It's down to the wire! We're almost there! Minneapolis, here we come!
The hotels are packed to overflowing, pre-registration is in full swing, the program's at the printer's, and everyone's gearing up for a fabulous convention in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.
Here are a few last-minute details that you might find helpful as you get ready to spend a week with ACB.
TAXI: Thanks to the hard work of Ken Rodgers and the local host committee, we do not anticipate any problems with taxi service in Minneapolis.
Several of you have asked about fares from the train and bus stations. The Greyhound station is just a few blocks from the hotel, and taxi fare should be $5 to $10. The Amtrak station is in St. Paul, so fare will be about $25.
Remember also that the taxi from the airport is approximately $27 plus tip; shuttle is $15 one-way per person, or $26 round trip.
CONVENTION INFORMATION: Keep up with all the latest changes and program add-ons both before and during the convention. Visit the Convention Updates page on the ACB web site (www.acb.org/convention), or subscribe to our brand-new ACB Convention e-mail list by sending a blank message to [email protected]; be sure to reply to the confirmation message.
The new list will carry all the handouts, such as the restaurant list, the list of exhibitors, delegate lists, proposed constitution and bylaws amendments, etc. Best of all, it will carry the daily convention newspaper. Even if you aren't in Minneapolis, you can be right up-to-date on what's happening. A huge thanks to Lisa Salinger for this great idea!
You say you can't do e-mail while you are in Minneapolis, but you'll have your notetaker along? No problem! Stop by the Information Desk each morning with your SD card, compact flash card, thumb drive, etc. and we'll download copies of the hand-outs from our computer.
MALL OF AMERICA COUPON BOOKS: The Mall of America has generously provided giant coupon books for every convention attendee who registers. They contain 200-plus coupons worth over $1,500. Braille, large print and electronic summaries of the books will be available at the Information Desk and on the acbconvention e-mail list.
CANE CAPERS: Many of you have requested an orientation to the hotels for cane users, similar to that provided by GDUI for guide dog users. Don't miss Cane Capers, offered on Saturday afternoon, June 30. Watch the Updates page and e-mail list for more details.
NEW FACE FOR FIRST-TIMERS' MEETING: Whether you are a first-timer or someone who just wants a quick overview of what's happening, you will enjoy the Keys to the Convention. Unlock a week of information and fun; sessions on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1.
THE DETAILS: Convention dates are June 30 through July 7, with pre-convention tours on June 29. The lead hotel is the Hyatt Regency, 1300 Nicollet Mall; rates are $81 single/double, $91 triple/quad; 1-800-233-1234. The Millennium, 1313 Nicollet Mall, is also an official convention hotel ($84 single/double, $94 triple/quad; 1-800-522-8856). Rates are quoted per night, and do not include tax.
Both hotels have been full for some time. If you do not have a reservation and wish to attend the convention, call Carla Ruschival at (502) 897-1472 for information on room availability.
We'll see you in Minneapolis!