by Carla Ruschival
The 47th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind will be held July 5-12, 2008, at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville, Ky.
The Galt House is actually two hotels in one. The Galt House West offers luxurious guest rooms, restaurants with lots of delicious dishes (be sure to try some Derby pie), and a number of meeting rooms. The east side has hundreds of one-bedroom suites, more break-outs, the main ballroom and exhibit hall. The two towers are joined on the third floor by a pedway.
It's not too early to make reservations for the convention. However, please do not make reservations just in case you plan to attend. This can prevent others who really want to attend from obtaining the nights they want, and causes innumerable problems for ACB and conventioners.
Room rates are $85/night for standard guest rooms on the west side, $105/night for standard suites on the east side. Rates are for single/double occupancy plus tax; add $10 for each additional person in a room (limit four people per room). Call (502) 589-5200 for reservations.
The ACB convention committee and the local host committee are in the starting gate and ready to begin the race. Between now and July, we'll be planning and coordinating all kinds of informative and fun activities; there's guaranteed to be something for everyone, young and not-so-young alike, at the 2008 ACB convention. By the time you read this article, the convention committee will have held its fall meeting in Louisville, and plans will be well under way for the basic structure of convention week.
Here is some basic contact information for individuals who can answer those frequently asked questions at this time:
Exhibits: Michael Smitherman, (601) 968-4164; [email protected]
Hotel, special-interest groups and special events: Carla Ruschival, (502) 897-1472; [email protected]
Sponsors and Advertising: Brenda Dillon, (615) 874-1223; [email protected]
Youth Activity Center: Patti Cox, (502) 893-1750; [email protected]
Watch future issues of "The Braille Forum" for additional contact information, details about workshops, seminars, exhibits, and tours, and information about local attractions and fun.
We're off to the races!