The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa 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.

2023 National Federation of the Blind of Iowa State Convention

Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17, 2023

Register and make a difference in the lives of blind Iowans!

The 2023 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa will be held at:
Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines Northwest
4800 Merle Hay Road
Urbandale, IA 50322

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 August. 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 2023 and much more!

We are proud to announce that Norma Crosby, treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind and president of the Texas affiliate, will be serving as our national rep this year. You can read her bio at https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership/board-directors/norma-crosby.

Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2023 State Convention of the NFB of Iowa. Get involved. Make a difference! Please share with others, everyone is welcome!

Room Reservations

The Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines Northwest is now accepting room reservations for the State Convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please dial 515-278-4755 and use the group code of NFB or visit our room reservation link. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The 2023 room rates are:

  • Standard Two-Queen or King Executive: $93
  • Junior King or Extended Suites: $143
  • Family King Suites: $163
  • Family Double Queen Suites: $183

Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes, which at present is 12% and will be in effect at the time of check-out.

For those considering arriving early, there is a limited number of available guest rooms as another group will be occupying most of the hotel on Thursday, September 14. Don’t hesitate, please make your room reservations as soon as possible. Our block of rooms are available until Thursday, August 24, and any remaining rooms will become available to the general public. 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 Scott Van Gorp at 515-720-5282. Scott usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the State Convention after Thursday, August 24.

Agenda

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. Please check back often.

If you have questions and need additional information, please contact one of the following:

Cindy Ray, Convention Chair
Phone: 515-334-7231
Email: cindyray@gmail.com

Scott Van Gorp, NFB of Iowa President
Phone: 515-720-5282
Email: svangorp@nfbi.org