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 2025 State Convention
Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16, 2025
Theme: Learn, Live, Lead
Register and make a difference in the lives of blind Massachusettsans!
The 2025 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts will be held at:
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel
One Monarch Place
Springfield, MA 01144
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 February. 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, and parents’ concerns, meet the scholarship class of 2025 and much more!
We are proud to announce that Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, will serve as the national rep for this year's state convention. Click here to read Mark Riccobono's bio.
Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2025 State Convention of the NFB of Massachusetts. Get involved. Make a difference! Please share with others, everyone is welcome!
Room Reservations
The Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel is now accepting room reservations for the State Convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, dial 413-781-1010 and state that you are attending the NFB of Massachusetts convention. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The 2025 room rate 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. All taxes and fees 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 Wednesday, February 5, 2025 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 Shara Winton at 617-304-0347. Shara usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the state convention after Wednesday, February 5. If you are a student attending the convention, please contact Shara to make your room reservation.
Registration
Registration for the 2024 NFB of Massachusetts State Convention is now open!
The entire registration will cover Friday dinner, breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and the Banquet dinner on Saturday Evening. For the banquet there are three delicious options to choose from - seasoned vegetable risotto, steak tips, or stuffed shrimp. Salad and clam chowder and dessert are also included, as well as coffee and tea. There will also be a cash bar for your convenience.
The convention registration package, including Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast, Sunday breakfast and banquet tickets is $100.00. Register by March 5th to take advantage of the Early-bird package for $90.00. Registration for Saturday only including banquet is $75.00 until March 5 , after which the fee will increase to $85.00. Registration for a day pass without meals on Friday or Saturday is $20 until March 5 , after which the fee will increase to $30.00.
Click here to register for the convention.
Agenda
Please note that the agenda is subject to change 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. Check back often. For more information, please contact us at 617-600-8130 or sharawinton@gmail.com.