State Convention
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.
2024 National Federation of the Blind of Illinois State Convention
Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20, 2024
Thank you for attending our 2024 state convention. Please stay tuned for details regarding our 2025 state convention.
Register and make a difference in the lives of blind Illinoisans!
The 2024 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 mid to late September. 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 2024 and much more!
We are proud to announce that John Pare, executive director of Advocacy & Policy at the NFB Jernigan Institute, will be serving as national rep for this year's convention. Click here to read his bio.
Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2024 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, 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 2024 room rate is $140 a night for an executive king suite and $150 a night for a standard room with two queen beds. Hotel room rates includes state and local taxes. All taxes are subject to change without prior notice, and will be in effect at the time of check-out.
The Hotel will be releasing our block of rooms on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 5 PM so make your reservation quickly. 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 Marilyn Green at 312-343-8396. Marilyn usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the State Convention after Friday, September 27.
Convention Sponsors
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois is thankful to our 2024 state convention sponsors.
Gold Level Sponsors:
- Democracy Live
https://www.democracylive.com - Elburn Lions Club
https://elburnlions.com/lions-club - North Aurora Lions Club
https://www.northauroralions.org
Diamond Level Sponsor:
- Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/schaumburghoffmanil/contact.php
Registration
Registration for the 2024 state convention is now closed. If you did not pre-register by the deadline, you will need to register on location at the walk-up registration prices. If you have special dietary requests for any of the meals and have not yet informed Patti Chang yet, you have missed the deadline of September 26 and no requests will be accepted.
Click here to register for the 2024 NFB of Illinois State Convention!
All convention attendees who use the online registration form will benefit from lower registration and lower meal costs. It is to your advantage to prepay for both registration and meals since they will increase after October 4, 2024. Those with special dietary needs for any of the meals should contact Patti Chang, 773-307-6440 or pattischang@gmail.com, no later than September 26.
You can obtain assistance with online registration by calling Marilyn Green at 312-343-8396. You may pay for meals later, but please remember that each meal will cost you more if you do so.
Hotel Menus
We apologize in advance if any of the uploaded menus are not in an accessible format.
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.
National Rep Bio
John Pare
Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Mr. Paré is the executive director for Advocacy and Policy at the National Federation of the Blind. In this position he oversees the NFB-NEWSLINE® program, the largest electronic newspaper service in the world, the Independence Market, and the Federation’s Governmental Affairs office. He has testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee regarding library services for blind Americans. He was instrumental in the negotiations and passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act. He has appeared on CNN, Fox, BBC, and various radio programs to discuss issues affecting blind Americans. He has a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Florida in Gainesville.
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