by Janet Dickelman
The theme for the 2025 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention is “Big Dreams, Bold Ideas!” It was developed by the Convention Steering Committee. Thanks to all of you who took the time to submit themes. There were some great ones, but the committee felt this best reflected ACB and Texas.
We are thrilled to once again partner with the Blinded Veterans Association. What does this mean to convention attendees? Our exhibit hall will feature all your favorite exhibitors along with new vendors who attend BVA’s convention. ACB members will be able to attend sessions hosted by BVA, and we will share volunteer resources. This is a great opportunity for both groups to get to know each other and work together!
Virtual Convention Dates
The following is a list of events that will be held virtually prior to the in-person portion of the convention. All times listed are Central time.
Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m.: Candidates’ Forum
Saturday, June 21, you won’t want to miss our hugely popular virtual summer auction, proceeded by two days of appetizer auction!
Monday, June 23
7 p.m.: Call to order, reading of standing rules, first credentials report, and other ACB business.
8:30 p.m.: Nominating Committee meeting (room will open at 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26th at 7 p.m., resolutions will be read and discussed. On Friday, June 27th we will discuss constitution and bylaws changes. Voting on resolutions and constitutions and bylaws will be held on Monday, June 30.
Wednesday, June 25
10 a.m.-noon: Exhibitor open house
Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29:
Virtual-only programming, including affiliate business meetings, ACB committee, special-interest affiliate and business partner sessions
In-Person Convention Information
Committees, special-interest affiliates and business partners may hold events in Dallas Friday, July 4 through Wednesday, July 11. We will have two hybrid rooms, offer two Zoom-only sessions, and provide space for other sessions that are in-person only. In-person-only sessions (excluding mixers and other purely social events) can be recorded by ACB and will be available as podcasts, but they will not have Zoom capability.
General Sessions
This year, opening general session will be held on Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, July 7 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. there will be two breakout sessions. We don’t know the topics yet, so stay tuned!
Daily general sessions will be held Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our banquet will be held Thursday evening.
Exhibit Hall
Based on recommendations from our 2024 convention survey and reaching out to our exhibitors, this year the exhibit hall will open on Sunday, July 7 to allow exhibitors to travel to Dallas. Exhibit hall hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Touring Dallas: Our first tours will be on Friday, July 4th and final tours on Friday, July 11th. For a listing of tours, visit the January ACB Braille Forum.
Hotel Details
Room rates at the Hyatt are $99 per night (single or double occupancy), $124 (triple occupancy) and $149 (quadruple occupancy) plus, tax, which is currently 17.2%. To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWRD/G-AMCB.
If you prefer to make reservations by phone call (214) 651-1234, and use group code G-AMCB. The Hyatt is located at 300 Reunion Blvd. The cutoff date to make reservations is Monday, June 9, so don’t delay, make your reservations today!
Staying in Touch
The 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 2024 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe.
For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059 or via e-mail, [email protected].