08/03/2026
Is it too soon to start thinking about plans to attend the next National Federation of the Blind national convention? Now is the time to get organized!!! Early preparation makes attending much less stressful and allows you to focus on learning, networking, and enjoying your time with Federation family.
Check this website for more details and dates of upcoming planned conventions:
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention
Since this guide can be used during the upcoming year and in the years to come, please save this in your records.
Attending the National Federation of the Blind National Convention is an exciting and life-changing experience. Thousands of blind people, families, professionals, and advocates gather each year for education, fellowship, advocacy, and the opportunity to be part of the largest gathering of blind people in the world.
Because the convention is a large event that requires travel and advance planning, attendees should begin preparing well before the convention dates. Scholarships and financial assistance programs can provide valuable support, but attendees should understand that they may still need to plan for additional expenses.
Consider starting your planning and saving efforts up to a year in advance. Create a convention savings plan that allows you to set aside money regularly rather than trying to cover all expenses at the last minute.
Keep track of important dates and deadlines, including:
Convention registration opening and deadlines.
Hotel reservation opening dates and cancelation policies.
First-timers Scholarship application deadlines.
Travel arrangements.
The convention hotel reservation system often opens early in the calendar year, so begin watching for announcements in January.
Understand the Full Cost of Attending
Before committing to attend, make a realistic estimate of the total cost. Expenses may include:
Transportation.
Consider all options for getting to and from the convention:
Air travel.
Train travel.
Bus transportation.
Traveling with another attendee who is going in a car. (fuel and other cost associated with traveling by vehicle)
Also consider transportation expenses once you arrive:
Transportation from the airport, train station, or bus station to the hotel.
Transportation to off-site activities.
Rideshare services or taxis.
Public transportation, if available.
If you use paratransit locally, consider looking into if your service can be transferred to the convention location.
Hotel Expenses.
The hotel is often one of the largest expenses associated with attending convention.
Ways to reduce costs include:
Reserving your room as soon as the convention hotel block opens so you can take advantage of the special convention room rate.
Sharing a room with others
When choosing roommates, communicate clearly ahead of time about expectations regarding:
Sleeping schedules.
Personal space.
Sharing food.
Bathroom routines.
Noise levels.
Arrival and departure plans.
Other topics such as who is paying for the room and what is an agreeable method of reimbursing, etc.
Consider using the app, Splitwise for easily dividing up shared costs.
Remember that when checking into the hotel, you will generally need a credit card for the hotel to authorize charges for your stay, taxes, fees, and possible incidental expenses.
When a hotel says there will be incidental charges on the room for each day you are staying, this is typically a temporary hold in case you have unexpected room charges. This amount will be available if not used in the coming days after check-out.
Using a debit card can sometimes result in more funds being placed on hold than expected depending on the hotel’s policies. Plan accordingly so you still have access to money you may need during your trip.
Remember to register for convention and purchase your banquet ticket before the deadline. You can register at the door, but the cost goes up. Also, registering in advance helps keep you in the communication loop and gives you early access to the agenda and event app.
Food and Snacks.
Food costs can add up quickly during convention.
Consider planning ahead by:
Bringing snacks from home.
Ordering groceries after arriving at the hotel.
Bringing items that can substitute for some restaurant meals.
Before purchasing groceries or bringing food that requires preparation, check whether your hotel room will have:
A refrigerator.
A microwave.
Other needed amenities, for example, think utensils, plates, etc.
Many attendees find that having snacks and simple food options available makes the week easier and more affordable.
Cash and Small Expenses.
While many expenses can be paid electronically, it is helpful to have some cash available.
During convention, you may encounter situations where tipping is appropriate, including:
Hotel staff.
Transportation providers.
Airport assistance personnel.
People helping with luggage.
Cash can also be useful when visiting state affiliate fundraising tables. Many affiliates sell small items, and purchasing directly supports their fundraising efforts. Some vendors may prefer or only accept cash.
Additional Activities and Expenses.
The convention experience often includes more than the official agenda. Consider budgeting for optional activities such as:
Tours.
Social gatherings.
Meals with friends.
Fundraising events such as the Talent Showcase and the Attorney’s Mock Trial.
Local attractions.
Merchandise purchases.
Books, technology items, or other products from exhibitors.
It is easy to become excited by the many opportunities available, so having a spending plan ahead of time can help you enjoy these experiences without financial stress.
Accessibility and Personal Preparation.
Think about what will make your experience successful.
Consider:
Bringing necessary medications and personal supplies.
Packing comfortable shoes.
Bringing chargers and backup charging options for technology.
Labeling luggage and personal items.
Take a photo of luggage, especially any checked bags.
Get air-tags or other similar locating devices to keep in your luggage
Having emergency contact information available.
Bringing any mobility tools or equipment you use.
If you use technology such as a smartphone, or other accessibility tools, make sure everything is updated and working before you leave.
Connecting Before You Arrive.
Convention can feel overwhelming, particularly for a first-time attendee because of the size of the event. Connecting with others before arrival can make the experience much easier.
Consider:
Joining communication groups for attendees.
Connecting with your state affiliate members.
Asking experienced attendees for advice.
Finding someone who can help you navigate your first convention.
Do not hesitate to ask questions. Every experienced convention attendee was once a first-time attendee.
Make the Most of Your Convention Experience.
The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is about much more than meetings. It is an opportunity to:
Learn from others.
Meet blind people from other places.
Discover resources and technology.
Participate in advocacy.
Build friendships.
Level up your confidence.
Experience the strength and diversity of the organized blind movement.
Attend as many sessions as you can, but also allow yourself time to meet people and enjoy the experience.
Come prepared, stay flexible, ask questions, and remember that the goal is not just to attend convention, it is to become part of a larger community.
National Convention The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. Although the convention is open to all, our constitution states that only me...
