by Cynthia Towers, Convention Coordinator
This week, I'm celebrating spring break from the 140 middle schoolers I teach math to on a daily basis. It is hard to believe that, when school resumes on April 14th, there will be just one quarter to go before school ends and our convention gets under way. I'm in a perpetual balancing act that I have grown accustomed to over the past couple of years. So take a trip with me as I talk about the upcoming convention in math terms.
Subtraction: All the rooms at the Westin have been subtracted from our assigned block. Now you'll need to call the Hilton at (412) 391-4600. The Hilton is approximately 10 blocks from the Westin and convention center, and shuttles will run between the hotel and the center on a continual basis. The Westin at (412) 281- 3700 is not keeping a waiting list, so you will need to keep checking with them to see if there is any space available.
Rates: The room rate at the Westin is $85 and the Hilton is $79 per night. Please remember that hotel and city taxes are added onto the rate, bringing each night's stay closer to $100 per night.
Coordinates: Most convention events will be held at the convention center. ACB has very little contracted space at the Westin. And that's a good thing, since meetings held there would be at considerable cost to ACB or to those holding tickets. The convention center has even donated meeting space, something not often done. So, set your location for meetings at the convention center on the second floor and the exhibits on the first.
Addition: As of the end of April the ballroom and additional meeting rooms are scheduled for completion. Site selection and contracts coordinator Carla Ruschival and I will be traveling to Pittsburgh to take a look at the finished product and finalize the placement of meetings, breakfasts and other activities as well as get a notion as to how the skywalk enters into the center.
Base: The local Pittsburgh Golden Triangle Chapter has been instrumental in fulfilling their responsibilities. They are planning an awesome Welcome to Pennsylvania Party on Saturday, July 5th, are setting up the various religious services as well as entertainment and daily invocation speakers, compiling restaurant lists and other needed information. I would like to say a huge thank you to Gene Barton, host committee chair, and company for all the work they have done thus far and for all the tireless hours they will be putting in during convention week.
Estimation and Exact: From the airport to either hotel by cab is about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and will cost about $35. Express Shuttle USA leaves the airport every 60 minutes. It runs from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The cost is $16 one-way and $30 round trip. The airport shuttle leaves the Westin from 6:05 a.m. to 9:05 p.m., Sunday through Friday and from 6:05 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. on Saturday. From the Hilton you can get to the airport from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 6:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. If you need further information, give them a call at (800) 991-9890. Margarine Beaman, volunteer coordinator, has been working with the airport to have volunteers on hand on the peak travel days. She tells me that some volunteers will even be allowed at the gates!!
Factors: Some new factors to consider this year are the book signing for the ACB History, which is expected to take place at a gala on Wednesday evening, and there will be some exciting breakouts on Thursday following a short general session. Also factor in a trip to the Pittsburgh v. Houston baseball game, a visit to the Carnegie Science Center and an evening of My Fair Lady and you have the formula for a great convention.
Possible and Probable: It is the goal of the convention committee, whether you are a novice or a veteran attendee, to make the Pittsburgh convention a positive, informative, fun and fulfilling experience. ACB is the best organization for blind and visually impaired people to belong to. From the opening session to the banquet and beyond, ACB is the organization that is making things happen -- we are indeed determining our future. I look forward to seeing you all in just a few short weeks from now.
I hope you enjoyed this quick refresher course in middle-school math and look forward to counting many of you present as the convention opens on Sunday, July 6, in Pittsburgh.