by Janet Dickelman
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as the 2015 conference and convention coordinator for the American Council of the Blind.
The Sheraton Dallas, home to ACB in 2015, was a phenomenal venue. The staff was so welcoming and helpful. Everyone, from housekeeping and restaurant staff to the hotel general manager Mark Sanders, got involved assisting attendees find meeting rooms, elevators and restaurants. If you attended the GDUI luncheon, the fantastic woman who collected tickets and money was our convention services person Ann Renneker. Jenny Smith from sales wants to take vacation next year and volunteer in Minneapolis!
Deb, Heather and Cheryl of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau worked tirelessly to prepare the city of Dallas for our arrival, conducting training with the airports, local police, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and so much more to insure that convention attendees had a great experience in Dallas.
I certainly can’t coordinate this convention without the help of my convention family, the convention committee. Margarine Beaman worked her magic to make sure our accessibility needs were met and that everyone had a good experience at the airports and with the shuttle. Sally Benjamin had a great group of volunteers, which we certainly kept busy! Michael Smitherman made sure the exhibit hall and Marketplace ran smoothly from start to finish. Vicky Prahin was a great source of convention information and a huge help formatting restaurant menus prior to the convention. Lane and the registration staff made a huge endeavor look easy! Once again Michael Fulghum organized some outstanding tours. It is with much sadness that I announce he has resigned as tour coordinator due to work and family considerations. Our Dallas host committee really went the extra mile; with all the items they obtained for the goody bags and the great Texas-sized welcome party, they showed us all that everything is indeed bigger in Texas!
Now it is on to Minneapolis in 2016! Our conference and convention home will be the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Convention dates are Friday, July 1st through Saturday, July 9th. Room rates at the Hyatt will be $89 plus tax. Stay tuned for reservation details.
Staying in Touch
If you were subscribed to the convention announce list in 2015, you will automatically receive 2016 convention updates. If you were not on the list, send a blank e-mail to [email protected]. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at [email protected], or by phone, (651) 428-5059.