Convention

2023 National Federation of the Blind of Illinois State Convention

Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 15, 2023

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois State Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing each year’s organizational priorities.

Register and make a difference in the lives of blind Illinoisans!

The 2023 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois will be held at:
Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel
1801 N. Naper Blvd.
Naperville, Illinois 60563

Please note that we will be live streaming portions of the convention that will be recorded for archival purposes on the website.

Note: The agenda will be finalized, distributed, and posted on the state website in late September or early October. Yes, the agenda will be available on NEWSLINE® too!

Here is your chance to participate and learn more about the NFB’s programs and goals on the state and national level. Hear from the NFB national representative. Also, hear from speakers on topics of national and state importance, membership, seniors, technology, Braille, students, guide dog users, merchants, and parents’ concerns, meet the scholarship class of 2023 and much more!

We are proud to announce that Kevan Worley from the Colorado affiliate and the National Association of Blind Merchants will be serving as our national rep this year.

Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2023 state convention of the NFB of Illinois. Get Involved. Make a Difference! Please share with others, everyone is welcome!

Room Reservations

The Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel is now accepting room reservations for the state convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please dial 630-505-4900 and state that you are attending the NFB of Illinois state convention. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The 2023 room rate is $129/night for King rooms and $139/night for Queen rooms. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes, which at present is 7.75% and will be in effect at the time of check-out.

Our room block is available until Thursday, September 21. Please make your reservations early. You need a credit card to secure your reservation, but your card will not be charged until arrival.

Note: if you can not attend and you have made hotel reservations, don’t call the hotel to cancel. Please call Marilyn Green at 312-343-8396. Marilyn usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the state convention after Thursday, September 21.

Agenda

Hotel Menus

Code of Conduct

As an attendee at our convention, you not only represent yourself but also represent our greater organization. We want you to enjoy our time together and to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides a valuable opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on local and national levels, and to plan our work for the future.

The National Federation of the Blind seeks to provide a convention environment in which diverse participants, including members, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers, may learn, network, and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues in an environment of mutual respect and professionalism. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are therefore specifically prohibited:

  • harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, physical appearance, or other group identity
  • harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact
  • public drunkenness and associated behaviors (e.g., belligerence, yelling, hostility, destruction of property)

Participants are expected to abide by these rules and behaviors in all convention venues, including online arenas, social media, and social events. Participants who are asked to stop a behavior that the recipient considers hostile or harassing are expected to comply immediately. We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas. Please visit https://nfb.org/code-conduct for more information.

Materials from Past Conventions

Please visit our Past Conventions page to access audio highlights and literature from previous state conventions.

Additional Information

If you have questions and need additional information, please contact:
Marilyn Green, President
5128 N. Oak Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60656
Phone: 312-343-8396
Email: president@nfbofillinois.org