Convention Bulletin 1999

It is time to plan for the 1999 convention of the National
Federation of the Blind. Last year's convention in Dallas was
one of the best we have ever experienced--a great hotel staff, a
truly impressive program and exhibits, and fellowship of the
highest order. The year before, 1997, we set an attendance
record in New Orleans. Atlanta in 1999, however, promises to
bring not only a bigger and better program but also likely a
record attendance, as we gather to celebrate the life and work
of Dr. Jernigan and to continue our march to equal opportunity
and full participation through the movement he loved and led.

We will meet at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, a
truly beautiful and spacious world-class hotel. Rooms have been
reserved for us at both the Marquis and the Atlanta Hilton and
Towers, a short walk away. The Marquis, with its 120,000 square
feet of meeting space and over 1,600 guest rooms, will be
perfect for our convention. The Hilton and Towers has over 1,200
elegantly furnished guest rooms and a number of special guest
services.

Once again, our hotel rates at the Marquis are the envy of all.
For the 1999 convention they are singles, $57; doubles and
twins, $59; triples, $61; and quads, $63. In addition to the
room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 14 percent.
There will be no charge for children in the room with parents as
long as no extra bed is requested.

For 1999 convention room reservations you should write directly
to Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303, or call (404) 521-0000. Marriott 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 $60 or a credit card number. If a credit card
is used, the deposit will be charged against your card
immediately, just as would be the case with a $60 check. If a
reservation is canceled prior to June 4, 1999, $30 of the $60
deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be made.

The Marquis is a beautiful, fifty-story atrium hotel with a
panoramic view of this bustling city in the heart of the New
South. It is twelve miles north of the Atlanta-Hartsfield
International Airport. Those driving to the convention will find
the hotel conveniently located off of Interstate 85, by taking
Exit 96, International Boulevard, turning left onto
International Boulevard, going to Peachtree Center Avenue, and
turning right. The hotel is on the right in the second block.
There are three excellent restaurants in the Marquis: Allie's
American Grille, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Atrium
Express, open for breakfast and lunch; and Marquis Steakhouse,
open for dinner only. Champions Sports Bar is open until 2:00
a.m. and serves lunch and dinner. The hotel features indoor and
outdoor pools, a solarium, a health club, whirlpool, and sauna.
Rooms provide voice mail, telephone data ports, and
complimentary in-room coffee.

The Hilton and Towers combines a convenient location right
across the street from the Marquis with superb accommodations
and amenities. Rooms are newly renovated, spacious, and
luxurious, with rich cherry furnishings and a warm atmosphere.

Since both hotels are in the heart of downtown Atlanta,
Federationists attending the convention will have access to a
wealth of restaurants, shops, and other attractions like Martin
Luther King Center (1.5 miles), Underground Atlanta (0.8 mile),
and World of Coca-Cola (0.8 mile). See later issues of the
Monitor for information on tours and other outings into the
Greater Atlanta area.

The 1999 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will
be a truly exciting and memorable event, with a program
unparalleled, an exciting city to explore, and a rededication to
the goals and work of our movement. Make plans now to be a part
of it. The schedule this year is a little different from the one
to which we are accustomed. Pre-convention seminars for parents
of blind children and other groups and set-up of the exhibit
hall will take place on Wednesday, June 30, and adjournment will
be Tuesday, July 6, at 5:00 p.m. To assure a room in one of the
convention hotels at convention rates, you must make
reservations early. Convention registration will begin on
Thursday, July 1, and both Thursday and Friday will be filled
with meetings of divisions and committees, including the Friday
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 Saturday and continue through the
afternoon of Tuesday, July 6. The annual banquet will take place
on Monday evening, July 5.

Remember that as usual we need door prizes from state
affiliates, local chapters, and individuals. Once again, prizes
should be small in size but large in value. Cash, of course, is
always appropriate and welcome. As a general rule we ask that
prizes of any variety have a value of at least $25. Drawings
will occur steadily throughout the convention sessions, and you
can anticipate a grand prize of truly impressive proportions to
be drawn at the banquet. You may bring door prizes with you or
send them ahead of time to Roger Womble, 3966 Wildwood Lake
Drive, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30331-4361.

The best collection of exhibits, featuring new technology;

meetings of our special interest groups, committees, and
divisions;

memorable tours arranged by the host Georgia affiliate; famous

Southern hospitality; the most stimulating and provocative
program

items of any meeting of the blind in the world; the chance to
renew

friendships in our Federation family; and the unparalleled

opportunity to be where the real action is and where decisions
are

being made--all of these mean you will not want to miss being a

part of the 1999 National Convention. Hotel reservations are now

being accepted. Make yours right away, and we'll see you in

Atlanta in 1999!

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