by Janet Dickelman
In 2020 we held our first virtual convention; in 2022 the American Council of the Blind conference and convention is going hybrid. You might ask (as I have), “What does that mean?” So I looked up the word “hybrid” in the Webster’s English Dictionary on my computer and realized how quickly things have changed.
“Hybrid (noun)
- an animal or plant that is produced from two animals or plants of different kinds -
a hybrid of two roses
- something that is formed by combining two or more things - “The band plays a hybrid of jazz and rock.”
This year ACB will take those roses, or since we are in Nebraska those in-person and virtual goldenrod flowers, and meld them into our 61st annual, first-ever hybrid convention. So how does that impact convention attendees?
The in-person experience will remain the same. You can visit the exhibit hall, go on tours, and attend all the sessions, seminars and workshops.
The Hybrid Experience
Enjoy audio-described tours on our virtual tour channel.
Listen to recorded sessions provided by our exhibitors; join them on interviews on ACB’s Main Menu, attend a special Zoom session prior to the convention, hear live interviews from the exhibit hall, and leave a message for your favorite exhibitor on our special vendor phone line.
ACB general sessions, primetime evening events, and a number of sessions from ACB committees, special-interest affiliates, and our business partners will be available via Zoom and streamed via ACB Media.
Virtual Only
For our 2022 conference, we plan to extend the life of the convention.
Our auction will kick off the convention followed by three days of our special-interest affiliates, ACB committees and business partners convention sessions via Zoom. These sessions will also be streamed on ACB Media. Affiliate business meetings, along with the ACB presidents’ and committee chairs’ meetings will be held virtually prior to or after the conclusion of the in-person convention.
So, whether you are going to participate in the convention through a visit to Omaha or will attend while listening from your home or office, the 2022 ACB convention will be one to remember!
Once again this year, the conference and 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 2021 convention, you do not need to subscribe to the list.
Reservation Details
To make reservations online, go to https://book.passkey.com/event/50221160/owner/22518/home. When asked to select guest type on the main screen, select attendee. For those who wish to call in and make their reservation, call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) and reference the name of the group block, American Council of the Blind. The group code is ACB.
Room rates at the Hilton are $96 (single or double occupancy) with an additional $10 per person for up to four people per room. Room tax is currently 18.16%. One night’s stay will be charged to your credit card when you book your reservation.
Convention Contacts
2022 exhibit information: Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740, [email protected]
2022 advertising and sponsorships: Anthony Stephens, (202)559-2045, [email protected]
For any other convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via email, [email protected].