NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1998

Are you ready! As Federationists know, our 1997 convention in New Orleans was the biggest we have ever had; however, Texas in 1998 promises to be even better, and with your help, even bigger.

We will return to the Dallas-Fort Worth Hyatt Regency, where we met in 1990 and again in 1993. NFB of Texas president Tommy Craig promises that 1990 and 1993 were merely openers for the 1998 extravaganza.

As usual, our hotel rates are the envy of all who know about them. For the 1998 convention they are: Singles, $41; doubles and twins, $43; triples, $45; and quads, $47. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, of 12 percent. There will be no charge for children in the room with parents, as long as no extra bed is requested. For 1998 NFB convention reservations, you should contact directly: Hyatt-Regency DFW, PO Box 619014, International Parkway, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Texas 75261; telephone: (972) 453-1234. HYATT HAS A NATIONAL TOLL-FREE NUMBER, BUT DO NOT (WE EMPHASIZE NOT) USE IT. RESERVATIONS MADE THROUGH THIS NATIONAL NUMBER WILL NOT BE VALID. THEY MUST BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL. The hotel will want a deposit of $50 or a credit card number.

The Hyatt Regency DFW is actually located on the property of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and the airport "people-mover" train makes a stop at the hotel. The facility's 1,300 rooms are divided between two towers connected by a quarter-mile-long corridor. Many of us found that walking between the two towers provided welcome exercise, but if walking is a problem, go to the desk, and you will be taken to the other tower by van.

There are four excellent restaurants within the hotel: Il Nonno's, an Italian trattoria, which specializes in northern Italian cuisine and has servers who sing to diners; Sullivan O'Shaughnessy's, and two other fine restaurants, Papayas and Mr. G's. In addition, the S.O.S. Bar in the West Tower serves sandwiches and a limited menu.

NFB convention time always includes many tours, and this year will be no different. Tours are being set up now. For specific information, see your convention agenda.

The 1998 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be truly memorable—make plans now to be a part of it, July 4 to 10. Hotel reservations should be made early! Remember that several of the seminars, as well as other workshops and meetings, will be conducted on Saturday, July 4. Formal convention registration will begin on Sunday, and both Sunday and Monday will be filled with meetings of divisions and committees, including the Monday morning annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which is open to all. General convention sessions begin on Tuesday and continue through Friday afternoon. The annual banquet will take place Thursday evening, July 9.

Our Diabetes Action Network will have two seminars of its own. The first will be on Sunday, July 5, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Our speaker will be an exercise physiologist, who will discuss diabetes and exercise. On Monday, July 6, we will have our second seminar, starting at 6:30 p.m. Our keynote speaker will be a physician, who will discuss kidney transplantation. Both seminars are free and open to the public. The location for the Sunday seminar will be posted in the pre-convention agenda, available in the hotel lobby. Location for our Monday seminar and business meeting will be in the regular agenda, available at registration. Come join us!

The exhibit hall filled with displays of new technology; the meetings of groups, committees, and divisions; the hospitality and renewed friendships; the solid program items; and the general excitement of being where the action is and where the decisions are being mademmn—all these join together to call the blind of the nation back to the Dallasn-Fort Worth Hyatt Regency Hotel in 1998. Come and be part of it. Hotel reservations are now being accepted.