by Janet Dickelman
It's a new year, and it's time to do some serious planning for our 2014 conference and convention ACB - the Real Deal in Las Vegas, Nev.
Think of all the deals, not just in the casino but in the exhibit hall and in all the information you can gather in one place from all the seminars, workshops and our general sessions. ACB's 53rd annual conference and convention will be one of the best ever. Don't miss out on this incredible week of special activities, information, exhibits, fun and friendship. Make plans now to be at the Riviera Hotel and Casino July 11-19.
Career Development
Often people ask if there are activities that can help them in their careers. They want to know about information available on important issues, and how they can learn more about new adaptive technology. Here's a sampling of these outstanding opportunities; share them with your employer and explore the possibility of using at least part of your time in Las Vegas as professional development. Perhaps your employer will even assist with part of your expenses or give you a few days of professional development time.
Exhibits
Compare and contrast the latest products for blind and visually impaired people. Discover which video magnifier, scanner, braille display, notetaker or speech program best meets your needs or the needs of your students or clients. Examine an endless variety of products for work, school and daily living. Collect materials to take home to others in your office or organization. You will want to spend hours and hours browsing the exhibit hall; it opens on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. and closes on Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m.
Workshops and Focus Groups
Every conference and convention features unique opportunities to learn new skills, as well as tips and techniques on a wide range of topics. Seminars on diabetes, employment issues, rehabilitation, transportation and access to off-the-shelf technology are some examples. Get instruction and tips on items such as i-devices, screen readers, braille notetakers, low vision products, and much more.
Programs and Discussions
Learn about audio description by attending ACB film night.
ACB general sessions (Sunday evening, Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-noon, and all day Friday) address education, rehabilitation, employment, access, health-related issues and much more. The presentation by a talking book narrator and update on library services are always popular.
There are many other opportunities for career development at the 2014 ACB conference and convention. Please come and join us!
Reservation Details
Room rates at the Riviera are $87 (single and double) plus $10 per additional guest. Room taxes are currently 12 percent. Make telephone reservations by calling 1-800-634-6753 or online by visiting the ACB web site at www.acb.org and following the 2014 conference and convention link.
Convention Contacts
Stay in touch by joining the ACB convention e-mail list. Send a blank e-mail to [email protected].
2014 Exhibit Information
Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740, [email protected]
2014 Advertising and Sponsorships
Margarine Beaman, (512) 921-1625, [email protected]
For any other convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059, or e-mail [email protected].