep a roof over our heads in this insane DC metro area. That being said, I know a lot of people who don't judge people with no college degrees that I've met in the chapter and some that even gently encouraged me to go back to school in a way that is making me really take a look at it.
I have a question. When the students who are at the NFB training centers during the summer get to go to the convention, do they have to walk around with blindfolds on while they're there? What about while they're at the airport, waiting for their flight? I can't imagine that airport security would allow anyone to go through whose face was obscured.
The students generally have 3 assignments to complete, and while they are doing these, they must use sleep shades.
Apart from this, the only requirement is that they must attend general session.
The Louisiana Center drove to the one in Dallas, and I believe they also drive together to the one in Orlando. As far as the other ones I'm not sure if they flew or drove.
Ah, ok. Fair enough. As paranoid as airport security is, it makes sense why they wouldn't put themselves through that to fly. not to mention it would be much cheaper to drive.
You don't travel to convention under sleep shades either.
You are only required to use sleep shades between 8 A.M to 12 P.M and from 1 P.M to 5 P.M on class days, and during some confidence building activities.., or assignments outside class time which require it...
glad this misconception/misunderstanding is cleared up.
I may or mayn't be going, I'm not sure though.
so since i am too damn lazzy to google the convention site, dates and such. will someone let me know when it willbe held. where? dates? prices for room. if you are looking for a roomate i might be able to go. please know i have a service dog. i dont smoke...cig's, but i do drink! if i attend it will be for the sole purpose of meeting up qwitjh those zoners who want to meet up! cheers, gizzy
I will not be going this year unfortunately
Here's what I found. Time's running out, and this is copied directly from the website.
When:
Monday, July 1—Saturday, July 6, 2013
Where:
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
Reservations: Call (800) 204-7234
Pre-registration:
Pre-registration for the 2013 NFB National Convention is now open. When purchased online by May 31st, the pre-registration fee for convention is $25 ($30 on-site) and the cost of a banquet ticket is $50 ($60 on-site).
To pre-register online, please visit www.nfb.org/registration.
To mail in your pre-registration, please download the pdf version and mail to us no later than May 31st.
Hotel Information and Room Rates:
The 2013 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in Orlando, Florida, July 1-6, at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. Make your room reservation as soon as possible with the Rosen Centre staff only. Call (800) 204-7234.
The 2013 room rates are singles, doubles, and twins, $79; and triples and quads, $85. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 13.5 percent. No charge will be made for children under seventeen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is requested. The hotel is accepting reservations now. A $90-per-room deposit is required to make a reservation. Fifty percent of the deposit will be refunded if notice is given to the hotel of a reservation cancellation before May 28, 2013. The other 50 percent is not refundable.
Rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made before June 1, 2013, assuming that rooms are still available. After that time the hotel will not hold our room block for the convention. In other words, you should get your reservation in soon.
Guest-room amenities include cable television; in-room safe; coffeemaker; hairdryer; and, for a fee, high-speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site spa. The Rosen Centre Hotel offers fine dining at Executive Chef Michael Rumplik’s award-winning Everglades Restaurant. In addition, there is an array of dining options from sushi to tapas to a 24-hour deli. The hotel has first-rate amenities and shuttle service to the Orlando airport.
Schedule:
Monday, July 1 Seminar Day
• Seminar for parents of blind children sponsored by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
• Access technology seminars sponsored by specialized vendors and experts in the field
• Orientation and Mobility Seminar sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board and the Institute on Blindness of Louisiana Technological University
Tuesday, July 2 Registration Day
• 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall open (9:00–11:00 a.m., open to sponsors only)
• 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Resolutions Committee
Wednesday, July 3 Board Meeting and Division Day
• 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. NFB Board of Directors Meeting
• 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Division and other meetings, concurrent sessions
Thursday, July 4 Opening Session
• 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. General Session begins, opening ceremony, and roll call of states
• 12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
• 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. General Session, Presidential Report, and guest speakers
• 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
• 8:00 p.m. Social activities and committee meetings
Friday, July 5 Business Session
• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. General Session
• 12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
• 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. General Session
• 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
Saturday, July 6 Banquet Day and Adjournment
• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. General Session
• 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. General Session
• 7:00 p.m. Banquet
That sucks. I will see plenty of friends who I went to the Louisiana Center who went with me. However most of the people who I want to meet from this site can't make it this year. I hope you can next year, because the year after that I probably won't go.
Well, now I'm not sure if I can make it because my whole roommate situation didn't work out. The one guy got a scholarship so I guess they pay for his room then. I couldn't get in touch with the other person for a while because I lost her phone number, so apparently while all of that was going on she decided to let another girl room with her, and the second girl is not comfortable rooming with a guy, even though we all know each other. I'm really not up for rushing around to try and find another roommate, but we'll see.
That's lame. I'm excited to be going again this year!!
I'm going!
This happens every year I'm not able to go. I look at the agenda, and am at first glad, because so much of it looks boring, or looks like the previous year's agenda. Seriously, I'm starting to wonder if they ever change things. But then I start reading the tweets and facebook statuses of friends who are going and who I haven't seen in who knows how long, and then I wish I was going too. Hope those of you who are have fun and a great week.