General Information
This year’s convention takes place in two parts: the virtual week runs from June 23 through June 30, and the hybrid (in-person and virtual) week runs from July 3 through July 11. To ensure you receive all the important updates from ACB, subscribe to the ACB Convention Information email list by sending a blank email to: acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org.
Registration for the 2025 ACB Conference and Convention will open on Thursday, May 15, and close on Tuesday, June 17. The cost is $55 for ACB members and $70 for non-members, whether attending virtually or in person. If you’re interested in participating in any tours, it’s highly recommended that you register as soon as possible, as tours tend to sell out early. Registration includes access to all convention sessions that do not require a separate ticket, as well as entry to the exhibit hall (for in-person attendees).
If you’re planning to attend in person, you can now make your hotel reservations. The in-person portion of the convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency, located at 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. Room rates are as follows: $99.00 per night (single or double occupancy) $124.00 (triple occupancy), $149.00 (quadruple occupancy), plus tax, which is currently 17.2%.To make reservations online, visit: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWRD/G-AMCB](https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWRD/G-AMCB)
To book by phone, call (214) 651–1234 and use group code G-AMCB. If asked, provide the address listed above. The cut-off date to make hotel reservations is Monday, June 9.
Flying into Dallas? Margarine Beaman and her team of volunteers can assist you upon arrival and departure whether you’re flying into Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) or Love Field (DAL). To request assistance, email Margarine with the subject line “Airline Information” at oleo501625@outlook.com, or call her at (512) 921–1625. Be sure to include the following details: your name, arrival date and time arrival airport, airline and flight number, city of origin (including connecting flights), cell phone number, and departure date, time, airport, and airline.
For additional questions about the ACB Conference and Convention, feel free to contact Janet Dickelman, ACB Convention Coordinator, at janet.dickelman@gmail.com or (651) 428–5059.
ACB Next Generation Sponsored Convention Events
Virtual Week
Food For Thought
Thursday, June 26 from 5:30PM to 6:45PM
What role does food play in your life? Do you view it as a way to fuel your body, experience pleasure, or manage your blood sugar levels? ACB Next Generation, in collaboration with ACB’s Mental Health and Wellness Committee and ACB Diabetics in Action, presents an opportunity for individuals to gain insight from three unique perspectives on relationships with food. Amanda Selm will discuss how she has adopted healthy habits and continues to reap benefits. Patricia Maddix will share how she successfully manages her relationship with food while living with Diabetes. Lastly, Pam Shaw will talk about her emotionally driven relationship with food. Together, let’s nourish our minds and explore the profound connection between food and our thoughts.
NextGen VS Boomers Battle of the Ages
Friday, June 27 from 5:30PM to 6:45PM
It’s the Generational Showdown of the year! Prepare for trivia questions that bridge the age gap.Prepare to be challenged and even learn a thing or two. This event is sponsored by the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss and ACB Next Generation. Non-members welcome.
Leadership Linkup (Virtual Only)
Saturday, June 28 from 11:30AM to 12:45PM
Step into the
Leadership Arena and network with leaders of the American Council of the Blind. This is your opportunity to connect directly with the heart of ACB leadership. You’ll be paired with an emerging leader and move through fast-paced and meaningful conversations with dynamic ACB leaders all in one Zoom event. This is an invitation only event, and signing up ahead of time is required as space is limited. Zoom details will be shared with confirmed participants prior to the event. This event is sponsored by ACB Next Generation and ACB’s Berl Colley Leadership Institute.
Together We Thrive Families Embracing Vision Challenged Members
Saturday, June 28 from 1:00PM to 2:15PM
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt program that highlights the power of family resilience, and support in the face of vision-related challenges. This session feature the unique journeys of three families who have navigated life with vision loss and emerged stronger together. The Carpenter Family will share how they rally around their mom and wife, offering steadfast support and love through every challenge. The Nipper Family will explore a mother’s role in empowering her daughter’s independence, leadership aspirations, and personal growth. The Allen Family will discuss how they balance life with two daughters, challenging preconceptions, fostering advocacy skills and navigating their community with strength and grace. Each story reflects a different perspective, but all speak to the importance of family, understanding and perseverance. This event is especially for families of individuals experiencing vision loss and anyone seeking encouragement, connection, and hope. This session is sponsored by ACB Next Generation.
Hybrid Week
Leadership Linkup (In Person Only)
Step into the
Leadership Arena and network with leaders of the American Council of the Blind. This is your opportunity to connect directly with the heart of ACB leadership. You will be paired with an emerging leader and move through fast-paced and meaningful conversations with dynamic ACB leaders all in one room. This is an invitation only event, and signing up ahead is required as space is limited. Location details will be shared with confirmed participants prior to the event. This session is sponsored by ACB Next Generation and ACB’s Berl Colley Leadership Institute.
Saturday Night Shindig
Saturday, July 5 from
10:30PM to 11:45PM
Join ACB Students and ACB Next Generation as we celebrate our return to the annual Convention! Bring your families, friends, foes, and random strangers to meet and greet new and old acquaintances.
RSVA/IVIE Networking Event
Sunday, July 6 from 1:00PM to 2:15PM
Discover the World of Entrepreneurship!
Join us as dynamic entrepreneurs share their journeys, including opportunities within the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Hear firsthand how they chose the path of entrepreneurship and what drives their success.
Presenters:
Kevin Fortune, Owner The fortune Agency, CEO National BVI Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, OH; Hayley Agers, DoTERRA Wellness Advocate, Marysville, WA; Ardis Bazyn, Bazyn Communications, Thornton, CO; Linda Allison, President Tennessee Council of the Blind and Tennessee vendor, Knoxville, TN; Conrad Bennett, Lots of Smiles, Romney, WV
Co-sponsored by RSVA, IVIE, ACB Next Generation, the ACB Employment Committee, and the Rehabilitation Issues Task Force.
Discovering the Five Love Languages Connecting Through Care
Sunday, July 6 from 5:30PM to 6:45PM
Did you know that everyone has a Love Language, the way they best give and receive love? Whether in friendships, family, professional or personal relationships understanding the Five Love Languages can transform how we connect with those around us. Join us for an engaging and interactive event where we’ll explore the Five Love Languages: Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Gifts. We’ll break down what each Love Language means, how they show up in daily life, and how simply learning someone’s Love Language can help you build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Plus, hear from individuals who will share how their Love Languages help to shape the way they connect with others.
The ABC’s of Advocacy
Monday, July 7 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM
Join us for an interactive session exploring the fundamental principles of advocacy, what it is, why it matters, and how you can make an impact. Whether it’s at the local, state, or national level, advocacy is a powerful tool for driving change. Through interactive discussions, small group collaborations, and role playing exercises, you’ll gain practical strategies and confidence to amplify your voice. This event is proudly sponsored by the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and ACB Next Generation.
The following sessions are not a part of ACB’s Convention Program but are sponsored by ACB Next Generation
Breakfast With Champions
Saturday, July 5th from 6:30AM to 8:45AM
Get your convention experience off to a great start. Join ACB Next Generation as we meet and greet with four Board Members of the American Council of the Blind, Ray Campbell, Cecily Laney Nipper, Kenneth Semien Sr., and Koni Sims. Let’s break bread, bond with each other, and share our burning questions and aspirations with these amazing ACB leaders. This event will take place onsite at the Hyatt Regency. Signing up in advance will be required. Please watch our email list and social media for more details as we get closer to the event.
Annual NextGen Framily Dinner
Monday, July 7th from 4:15PM to 7:00PM
A favorite tradition returns as we visit the diverse city of Dallas. Each year, we select a local restaurant to hold our NextGen Framily dinner. This year’s location has not yet been decided. Please watch our email list and social media for more details. Signing up in advance will be required.
Convention After Hours Socials
Sunday, July 6th – Thursday, July 10
beginning at 8:00PM Central.
Zoom Socials – Sunday, July 6th, Tuesday, July 8th, and Thursday July 10
We are bringing some of our favorite Game On with NextGen events to the Convention. Join us for Allstars Sports Trivia, Don’t Get Me Started, and Name That Tune Music Trivia.
Clubhouse Socials – Monday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 9th
Unwind and relax with friends after enjoying a full day of Convention goodness. Join us on Clubhouse and meet and mingle with new friends and reconnect those you have heard from in a while!**