Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, Inc.

2017 State Convention Agenda

September 22^nd - 24^th

Friday, September 22^nd

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Convention Registration – Aloha!

Aloha and welcome from the ABL Shreveport/Bossier City Chapter! Pick up your name tag, program, convention bag, and lots of great giveaways.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Break Out Session – Walking on Sunshine!

You will feel like you are walking on sunshine when you join us for a presentation on the innovative programs and services provided by the ABL Training Center.  So, slip on your flip flops and sun shades for tips on hotel and casino orientation by ABL’s Training Center Staff.

4:15 pm: Buses Leave for Wine Tasting

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Break Out Session – Boardwalk Bingo!

At the Boardwalk Bingo we’ll be out of the sun. At the Boardwalk Bingo we’ll be having some fun!  Featuring prizes from the Louisiana Boardwalk, large print and Braille cards will be provided.

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Friday Night Social – Club Pair-A-Dice!

Congratulations, you made it on the guest list!  ABL Club Pair-a-Dice members only share in this exclusive event hosted by the ABL Shreveport/Bossier City Chapter.  Come and indulge in a night filled with an incredible collection of activities.  Visit this world class beach party complete with an island buffet, music, and the annual ABL auction! Don’t forget to wear your most exotic and amazing tropical shirt for the contest. Come dressed to WIN!

Saturday, September 23^rd

8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Convention Registration – Aloha!

Aloha and welcome from the ABL Shreveport/Bossier City Chapter! Register for convention, pick up a program, or get important information to plan your day!

9:00 am – 12:30 pm: General Session – One Love!

Let’s get together and feel alright!  ABL welcomes Billy Brookshire, author of Loving Me to present an interactive session exploring our strengths and abilities.  Learn about how we both as individuals and as an organization can share with others our love with one heart!

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Vendors and Exhibitors – Catch A Wave!

Catch a wave and roll into the fun of the vendors and exhibitors area of the convention. Explore services and programs for the blind and experience the incredible collection of products for purchase this year! Don’t forget to get your vendor and exhibitor card at the ABL registration table. Get all of the vendors to sign the card and you will have a chance to win a fabulous prize!

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Board of Directors Meeting – The Big Kahuna Meeting!

The ABL State Board of Directors will meet to review the agenda for the Sunday business meeting and elections.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Break Out Session – We’ll Have Fun, Fun, Fun, ‘Til Our Daddy Takes The IPhone Away!

Do you have an iPhone or Amazon Echo? Come and learn about using these devices to assist you in living more independently. All attendees qualify for an iTunes Card give a way.

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Concurrent Sessions

Visit these sessions any time between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. Just drop in when the time is right for you.

Surf’s Up with Your Low Vision!

Attend this special session featuring the latest in technology and visual aids to enhance your low vision.  Learn about programs that can help you gain independence at home, school, work environments and even beachside!

Sea Shores and Soothing Scents!

Stroll in at your convenience, it’s all about you!  Surround yourself in the sounds of the sea and the calming essence of essential oils.  You will experience the healing and mood enhancing powers of these oils and how to use them and create your own beach get a way at home.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: AER Meeting – AER’s Shore Side Shindig!

Achieving excellence in professional growth and service delivery is the aim of this shindig! Here you will engage with other AER members from around the state, explore critical topics in the field and be a part of conversations that will shape the future of rehabilitation in Louisiana.

4:00 pm: Buses Leave for Boardwalk

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm: Randolph Sheppard Cocktail Hour – It’s Five O’clock Some Where!

Margaritas anyone? Take a sip! Take some time to mingle with your fellow ABL members and enjoy a cocktail before the banquet. 

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Banquet and Dance – Tropical Pair-a-Dice!

Enter into your dream destination! A tropical gala filled with an exotic flair, festive menu, banquet speaker and Bumble Bee Awards.

Sunday, September 24^th

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Meeting and Elections - ABL’s Boogie Board Business Meeting!

Cowabunga Dude! Come and start your day by hearing reports from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and the progress of our organization. This year we are electing seven State Board positions.

12:00 pm: Busses and Vans Leave the Hotel