Charting Our Course: Navigating Together Towards Success



Please check back here as additional information is added to fully prepare you for the NFB of Virginia State Convention. Alternatively, please consider signing up for the Virginia Announcement List to have updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Note: If using a screen reader, you may jump to major sections at heading level 2, or sub sections at heading level 3. You should be able to use the numbers 2 and 3 on the number row of your keyboard.



The Convention Agenda is Here!



A final draft of the agenda will be published by mid October to reflect our convention sponsors. A semi-final drafdt is available now to download!



Table of Contents





Thank You!



The Williamsburg Chapter has agreed to take on hosting responsibilities for State Convention. Please thank Chapter representatives for making 2023 the success we anticipate!

“We’d also love to express huge appreciation for this year’s VIP sponsors! Thank you to:



Convention Highlights



The clock is counting down to the largest gathering of blind and low vision people in the great commonwealth of Virginia!

Here is just a small sample of what you can expect:

Silver BELLS Reunion and Open House

You asked for it. Now, we’re making it happen. 120 alumni strong, and we’re bringing you all together in an unforgettable evening of celebration, fellowship, and empowerment the likes of which can only be conjured by the most distinguished group of seniors in the country.

Reconnect with your class, reengage with your instructors, and remember why you left our program feeling like the impossible suddenly seemed doable.

And if you’re here to learn how to join a future session, we can’t wait to tell you all about it and welcome you into the fold. There is truly no better way to jumpstart your convention experience!

Next Level Diversity

Who said diversity had to be just one more lecture about how to be inclusive? The DEI Committee enthusiastically welcomes you to an evening of dance, song, and storytelling. It’s an immersive time travel, from the colonial era through today, a reflection of diversity through the ages, and you won’t want to miss the colorful tapestry that makes our movement so vibrant. Don’t just talk about the differences that make us so dynamic. Experience it in this one of a kind kickoff to the best convention ever!

Southern Hospitality Done Right

The Williamsburg Chapter proudly extends a special invitation for you to join it for music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks at the best break from the hustle and bustle of this energetic convention agenda. The business of the organization isn’t just about speeches and seminars. It’s about mixing, mingling, and meeting your next best friend from a chapter across the state in a fun and relaxed environment. So stop in for a spell and get to know your affiliate community.

Follow Your Own Track to Success

This year, more than any other, the convention has been designed to deliver optimal results based on special interests. Parents, young children, young adults, working adults, and seniors will be able to follow a thread of activities tailored for their needs. From self defense demonstrations to leadership development, from scavenger hunts to legal workshops, from tactile art to interactive exhibits, you can mix and match to create the convention agenda that makes the most sense for your journey!

Catering to Our Sighted Loved Ones

The blindness movement is not just about blind and low vision members advocating for themselves. It’s about finding rhythm with our sighted companions, and this year’s convention features the perfect opportunity for bonding over shared concerns and an excellent reminder that you are most certainly not alone.

Step Back in Time to Colonial Williamsburg

Local tours used to be a feature of our national conventions. The Williamsburg Chapter, ever the ambitious host, decided they could match that amenity, and the result is two specially designed tours of the Governor’s Palace and the wider colonial village. Door to door service, affordable rates, and everything packed into a uniquely narrated journey sure to make for memorable moments accessible to everyone.

These are just a few teasers of what you can expect at our 65th convention. We didn’t even get into the indoor pool, fireside chats, and did we mention the warm chocolate chip cookies upon checking into your room? All of this, and so much more, at the get together of the year you can’t afford to miss!



Essential Details



The 65th State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia will be held Thursday, November 2 through Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the:





Our room block has sold out! Unfortunately you will no longer be able to obtain the convention rate, but you may be able to find rooms at normal rates. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 12% + $2.00 per night occupancy) in effect at time of check-out. Rates are based on single and/or double adult occupancy. Children under the age of 18 stay free in room with adults. A fee of $10.00 per person is imposed for each additional adult per room nightly. The group rate is valid 3 days before and 3 days after the meeting dates based on hotel availability.

For reservations, please call: 800-222-8733. You may also click here to reserve a room online.



Convention Registration



If you are joining us in Williamsburg, be prepared to complete the registration form in one sitting.  The website times out after 15 minutes, and you will lose all of your information.

When clicking on the registration form, the host Brown Paper Tickets has several paragraphs of information.  Do not click or open any of the information
in this section.  You do not have to select English as your preferred language. Arrow down until you hear “Please Note”, that is the start of our registration form. 
 
Please complete our in person registration form.

For participants tuning in virtually, please complete our virtual registration form. Please check the agenda when it becomes available for the schedule of sessions being made available through Zoom.

Are you experiencing issues registering? Please contact Jacki Bruce at (703) 493-1107 or via email at: jackibruce6@gmail.com.



Sponsorship Opportunities



The NFB of Virginia State Convention is the largest annual gathering of blind and low vision residents of the Virginia commonwealth. This presents a unique opportunity for companies, community services, and entrepreneurs to connect with parents, teachers, rehabilitation professionals, students, and a wide range of working adults with buying power.

Our sponsorship program offers you the flexibility to show your support of creating opportunities for blind and low vision residents at the level that makes the most sense for your marketing strategy. Learn more about sponsoring and exhibiting at our convention.



Transportation



Williamsburg, Virginia, is located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach on Interstate 64. From I-64, you may take exits 227 through 242 to reach different points of interest in the Historic Triangle.

Three airports are situated within a 45-mile drive of the Williamsburg area: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF); Norfolk International Airport (ORF); and Richmond International Airport (RIC).

The City of Williamsburg Transportation Center, located at 468 North Boundary Street in downtown Williamsburg, offers Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, and taxi services.

A Lyft or Uber trip between the transit center and the DoubleTree should cost between $13 and $18.

Are you traveling down from Northern Virginia? Check the special announcements for an important note on a chartered bus option.

Please check with your local chapter to see about carpools and other transportation options.



Kids Camp



Kids Camp is available to the children of registered convention attendees (ages infant through 5th grade) during 6 sessions of convention. These sessions are:

  • Session 1 Friday morning 8:45 am to 12:15 pm
  • Session 2 Friday afternoon 12:15 pm to 5:15 pm
  • Session 3 Friday evening 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Session 4 Saturday morning 8:45 am to 12:15 pm
  • Session 5 Saturday afternoon 12:15 pm to 5:15 pm
  • Session 6 Saturday evening 6:45 pm to hour after banquet adjournment

Snacks will be provided during Sessions 1, 2, 4 and 5. Even though Kids Camp will be open and fully staffed during lunch on Friday and Saturday, lunch will not be provided. Parents should either pick their child up for lunch at the end of Sessions 1 and 4 or provide a lunch for their child to eat in the Kids Camp room. Also, dinner will not be provided on Friday or Saturday evening. Parents should feed their child dinner prior to bringing them to Sessions 3 or 6. The cost of Kids Camp is $10 per child per session.

Please indicate the number of children per session on the Registration Form.

If you need more information, please contact Bob Meter at (850) 755-0181, or rcmeter@comcast.net.



Special Announcements



Following is a series of special announcements relevant to the convention program. For additional details, please connect with the listed point of contact or follow the links to the related page.

Bus Transportation From Northern Virginia

Simplify your state convention transportation and travel conveniently to the NFB of Virginia Convention.

The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV), Potomac Chapter, is providing bus transportation from Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William County,
and Fredericksburg to Williamsburg for our 2023NFBV state convention through a 54-passenger motorcoach.

The convention is scheduled from Thursday 11/2) through Sunday (11/5) at the DoubleTree Hotel, Williamsburg.

Many exciting program activities are planned for Thursday night through Sunday and the bus will allow you to participate in all events while departing
just after the convention concludes.

We are still working out the exact pick up and drop off locations but we didn’t want to delay in telling you so you can secure your seat.

On Thursday, November 2, we will be departing from locations in Northern Virginia in the early afternoon which will allow you to enjoy the dinner activities
and special early programming on Thursday night.

On Sunday, we will be departing around 1:00 PM to make it possible to return to Northern Virginia in the late afternoon.

. We will pick up passengers in Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William County and Fredericksburg. The cost is $50 one way and $100 round trip.

On Thursday, the bus will take us directly to the hotel and will pick us up on Sunday directly at the property, cutting out transportation costs to the
train or bus stations in Williamsburg.

We are conscious that Amtrak offers service to Williamsburg, but The Thursday afternoon train doesn’t reach Williamsburg until nearly 8:00 PM, which means you will likely miss most of our Thursday evening programming. Additionally, the Sunday afternoon train doesn’t depart for Northern Virginia until after
4:00 PM so you will be waiting around for the train and will not arrive in Northern Virginia until later Sunday night.
So, make your transportation simple and affordable by securing your seat today.
Note that once you have agreed to join us on the bus, you are making a commitment to pay the Potomac Chapter. Payment will be collected via cash, credit
card or check on the bus or advance payment can be arranged via the Potomac Chapter’s Zell account.
Our deadline for reservations is midnight October 12.
We expect that the bus may sell out so don’t delay, secure your seat today.
For further information and reservations contact me.
John Halverson
Jwh100@outlook.com
703-867-6400

Call for Volunteers

Interested in being a part of the convention operations team? There's always a role for you, whether it's as a team lead or as an assistant. We know you have a busy schedule, and any time you're willing to devote would be of immense help to us. There are also ways to help the affiliate year-round. Find out how to volunteer for us!

Door Prizes

Local chapters and state divisions are encouraged to submit financial contributions to the state treasurer for the purpose of door prizes. Please connect with Mark Roane for details. Door prizes that are not cash value should take the shape of electronic gift certificates that are not tied to specific local businesses. Where necessary, the door prize committee will ensure prizes are disseminated to winners no later than one week after the convention.

Winners will be drawn from the online in person and virtual registration lists.

To submit a door prize, or for further information, please contact Deborah Jackson of the Williamsburg Chapter: 757-947-6605, or via email at: fisayooke2003@yahoo.com.

Auctions

Jacki Brown from the Winchester Chapter will serve as this year’s auctioneer. For details on acceptable prizes and logistics, click here for all the auction details.

Stay Tuned for More Details Coming Soon!