Now is the time to make plans to join other blind and visually impaired friends celebrating, “We are Community”. This exciting event will take place October 24th through 26th, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport, hosted by Pierce County Association of the Blind.
Convention OVERVIEW
Convention begins on Thursday afternoon with registration pickup for those who preregistered, as well as our Welcom Lounge where folks can gather to peruse the program, ask questions, meet others, and possibly find a partner for dinner. In the evening the preconvention board meeting will be held followed by meetings of the Constitution and Bylaws and Resolutions committees; all are welcome. Throughout Friday, conventioneers will have many options including: an incredible exhibit hall, presentations and breakout sessions focusing on technology, fashion, personal care, advocacy, hobbies, and much, much more. During our Awards Luncheon we will not only present internal awards, but we’ll also hold a Chapter Roundup where we’ll hear what’s happening around our state. In the evening folks can choose to either perform or be entertained at our annual Showcase of Talent, and we’ll have a gaming room open in the afternoon and evening. Saturday morning continues with more sessions including an informative report from the American Council of the Blind, sharing from three people who are blind on their journey to employment, a look at the many ways to read books, and reports from our state agencies serving the blind. Saturday afternoon is an opportunity for the WCB membership to set the course for the next year through election of officers and directors, consideration and possible passing of resolutions and constitutional amendments, passing a budget, and other important business. Saturday is also when Guide Dog Users of Washington State will hold their programming, and a special program for teens and their families begins on Friday evening and goes through Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening, we will hold our scholarship reception and final two hours to place bids and purchase chances at our exciting fundraising event. And the convention will culminate with our banquet, a true celebration with the presenting of special awards and scholarships, an address by our national guest, Katie Frederick, and winners will be announced from our fundraisers. Every night we will gather together in the hospitality room for snacks and beverages, socializing, and extra fun with karaoke on Saturday night. This is just a glimpse into what you can expect at this year’s convention. We hope you’ll join us and experience, “WCB, We Are Community!”
HOTEL INFORMATION:
- With a guest room rate of $102 (plus taxes and fees) based on single or double occupancy, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport is ready to take reservations now, (800) 222-8733 (be sure to mention WCB for our special rate) or online
- https://book.passkey.com/gt/217386175?gtid=7c2223e86a9f7a6a3c4bb78ae8eb47f0
- Reservations must be made no later than October 10, 2019.
- Guest rooms will all be in the tower.
- Includes complimentary WIFI
- Includes self-Parking at a rate of $10, day or overnight
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport
- 18740 International Blvd.
- Seattle, WA 98188
- 206-246-8600
REGISTRATION
Complete the official registration form: Electronically at http://www.wcbinfo.org or Over the phone by calling 800-255-1147. Please, leave a message. Someone will return your call and will assist you.
No matter which option you choose, each person must register individually. Registration will not be complete until payment is received in full.
We will be offering three levels of registration rates. The early bird pricing will be available through September 15, preregistration rates will be in affect September 16 through October 10, and registration will be at full price from October 11 until Saturday October 26th. So be sure to register early!
Registration Costs
Early Bird up to September 15th
Registration Only $35.00
Registration 1day Friday or Saturday (Breakfast and Lunch) $70.00
Banquet Only $70.00
Registration with Meal Package (5 meals) $115.00
Preregistration September 16 to October 10
Registration Only $55.00
Registration 1day Friday or Saturday (breakfast and lunch) $90.00
Banquet only $90.00
Registration with Meal Package (5 meals) $140.00
Registration Costs after October 11 and onsite
Registration Only $75.00
Registration with 1day Friday or Saturday (Breakfast and Lunch) $110.00
Banquet Only $110.00
Registration with Meal Package (5 meals) $175.00
Registration forms must be submitted by the dates indicated above in order to receive the described rates. Registrations received after October 10 cannot be picked up until Friday morning October 25, 2019.
NOMINATIONS
During our business meeting, elections will be held for President, First Vice President, Treasurer, and four Board of Director positions (one for a partial term of one year). If interested in submitting your name for consideration, email a letter of intent summarizing your activities in WCB, your local chapter, and community, as well as any other information qualifying you for the position you seek. Letters must be received by October 10, 2019. Email Frank Cuta, Nominating committee Chair, frank@cuta.net or call 509-967-2658 if you have any questions.
REGISTRATION/INFORMATION DESK
The registration/information desk will be open throughout convention: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm on Thursday, 7:00 am-noon on Friday, and 7:00 am-noon on Saturday. Lori Allison will be scheduling two hour shifts. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. This is an enjoyable opportunity to meet and greet friends old and new. To sign up, contact Lori at lori.allison2002@gmail.com or 253-227-4543.
Volunteers
In order to make this convention stress free and a fun event, several volunteers will be needed to assist in public areas. If you are interested in volunteering for this years’ convention, or if you know of any groups or individuals who might be able to help, contact Holly Turri at holly.turri9@gmail.com Or 360-594-2779.
EXHIBITS
This year, the exhibit hall will be open on Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00PM, closing during the noon hour. Exhibits will be bigger and better than ever, showcasing many adaptive technology items and other products and services. If you have suggestions or questions, contact Cathy Wilson at WCBForExhibits@gmail.com or 253-255-6747.
Silent Auction and Multi-Raffle Fundraiser
This year WCB will hold a silent auction and multi-raffle during convention. All items donated will be used for either of these fundraisers. Packages will be created for each from these items and a box will be set out for each raffle package and bidding sheets will be at each silent auction item. Multi-Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 per chance. This fundraiser will be open during published times on the program, including the pre-banquet hour, for perusing the fabulous packages, purchasing tickets and placing your chances in the box of your choice, and bidding for the packages you hope to win. Volunteers will be onsite to assist conventioneers during the published times. Donated items can be left at registration Thursday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Friday until noon.
Please share with Lisa George, no later than October 15, the items you are donating so lists can be made and shared with conventioneers. Contact Lisa at lmwgeorge@yahoo.com or 816-668-5345.
DOOR PRIZES
Always a highlight, during all general sessions, door Prizes will be given out. Winners must be present in the meeting room. Donations are accepted at Convention Registration on Thursday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Friday until noon. Be sure items are marked with the name of the donor so proper acknowledgement can be made.
SHOWCASE OF TALENT
On Friday evening members will gather to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment from all across our beautiful state. We’re all your friends, so feel free to participate. To do so, sign up on the convention registration form. Acts must be family friendly and no more than four minutes in length. This is a free event for registered conventioneers.
GUIDE DOG USERS OF WASHINGTON STATE
On Friday, October 24th, meet GDUWS for an informal dinner in the hotel, or on Saturday, take part in their annual business meeting breakfast (for elections and other business for GDUWS) and/or a lunch program. Be sure to sign up for these on the registration form.
HOSPITALITY
Name tags are required to join hospitality. At the end of every busy day, come unwind socialize and relax over adult beverages, snacks, and great conversation with your old and new friends. the hotel will be providing bar service, $5 per drink; sodas and snacks will still be at no cost to conventioneers. On Saturday night karaoke will be offered.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Frank Cuta chairs this year’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee. If you have amendment suggestions, please contact Frank at frank@cuta.net or call 509-967-2658. This committee will meet directly following the Thursday evening pre-convention board meeting and is open to everyone.
RESOLUTIONS
The Resolutions Committee, chaired by Deb Lewis, will meet Thursday evening following the pre-convention board meeting. Resolutions must be submitted electronically, in a workable state, prior to that meeting. Deb can be reached at deb@lewissound.net or phone 206-526-2479. The Resolutions Committee meetings are open to all interested individuals. Those submitting a resolution should be at the meeting during the time their resolution is being discussed.
SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION
The scholarship reception takes place before the banquet on Saturday, October 26. It is an excellent opportunity to meet and celebrate with our honored scholarship recipients up close and personal.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THOSE ATTENDING events conducted or sponsored by the Washington Council of the Blind (WCB)
WCB strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all of our event participants. Attendees are expected to govern themselves appropriately, acceptably, respectfully, and sociably. Purposeful behavior which causes another attendee, their companion(s), or their service animal personal injury or harassment may result in WCB person(s) in authority taking immediate appropriate action. Additionally a written review of the given situation for our records may result.
To ensure safe passage in crowded areas, each participant must remain vigilant of others’ safety. Caution and consideration should be practiced while negotiating aisles, halls and other pathways.
We provide tools to assist our blind attendees, such as: advanced training to hotel staff, published hotel descriptions, braille menus, and when possible minimal volunteer assistance throughout the event.
Volunteers are available to provide only limited assistance with navigating the public areas of our events. When volunteers are available, they may escort attendees to and from sleeping rooms only upon initial check-in, and then, only to the hotel room door. WCB and its representatives are not responsible for personal care or ongoing individual assistance. Volunteers or WCB representatives are not responsible for handling or administering medication, packing luggage, ongoing escort to and from sleeping rooms, feeding, dressing or toileting, and/or walking service animals. If you know you will need substantial individual assistance, we ask you to arrange to have someone accompany you for this purpose.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Conventioneers who cancel their registration at least 14 days prior to the start of the convention are subject to a $10 processing fee. Unless an extreme hardship exception is approved by the president, those canceling after that time forfeit their full registration fee. Cancellations must be made in writing directly to the WCB President, Denise Colley, Colley, colleyd1952@gmail.com
Refunds, when appropriate, will be made within two to four weeks of the convention.
VENDORS
We encourage vendors to register for space at our 2019 convention.
We look forward to having you join us, October 24-26, 2019.
Cindy Van Winkle
Chair, 2019 WCB Convention Committee
wcbconvention@gmail.com or call 360-689-0827