The annual convention of the North Dakota Association of the Blind is held every June. Not only is this a time for members to gather and conduct business together, but it is also a time to share news, learn what local vendors and agencies have to offer, renew old friendships and make new ones. The convention is held at a different major city each year.
2022 Convention
See Blind Possible
June 10-12, 2022
Blind people do everything. We are educated, employed, and active. As your next door neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family, we put no limitations on our ability to do whatever we want. We write books, record music, run marathons, own businesses, and so much more. There is nothing that assistive technology and a good attitude cannot fix.
The Fargo Convention Planning Committee invites you to “See Blind Possible” at the 2022 convention of the North Dakota Association of the Blind on Friday, June 10th, through Sunday, June 12th.
The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Fargo SW, near Sanford Medical Center, at 4711 19th Ave. S., Fargo.
A block of rooms has been reserved at a rate of $89.00 plus tax per night for a standard king room, $99.00 plus tax for a king room with a sleeper sofa, and $109.00 plus tax per night for a double queen room. Deadline for room reservations is May 20. For reservations, call 701-356-3232 and ask for a room for the “North Dakota Association of the Blind Convention.” Each room has a refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and hair dryer. The hotel features a pool, water slide, hot tub, fitness center and a complimentary hot breakfast.
Directions to the Holiday Inn Express: Take Exit 348 on I-94 for 45th Street. Turn north on 45th street, then turn left onto 19th Avenue South. The hotel will be on the right.
The NDAB and hotel staff cannot be held responsible to administer medications or provide assistance with personal cares. If you need assistance, please plan to attend the convention with a family member or attendant. A limited number of volunteers will be available to initially help locate both meeting and hotel rooms and assist during scheduled coffee breaks.
If you are attending the convention for the first time and you choose to mark your registration form as such, your name will be included in a random drawing for one of two $250 stipends. Also, there will be a drawing for up to 10 members to receive $100 each. The stipends are to be used toward convention related travel and/or hotel expenses, and attendance is expected. To qualify for either drawing, your registration form must be marked as to your interest and returned by May 15th.
A vendor showcase will start the weekend activities off Friday afternoon.
This year, we will be changing things up by staying in-house for our Friday evening meal. This will give you time to get acquainted with the hotel, relax, and socialize after a day of travel. We will feast on a delicious BBQ dinner sponsored by the Horace Lions, enjoy each other’s company, and hear from our vendors.
Pack your dress clothes as we gather for a very special awards banquet Saturday evening. We will be highlighting some of our gifted members and how they “See Blind Possible!” The Dakota Medical Foundation will host us in their beautiful building at 4141 28th Ave. S., Fargo. Gateway Lions will provide transportation to the venue. Please make sure to mark your registration form if you need a ride to the banquet. We need an accurate count to ensure enough drivers. We will leave no one behind with your help!
After two years of not gathering in person, we are eager to gather once again and “See Blind Possible” together this June!
NDAB Convention Planning Committee
Remember
You must return your completed convention registration form and payment by May 15th. If you have questions, call Missy at 701-298-8091.
Follow this link to register online.
Provisional agenda
Friday, June 10th:
2 p.m. — Convention registration in the hotel lobby
3 p.m. — Vendor showcase
6 p.m. — Social and BBQ dinner
Saturday, June 11th:
8:30 a.m. — Business Meeting begins
11:45 a.m. — Lunch with the Legislators
1 p.m. — Meeting resumes
4 p.m. — Meeting adjourns
5 p.m. — Transportation from hotel to Dakota Medical Foundation for the banquet
5:30 p.m. — Social hour and banquet
Sunday, June 12th:
8 a.m. — Memorial service
9:15 a.m. — Business meeting resumes
12 p.m. — Convention adjourns
Coffee breaks will occur at regular intervals throughout the meeting.
Special Notice
ACB will be holding a portion of their conference and convention in person this year at the Omaha Hilton and Convention Center Omaha, Nebraska from July 1st through 8th. Please see acb.org for more information. Each year NDAB makes ten $300 stipends available to those attending the national convention. If you would like to be considered, make a letter of request, email, or phone our treasurer no later than June 10th for consideration. The Board will make final decisions at NDAB’s post-convention Board meeting.
Past Conventions
- 2021 – Online. Theme: “Get ‘er Done in 2021 – with Kindness.” Announcement, Minutes.
- 2020 – Convention Canceled.
- 2019 – Minot Theme: “Imagine the possibilities.” Announcement, Minutes.
- 2018 – Bismarck. Theme: “Oh the places you will go.” Announcement, Minutes.
- 2017 – Devils Lake. Theme: “Spice up your life.” Announcement, Minutes.
- 2016 – Williston. Theme: “Welcome Home.” Announcement, Minutes.