State Convention
The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas 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 Arkansas 2026 State Convention
Friday, April 17 through Saturday, April 18, 2026
Thank you for attending the 2026 state convention. Please stay tuned for details regarding the 2027 state convention.
The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas invites members, families, professionals, community partners, and supporters to attend the 2026 State Convention. This annual gathering provides an important opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives of the organized blind movement, gain practical information related to blindness skills and technology, and participate in discussions that shape the future of our work in Arkansas.
The convention will feature presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and affiliate activities designed to strengthen local chapters and empower blind individuals statewide. Portions of the event will be live streamed and recorded for archival access on the state website, ensuring information remains available to all.
The full agenda will be finalized and posted on the state website in late March or early April and will also be available on NEWSLINE®.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will hear from the NFB national representative and speakers addressing a broad range of topics of state and national importance, including advocacy, accessibility, membership, seniors, technology, Braille literacy, guide dog use, student issues, and matters affecting parents of blind children. The convention will also highlight the 2026 scholarship class and recognize outstanding contributions within the affiliate.
We are proud to announce that Jessica Beecham, president of the Colorado affiliate and member of the National Federation of the Blind board of directors, will serve as the national rep for this year's state convention. Click here to read her bio.
Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2026 State Convention of the NFB of Arkansas. This annual gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow Federationists, learn from engaging speakers, and contribute to the shared work that strengthens our movement. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, share the information widely, and participate in our ongoing commitment to transforming dreams into reality as we work to raise expectations for blind Arkansans. Guided by the belief that we care, we share, we grow, we make a difference, your presence and participation truly matter. We invite you to extend this opportunity to friends, family, and community members—everyone is welcome!
Room Reservations
The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Conway is now accepting reservations for the 2026 State Convention. Because rooms within the convention block fill quickly, attendees are encouraged to reserve as early as possible to ensure availability and receive the discounted rate.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations may be made by phone or online according to your preference.
To reserve by phone, call 501-505-8034 and provide the group code NFBNFBB. Although the reservation line is available at all hours, calling during Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. often provides quicker assistance, especially for guests with accessibility or room-specific needs.
To reserve online, use the official booking link. The link automatically applies the convention rate and connects you to the designated room block.
Room Rates and Amenities
The rate for 2026 is $109 per night for king or queen rooms. This includes standard hotel amenities. Taxes and fees are subject to change without prior notice, and will be calculated and applied at check-out. Guests with accessibility needs or guide dogs should mention this when reserving.
Reservation Deadline
The room block is available through Monday, March 16. After this date, rooms are released to the general public and the discounted rate may not be available. A credit card is required to hold the reservation but will not be charged until arrival.
Important Cancellation Instructions
If you need to cancel your reservation, please do not contact the hotel directly. Instead, call Nena Chadwick at 479-435-8348. Nena manages all reservation changes related to the convention and maintains a waiting list of individuals who often decide to attend after the March 16 cutoff date. By cancelling through Nena, your room can be reassigned to another attendee within the convention block, ensuring that the affiliate makes full use of its reserved rooms and meets its contractual obligations with the hotel. This process also helps other Federation members secure accommodations when rooms at the discounted rate may no longer be available.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 NFB of Arkansas State Convention is now open!
The in-person convention registration including the banquet is $60 per person. In addition virtual convention registration is $10 per person and does not include a banquet ticket. This rate is good till Friday, March 27, 2026. All registrations completed after March 27 will incur an additional charge of $10 per person. It is to your advantage to register before March 27, 2026 via the online registration form. If you are registering multiple people for the convention, you MUST fill out a separate form for each attendee.
Click here to register for the convention.
Sponsored Registration - Teachers and School Counselors
The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas welcomes teachers and school counselors to attend the State Convention to learn about blindness, independence, and resources that support blind students in school and beyond. The convention offers opportunities to connect with blind leaders, educators, families, and advocates while exploring programs, technology, and strategies that promote high expectations and independence.
Everyone is welcome to come and see what we are about. Informational brochures will be available, and Federation members will be present throughout the convention to answer questions, share their experiences, and discuss resources that support blind students and their families. To encourage participation from the education community, the NFB of Arkansas will cover the convention registration fee for eligible teachers and school counselors who attend to learn more about blindness and the resources available through the National Federation of the Blind.
Dietary Requests
Those with special dietary needs for the banquet should contact Nena Chadwick, 479-435-8348 or nchadwick@nfbar.org. The deadline for such requests is March 27.
Agenda
Please note that agenda items are subject to change without notice during the convention.
- 2026 NFBAR State Convention Agenda (HTML)
- 2026 NFBAR State Convention Agenda (Word Document)
- 2026 NFBAR State Convention Agenda (PDF)
- 2026 NFBAR State Convention Agenda (BRF File)
Sponsorship and Exhibiting Opportunities
The 72nd annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas will be more exciting than ever, with blind individuals, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and various service providers expected at this year’s convention. We invite you to support this year’s convention weekend of diverse activities. Become a significant partner. Click here to learn more about being a sponsor or exhibitor at this year's state convention!
Convention Donations
We are asking for your help with the 2026 Arkansas State Convention. We need donations for our auction and door prizes. A broad range of demographics will be attending, so we are seeking various donations to help make this vital fundraiser a success! Click here to learn more about how you can donate towards this year's state 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 convention details will be posted as they become available, and attendees are encouraged to check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information. For questions or assistance regarding the state convention, please contact us at 870-271-8219 or charles.tate1987@gmail.com.