Annual Convention Arrangements

November 11-13, 2011
HOST SITE
Holiday Inn Austin
6000 Middle Fiskville Road
Austin, TX 78752
Reservation Line: (512) 451-5757 or (888) 300-6273
Reference the National Federation of the Blind of Texas Conference to receive the convention rate of $75.00 per night, plus 15% state and local tax.

Our room block will be released October 25, 2011, so act now to ensure you receive this rate.

REGISTRATION

Everyone is encouraged to pre-register online at: www.nfbtx.org. We appreciate electronic submissions, and they are most accessible to our membership. Pre-registration fees are reduced; currently it is $15 to register for the convention, and $25 for a banquet ticket. Payment for pre-registration can be collected electronically through PayPal by credit card entry via the checkout system off our website, or by a mailed check dated no later than November 4, 2011. Pre-registration will close one week before the convention.

One can also register at the convention, although prices will be $20 for registration and $30 for the banquet.
In order to receive the convention rates for the hotel, you must register with the convention. Convention registration will be open at the following times:
Friday, November 11 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12 from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Participants who pre-register can pick up convention materials at the registration station in the meeting room area. We will strictly adhere to the schedule in order for registration volunteers to attend all meetings on time.

Registering for the convention automatically enters you in to the door prize drawing that occurs throughout our general sessions. Registering with the convention also gives you access to our upcoming events, projects, and initiatives. All registered members have a vote in our elections.
The registration area will also serve as a general convention information center. You can access print and Braille agendas, get basic directions, and a restaurant guide.

DOOR PRIZES

Heather Stivers will be serving as Door Prize chairperson. Those of you who have door prizes to turn into Heather should do so at your earliest opportunity. All prizes must be turned into the convention registration station no later than 8:30 a.m. November 12, 2011, and should be labeled in print and Braille.
In order to win a door prize, you must be registered with the convention and be present in the room when your name is called during the general sessions of the convention.

HOSPITALITY

Friday, November 11: 5:00-6:45 p.m.
NFB of Texas Hospitality-- Light appetizers and cash bar in the Elm Room for all convention attendees.

EXHIBITORS

Friday, November 11
1:00-10:00 p.m.
The NFB of Texas will host an exhibit hall this year. Come experience the latest adaptive technology, purchase independent living aids, and access an array of information related to blindness. The exhibitors will also have a chance to display their products and information during lunch on Saturday.

OUTLINE OF EVENTS

Friday, November 11, 2011

DIVISION DAY7:00-10:00 p.m.

Come find your place in the organization by joining one of our special-interest divisions. The Texas Association of Blind Students (TABS), the Texas Parents of Blind Children, and the NFB of Texas guide dog users currently are established divisions, or committees, of our state affiliate. But this year we are excited to institute a Technology Round Table, Blind Seniors division, and Diabetic Action Network. Our Resolutions Committee will also meet during this busy evening.
Many of these business meetings and breakout sessions can use your participation and fresh perspective as we strive to change what it means to be blind. Refer to the final agenda for specific meeting locations.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

GENERAL SESSION

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The morning session generally consists of a welcome from members of the federation leadership, and introduction to the 2011 scholarship class, NFB program participants, an update from the Division for Blind Services, as well as the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, and a report from our national representative about our national movement.

12:00-1:45 p.m.

Lunch, exhibits, and special meetings.

2:00-5:00 p.m.

The afternoon session features a word from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, federation panel discussions, a presentation from the executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission, and chapter and division updates.
Refer to the final agenda for specifics.

7:00-11:00 p.m. Banquet and Social

You must purchase a ticket to dine at the banquet. Please specify whether you would prefer a vegetarian option upon your purchase.
Immediately after the banquet, the NFB of Texas invites all conventioneers to celebrate at our Social. A cash bar and live music will be available.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

BUSINESS SESSION

9:00-11:30 a.m.

The Business Session generally consists of elections, reports from the secretary and treasurer, the adoption of resolutions, and final committee updates. We encourage all to attend and recognize the leadership and hard work our organization achieves at the culmination of this exciting convention.

Attention,

Please visit the website (http://www.nfbtx.org/) for more convention details. A final agenda will be posted and circulated by November 1, 2011. We are working hard to confirm presentations, panels, and other information. Email the Austin Chapter if you have any specific concerns.
[email protected]