State Convention
The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts 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.
National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts 2026 State Convention
Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026
Thank you for attending our 2025 state convention! Please stay tuned for details regarding our 2026 state convention.
The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts invites members, families, professionals, community partners, and supporters to attend the 2026 State Convention. This annual gathering provides an important opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives of the organized blind movement, gain practical information related to blindness skills and technology, and participate in discussions that shape the future of our work in Massachusetts.
The convention will feature presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and affiliate activities designed to strengthen local chapters and empower blind individuals statewide. Portions of the event will be live streamed and recorded for archival access on the state website, ensuring information remains available to all.
The full agenda will be finalized and posted on the state website in early to mid March and will also be available on NEWSLINE®.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will hear from the NFB national representative and speakers addressing a broad range of topics of state and national importance, including advocacy, accessibility, membership, seniors, technology, Braille literacy, guide dog use, student issues, and matters affecting parents of blind children. The convention will also highlight the 2026 scholarship class and recognize outstanding contributions within the affiliate.
We are proud to announce that Tom Page, president of the Kansas affiliate and national board member, will serve as the national rep for this year's state convention. Click here to read Tom Page's bio.
Click here to jump to the Sheraton Springfield Hotel orientation section of this page.
Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2026 State Convention of the NFB of Massachusetts. This annual gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow Federationists, learn from engaging speakers, and contribute to the shared work that strengthens our movement. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, share the information widely, and participate in our ongoing commitment to transforming dreams into reality as we work to raise expectations for blind Massachusettsans. Guided by the belief that we care, we share, we grow, we make a difference, your presence and participation truly matter. We invite you to extend this opportunity to friends, family, and community members—everyone is welcome!
Location
Crowne Plaza Boston - Woburn
15 Middlesex Canal Park Rd.
Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
The 2026 State Convention will take place at the Crowne Plaza Boston–Woburn, a modern, accessible hotel conveniently located off Interstate 93. Its proximity to Boston, Cambridge, Route 128, and major public transportation corridors makes it an ideal location for attendees traveling from across Massachusetts and surrounding states.
The hotel features accessible entrances, elevators, and public areas that support independent participation by blind and low-vision guests. Its interior layout is straightforward, and staff are available to provide assistance as needed. Accessible guest rooms are available upon request, and the convention meeting spaces comfortably accommodate mobility devices, guide dogs, and participants requiring various accessibility accommodations.
The property offers complimentary parking, including accessible spaces near the main entrance. The area is surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and services, ensuring convenient access to meals and supplies throughout the weekend.
Room Reservations
The Crowne Plaza Boston - Woburn is now accepting reservations for the 2026 State Convention. Because rooms within the convention block fill quickly, attendees are encouraged to reserve as early as possible to ensure availability and receive the discounted rate.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations may be made by phone or online according to your preference.
To reserve by phone, call 781-935-8760 and request the NFBMA 2026 State Convention group rate. Although the reservation line is available at all hours, calling during Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. often provides quicker assistance, especially for guests with accessibility or room-specific needs.
To reserve online, use the official booking link. The link automatically applies the convention rate and connects you to the designated room block.
Important note for students:
Any students attending the state convention are to contact Shara Winton at 617-600-8130 to make their room reservations and should not contact the hotel directly. Shara will assist students with securing the appropriate accommodations and ensuring their reservations are handled correctly for the convention.
Room Rates and Amenities
The rate for 2026 is $139 a night for up to four occupants in a room per night before taxes and fees . This is for rooms with two queen beds or rooms with 1 King. This includes standard hotel amenities. All taxes and fees are subject to change without prior notice, and will be calculated and applied at check-out. Guests with accessibility needs or guide dogs should mention this when reserving.
Reservation Deadline
The room block is available through Monday, February 24. After this date, rooms are released to the general public and the discounted rate may not be available. A credit card is required to hold the reservation but will not be charged until arrival.
Important Cancellation Instructions
If you need to cancel your reservation, please do not contact the hotel directly. Instead, call Shara Winton at 617-600-8130. Shara manages all reservation changes related to the convention and maintains a waiting list of individuals who often decide to attend after the February 24 cutoff date. By cancelling through Shara, your room can be reassigned to another attendee within the convention block, ensuring that the affiliate makes full use of its reserved rooms and meets its contractual obligations with the hotel. This process also helps other Federation members secure accommodations when rooms at the discounted rate may no longer be available.
Getting to the Hotel
The Crowne Plaza Boston–Woburn is easily accessible for attendees traveling from across Massachusetts and New England. The hotel is located just off Interstate 93 at Exit 36 and is minutes from Interstate 95/Route 128, making it convenient for drivers arriving from Boston, the North Shore, the Merrimack Valley, and surrounding regions.
For those flying into Logan International Airport (BOS), the hotel is about 20–30 minutes away under normal traffic conditions. Logan offers multiple transportation options, including shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and rental cars. Travelers may also use Logan Express to reach North Station or Woburn’s Anderson Regional Transportation Center.
Public transportation is another convenient option. The MBTA Commuter Rail Lowell Line stops at Anderson/Woburn Station, a major transit hub. From the train or bus station, attendees can take a short taxi or rideshare trip to the hotel. For those traveling within the Commonwealth, numerous trains and buses operate from locations throughout Massachusetts with connections to Woburn and the surrounding area.
For GPS users, entering the hotel’s address—15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn, MA 01801—will provide accurate directions. Complimentary onsite parking is available, including accessible spaces near the entrance, with clearly marked pick-up and drop-off areas.
If you need assistance planning the best travel route, please contact Mika Pyyhkala at 617-308-1114. Mika can help determine the most efficient and accessible way to reach the hotel based on your starting point and preferred mode of travel.
Registration
Registration for the 2025 NFB of Massachusetts State Convention is now open!
The entire registration will cover all meals on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday including the Banquet.
The full convention registration package is $100.00 per person until March 5th, after which the fee will increase to $120.00 per person. Registration for Saturday only day pass including lunch is $30.00 per person until March 5th, after which the fee will increase to $35.00 per person. Registration for Saturday only day pass with lunch and banquet included is $80.00 per person until March 5th, after which the fee will increase to $85.00 per person.
Click here to register for the convention.
Agenda
Please note that the agenda is subject to change during the convention.
- 2025 NFBMA State Convention Agenda (HTML)
- 2025 NFBMA State Convention Agenda (Word Document)
- 2025 NFBMA State Convention Agenda (PDF)
- 2025 NFBMA State Convention Agenda (BRF)
NFB Donation Drive
Want to win either $400 or have your 2026 State Convention hotel and meals covered? Here's your chance!
The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts is hosting the 2025 NFBMA Convention donation drive. For each $20 donation, you will get one chance in the Convention drawing. For example, if you donate $100, you will get five chances.
The winner will have their choice of either $400 or their 2026 state convention hotel (two nights) and State Convention registration covered by the affiliate. The drawing will take place at the NFBMA banquet on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The winner does not have to be present.
The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The rules for the drawing are as follows:
- For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.
- The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the convention drawing.
- Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions, convention registration donations, walk donations, or end-of-year sharing contributions.
- Donations must be received on or before 3PM on March 15, 2025. During the convention, you will need to make any Cash donations to Jeff Wilson .
Whichever way you choose to make your donation, be sure to note that is for the “Convention Donation drive.” Individuals may make donations using PayPal, using Zelle with the email address of treasurer@nfbma.org, making cash donation during Friday and Saturday of this years convention, or by mailing checks to:
National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts
Shara Winton
29 Ellsworth Terrace
Lynn, MA 01904
If you are sending a check, it must be received by Saturday, March 15 to be entered in the drawing. If making donations via PayPal or Zelle, please send the receipt or proof of the payment to Jeff Wilson at jeff@wilsonsolutions.biz. Good Luck!!!
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 convention details—including the finalized agenda, registration information, and any new announcements—will be posted as they become available, and attendees are encouraged to check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information. For questions or assistance regarding the state convention, please contact us at 617-600-8130 or sharawinton@gmail.com.