Presidential suite

Another new experience available to conventioneers was the chance to share their thoughts on what the public should know about blindness and blind people as part of the Blind Unbound storytelling initiative that we have recently launched.

Special retro-style telephones in NFB orange, complete with a rotary dial, were set up in a meeting room and the presidential suite.

All participants had to do was pick up the phone, listen to the prompt from President Riccobono, and record their thoughts after the beep.

The collected recordings may be used later in a Blind Unbound exhibit or other item that will come from this storytelling project.

Those not attending seminars had their first opportunity to register for the convention if they had not already done so online, or to pick up their registration packets if they had.

All received a name badge, a banquet ticket if they had purchased one, and a wristband with Keep NFB Weird written on it in print and braille, a variation on the unofficial slogan of the city of Austin, Keep Austin Weird.

The Presidential Suite, which had first opened the previous afternoon, had its first full day of operation, giving attendees a chance to mix and mingle with President Riccobono, board members, other leaders, and members of their extended federation family.

Even participants in the convention virtual experience, who paid $10 for special online access, were able to visit virtually with the help of podcast co-host Melissa Riccobono.