by Carla Ruschival
Before one convention draws to a close, ACB members begin looking forward to next year. Everyone wants to know "What are the dates?" and "How do I make reservations?" and "What are the room rates?"
But before we move on to 2008, let's take a quick look back at Minneapolis and recognize the ACB of Minnesota, ACBM president Janet Dickelman and local host committee chair Ken Rodgers, and the entire local host committee for a job well done. Thanks to every member of ACBM for extending to us such a warm welcome. This committee was exceptional; its members were truly outstanding in their hard work, their warmth and hospitality. You were wonderful, Minnesota, and you have given us so many great memories that can never be duplicated.
The huge jigsaw puzzle we call an ACB convention served up its usual diet of informative speakers, educational workshops and seminars, and fun-filled socials and tours. The exhibit area was brimming with new technology, services and products; the Youth Activity Center brought new surprises each day for the under-18s; and an expanded Recreation Zone filled the early evening hours with activities for all ages.
Planning all of these activities and attending to the details and preparations is a year-round job. A huge thanks to the members of the ACB Convention Committee: Jerry Annunzio, facilities and audiovisual; Margarine Beaman, volunteers; Berl Colley, tours; Patti Cox, Youth Activity Center; Brenda Dillon, sponsorships; Sharon Lovering, Communications Center; Pam Shaw, Information Desk; Mike Smitherman, exhibits; and Lane Waters, registration. Thanks also to Chrissie Cochrane and Marlaina Lieberg for coordinating ACB Radio; to Mike Duke and Jay Doudna for their untiring assistance with audiovisual; and to the ACB Minneapolis office staff (Quan Cu, Le Chi Tran, and Elaine Vining) for their untiring assistance at registration. Thanks to Anna Olsen, June Horst, Bruce Radtke, Alison Smitherman and the many, many other volunteers, without whom the convention week could not have been a success.
Finally, in my capacity as events coordinator, I want to let all of the special-interest groups, ACB committees, and others who sponsored events and held meetings during the 2007 convention know how much I appreciate their hard work, advance planning, and attention to detail.
And now we turn our attention to Louisville, home of world-famous Churchill Downs and the American Printing House for the Blind. Convention dates are July 5-12, with the first tours being on Friday, July 4. We are returning to the Galt House, located on the banks of the Ohio River and site of the 1980 and 2000 ACB conventions. Rates are $85 single/double for rooms on the west side, and $105 single/double for suites (one bedroom with a small parlor) on the east side. Add $10 for each additional person in a room (limit four people to a room); rates do not include tax.
You may now make individual reservations, but we ask that you only reserve a room IF you truly have plans to attend. The practice of reserving rooms just in case you decide to spend a week with ACB causes problems such as those experienced by many of you in obtaining rooms in Jacksonville and Minneapolis, and can result in unnecessary costs to both you and ACB.
To make individual reservations at the Galt House, call (502) 589-5200. To begin planning for convention events or reserve meeting rooms, please contact Carla Ruschival by phone at (502) 897-1472 or by e-mail at [email protected].