State Convention

The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa 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.

2024 National Federation of the Blind of Iowa State Convention

Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20, 2024

Thank you for attending our 2024 state convention. Please stay tune for details regarding our 2025 state convention.

The 2024 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa will be held at
Holiday Inn and Suites Des Moines Northwest
4800 Merle Hay Road
Urbandale, IA 50322

Please note that portions of the convention will be recorded for archival purposes on our 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, deafblind, and parents’ concerns, meet the scholarship class of 2024 and much more!

We are proud to announce that Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, will be serving as our national rep for this year's convention. Click here to read President Riccobono's bio.

Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2022 state convention of the NFB of Iowa. Get Involved. Make a Difference! Please share with others, everyone is welcome!

Room Reservations

The Holiday Inn and Suites Des Moines Northwest is now accepting room reservations for the state convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please dial 515-727-0401 and state that you are attending the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa state convention. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. The 2024 room rates are $98 a night for king and double queen rooms, and $140 a night for suites. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes, which at present is 12% and will be in effect at the time of check-out. In addition, each room is subject to a 25% hold for incidentals that will be removed at the time of checkout in most instances.

For those considering arriving early, there is a limited number of available guest rooms as another group will be occupying most of the hotel on Thursday, October 17. Don’t hesitate, please make your room reservations as soon as possible. Our block of rooms are available until Thursday, September 26, and any remaining rooms will become available to the general public. You will need a credit card to secure your reservation, There will be no charge to your card until you arrive at the hotel. In addition, there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms and if needed, make it known when you are making your room reservation.

Note: if you can not attend and you have made hotel reservations, don’t call the hotel to cancel. Please call Scott Van Gorp at 515-720-5282. Scott usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the state convention after Thursday, September 26.

Agendas

Please note that the agenda is subject to change due to last minute changes during the convention.

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.

Additional Information

Additional information will be posted as soon as it becomes available. Please check back often.

If you have questions and need additional information, please contact one of the following:

Cindy Ray, Convention Chair
Phone: 515-334-7231
Email: cindyray@gmail.com

Helen Mejia, NFB of Iowa President
Phone: 570-983-7867
Email: hmejia@nfbi.org

State Convention

State Convention

2024 National Federation of the Blind of Iowa State Convention

Room Reservations

Registration

Agendas

Code of Conduct

Additional Information

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