by Janet Dickelman
The 2019 ACB conference and convention in Rochester, N.Y. was a resounding success! The staffs at the convention center, the Hyatt and Riverside were very helpful and friendly. We had wonderful volunteers. I’d especially like to thank JW for sending us volunteers from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) for sending a number of their staff.
The host committee, chaired by Lori Scharff, did a great job obtaining entertainment, clergy, local exhibitors, items for registration bags, and whatever else was asked of them. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the convention committee: Margarine, Sally, Danielle, Rick, Michael, Rhonda and Vicky. You handle your duties independently and efficiently; you make my life so much easier.
A huge thank you to the Minneapolis staff, Nancy, Nancy Christine, Nicole and Lane. As always, you were extremely helpful performing many convention-related tasks. To those of you who participated in the convention, either in person or via ACB Radio, thank you for your support and feedback.
Looking Ahead to 2020
Next year’s convention will be held in Schaumburg, Ill., at the Renaissance Hotel, from Friday, July 3rd through Friday, July 10th. The opening general session will be Saturday evening, July 4th. Daily general sessions will be held Sunday through Wednesday mornings, and our final general session will be Thursday, July 9th.
The exhibit hall will be open Saturday, July 4th through Wednesday, July 8th. We will have all-day tours on Friday, July 3rd and Friday, July 10th, with many other tours throughout the convention (specific tours have not yet been determined). Special-interest affiliates, ACB committees and our business partners will hold sessions Saturday, July 4th through Wednesday, July 8th. Our banquet will be held Thursday evening, July 9th.
Hotel details and information about traveling to Schaumburg will be provided in my next article.
Staying in Touch
If you received updates for the 2019 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the convention announce list. If you have not been on the convention announce list, send a blank email to [email protected].
Convention Contacts
2020 exhibit information: Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740, [email protected]
2020 advertising and sponsorships: Margarine Beaman, (512) 921-1625, [email protected]
For any other convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman at (651) 428-5059 or via email, [email protected].
Hope to see you in Schaumburg!