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. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing each year's organizational priorities.
Although the convention is open to all, our constitution states that only members of the NFB have the right to participate in decision making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, join the NFB today.
2020 Dates
Tuesday, July 14 through Saturday, July 18, 2020
2020 Location
Considering the ongoing impact and wide-ranging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 National Convention will be held virtually for the first time.
Join us as we celebrate NFB’s eightieth anniversary and expand our circle of participation, connecting blind Americans from coast to coast for what we expect to be the largest gathering of blind people in history.
*The 2020 National Convention was originally scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
How to Participate
The agenda for the 2020 National Convention will feature most of the elements our members know and love, with some new twists. There will be multiple ways to participate in and interact with all convention events, from video conferencing to phone access. Plus, as local conditions permit, NFB affiliates will organize in-person gatherings in conjunction with sessions being held at the national level to enhance the convention experience.
Registration
Members are requested and non-members are invited to register at no cost in order to get access to exclusive offers, convention announcements, door prizes, and other exciting content.
Register online today for the 2020 National Convention.
Registration will close Monday, June 15, so please register before then.
*Operating the national convention virtually still costs money. While registration is free, we welcome and encourage donations to support our ongoing work to protect the rights of all blind Americans.
*If you previously registered for the 2020 National Convention, either online or through the mail, you will be contacted about your registration fees and banquet ticket purchases.
*If you wish to mail in your registration, please use this accessible PDF registration form.
Schedule
The schedule for the 2020 National Convention is as follows. A more detailed agenda will be available soon.
- Tuesday, July 14: Seminars
- Wednesday, July 15: Board Meeting and Resolutions Day
- Thursday, July 16: Division Day and Opening Ceremonies
- Friday, July 17: Presidential Report, General Sessions, and Affiliate Caucus
- Saturday, July 18: Business Meeting, Resolutions, and Banquet
Hotel Reservations
*If you booked a hotel room in Houston, Texas for the convention, a full refund will be issued, so please do not call the hotel to cancel at this time. Both the Hilton and Marriott reservations staff are working to cancel reservations and providing full refunds to the credit card used to secure the room. Because both hotels are working reduced hours with limited staff, it may take up to two weeks for your refund to be issued. If you have not seen a credit to your account by May 8, please send an email to Susan Skaarer at sskaarer@nfb.org with your confirmation number so we can confirm the cancellation of your reservation with the hotel. For those of you who may have made a separate reservation for additional rooms/nights before or after the convention, you will need to contact the central reservations line at 800-236-2905.
More Information
- Sponsors of the 2020 National Convention
- Give $20 Campaign
- Convention Memory Minute Contest
- First timer's guide
- Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities
- Past conventions
More details regarding the new, interactive agenda and other special announcements will be available in the coming months. For more information, please contact us at 410-659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org.