Beyond the
First Timer's Guide

Jump to a section:

Before You Go
Once You Arrive
In the Thick of Convention
Banquet Night
Leaving and Recovery
Joining Virtually and Online

Saavi's Convention Companion

Every summer, thousands of blind and low vision people gather in one hotel for one of the most exciting, and yes, sometimes exhausting, weeks of the year.

If this is your first National Convention, the National Federation of the Blind’s First Timer’s Guide is the best place to begin. It does an excellent job explaining the convention’s history, structure, and governance.

This guide is not meant to replace it.

Instead, think of this as advice from the friend who’s been to convention more times than they can count and wants to share the things nobody seems to mention in the official materials. These are the practical, lived-in tips that Saavi staff, instructors, students, and Federation family have picked up over years of attending. They’re the little things that can make a surprisingly big difference.

Whether this is your first convention or your fifteenth, we hope you’ll find at least a few ideas worth borrowing.

Before You Go:

Convention starts long before your flight takes off. A little preparation now can make the entire week smoother.

Add an identifier to your luggage, such as an AirTag, colorful ribbon, or luggage tag, so it’s easy to recognize at baggage claim.
Coordinate ahead of time with others arriving around the same time to share a ride from the airport.
Use packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags to save space. Trust us, you’ll appreciate the extra room after visiting the exhibit hall.
Pack all medications in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed.
Wear comfortable shoes that can handle long days, and consider bringing a second pair so you can rotate between them.
If you’re not used to spending full days on your feet, build up your stamina beforehand and practice navigating large buildings or hotels.
Organize your convention schedule using your calendar app, the NFB app, or another planning tool. Email a copy to yourself so it’s always easy to find.
Read any available hotel navigation materials ahead of time. Building a mental map before you arrive makes orientation much easier.
Dress in layers. Meeting rooms tend to be chilly, even when it’s blazing hot outside.
Pack a few lightweight meals that don’t require refrigeration, such as tuna pouches, crackers, or similar items for those days when time gets away from you.
Keep protein bars or other snacks in your bag. Convention schedules have a funny way of making lunchtime disappear.
Consider bringing electrolyte packets if you’re traveling somewhere warmer or more humid than you’re used to.
Check whether your hotel offers laundry service before you arrive. Many convention hotels don’t.
Look up nearby restaurant menus online ahead of time instead of relying on the hotel’s limited supply of braille or large print menus.

Once You Arrive:

Your first few hours can set the tone for the rest of the week. If possible, spend them getting oriented instead of rushing from event to event.

Arrive a day early, or at least before your first commitment, and take time to explore the property.
Use a hotel navigation guide if one is available, or simply walk the space yourself to build a mental map.
Find the hotel’s convenience store early. Many carry sandwiches, salads, yogurt, fruit, and other quick meal options.
If there’s a grocery store, pharmacy, or convenience store within walking distance, it’s often worth the trip instead of paying delivery fees all week.
If you travel with a guide dog, locate the relief area as soon as you arrive, even if your dog doesn’t need it yet. Future you will appreciate it.
Stop by the Presidential Suite and Hospitality Suite. They’re great places to grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a snack, and meet Federation family from around the country.
Locate the quiet room in case you need a few minutes to recharge during the week.
If you’re only traveling a few floors, don’t overlook the stairs. They can be much quicker, and much less crowded, than waiting for elevators.

In the Thick of Convention:

Once convention begins, the pace picks up quickly. A few simple habits can help you conserve both time and energy.

Carry a little cash. It’s often the easiest payment method in the exhibit hall and with smaller vendors.
Pick a meeting spot with your friends or travel group in case you get separated.
During general session, each state’s seating area is marked with its flag and a braille label on the pole, making it easy to find your section.
Walk the ballroom early in the week to get a feel for its size and layout.
Prefer exploring with company? Just ask. Federation members are famously welcoming, and chances are someone would be happy to have you tag along.
Divide the exhibit hall into sections and visit it more than once. Trying to see everything in a single trip is a bit like trying to eat the whole buffet at once, it sounds ambitious until you try it.
Most exhibit hall tables are labeled in both print and braille, making them easy to identify independently.
If you’re navigating the exhibit hall with children, keep them close. It gets busy in a hurry.
A pencil grip or similar travel aid can make standing in long lines more comfortable.
Bring gum, mints, or hard candy to help stay alert during longer sessions, and don’t hesitate to stand up and stretch when appropriate.
Make time to eat regularly. You’ll enjoy convention much more when you’re fueled up.
If you notice someone who seems nervous, whether it’s an escalator, a crowded hallway, or something else, offer a little help if you can. Small moments of kindness have a way of becoming lasting memories.
Be patient with yourself and with others. Everyone arrives with different experiences, different skills, and different comfort levels.
Take advantage of the professional photo opportunities while they’re available. You’ll be glad you did.
Rename your group text something memorable, like the convention year. It keeps conversations organized and becomes a fun little time capsule afterward.
Staying at an overflow hotel? Don’t worry. Most are only a short walk away, and you’ll usually find a steady stream of convention-goers heading back and forth together. Many also provide scheduled shuttle service.

Banquet Night:

Banquet is the celebration that brings convention to a close, and a little planning can help you enjoy every minute of it.

Arrive early so you’re comfortably seated before the room fills.
In past years, the time between general session and banquet has been surprisingly short. This year’s schedule allows more breathing room, but if you ever find yourself in a tight turnaround, expect crowded elevators and busy hallways, and pack a little extra patience.
Stay until the very end. The final door prize of National Convention is traditionally awarded at banquet. You don’t want to hear about it later because you left five minutes early.

Leaving and Recovery:

Convention doesn’t really end when your flight takes off. The days afterward are a great opportunity to build on everything you experienced.

Follow up with the people you met during the week.
Complete the post-convention survey.
Coordinate with others leaving around the same time to share transportation to the airport.
Start planning for next year. Seriously.
Stay involved at the local, state, or national level. The ideas, resolutions, and priorities discussed during convention become reality because members continue the work throughout the year.
Consider joining a national division, committee, or special interest group.

Joining Virtually and Online:

While nothing quite compares to being there in person, sometimes life has other plans. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to be part of the experience.

Register for the National Convention Virtual Experience to receive Zoom access for general sessions, the Board meeting, resolutions, and banquet.
Ask your Amazon smart speaker to play “Nation’s Blind” for hands-free access to the live stream.
Listen to the Nation’s Blind podcast pre-shows before major sessions. They’re a great way to capture the excitement and atmosphere from wherever you are.
Watch sessions on YouTube and leave a comment while you’re there. It’s a simple way to support the Federation and join the conversation.
Follow the convention hashtag on social media to stay connected with attendees and see what’s happening throughout the week.

However many National Conventions you’ve attended, we hope these tips help make your week just a little smoother, a little easier, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

We’ll see you at convention.

Get our newsletter.
Sign up today!

Beyond the First Timer's Guide