Join Blind Minnesotans for the 2025 Annual NFBMN Convention!

We of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota are pleased to announce plans for our upcoming annual state convention. We also encourage members to take this opportunity to renew annual membership in the NFB of Minnesota in plenty of time for the coming membership year, which begins on January 1, 2026.

When and Where

The three-day convention will be held:

  • Friday, November 14 at 9am to Sunday, November 16 at noon
  • Best Western Rochester: 1517 16th St Sw, Rochester, MN 55902

This year we are pleased to have as our national representative Norma Crosby, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas and Treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind.

Hotel Arrangements:

Registration and Meals

You can register online, or, if you prefer, you can also register by postal mail using the form with return envelope that will be in your mailbox shortly. 

Please send in your registration as soon as possible but no later than November 3.

  • Registration: $25 in advance, $30 on-site
  • Friday lunch: $20
  • Friday dinner: $30
  • Saturday Senior Division Breakfast: $27
  • Saturday MCB Lunch $30
  • Saturday Banquet: $55
  • Sunday Breakfast: $25

New this year, we are announcing the meal selections (and giving you extra choices for the banquet!). The registration form will ask for your preferences. 

Those intending to register on-site should still let us know in advance by emailing Judy Sanders or by calling her at (612) 872-9363 to reserve your meals so that we can give the hotel an accurate count. 

Dues: 

So that you will be able to vote on our policies and in our elections next year, you’ll want to pay your annual $5 membership dues. 

Either pay your dues on your convention registration form, or renew membership here if you are unable to attend the convention. Don't miss your chance to be part of shaping our movement!

Transportation from the Twin Cities:

The Metro Chapter has organized a chartered bus to Rochester. 

Resolutions:

To clarify and give voice to our positions on important issues, the convention considers formal policy statements each year. Draft resolutions should be emailed to resolutions committee chair Jennifer Dunnam No later than November 7. All convention attendees are welcome at the meeting of the resolutions committee. 

To read our resolutions from the last 20+ years, visit www.nfbmn.org/about/resolutions.

Requests for Accommodations Based on Disability:

The convention is accessible especially to blind people. We offer materials in braille, large print, and electronically. Wayfinding is made accessible through human “talking signs.” We repeatedly ask all attendees to respect our fragrance-free environment. Gender-neutral restrooms are located near the hotel pool. Assistive listening devices are available for use in the general session and, upon request, breakout spaces, though we ask that you let us know on the registration form if you are in need of a receiver.

If you need other accommodations to participate fully in the convention, we urge you to let us know as soon as possible via the convention registration form. Because we’ll need to appropriately plan for additional resources, please submit requests for specific accommodations no later than Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Auction:

Donated themed baskets, crafts, baked goods (securely sealed in disposable containers), or other services will be auctioned throughout the convention. 

Please consider donating items for the event! Email a description of your item in advance to Auction Coordinator Charlotte Czarnecki. Let us know if you need for us to make a braille label.

Cash Prizes for Essays:

The Metro Chapter invites all Minnesota Federationists to participate in its essay contest. The 2-3 page essay should be focused on experiences as a blind person and highlight a positive message or outcome. 

The winning essay will be published in the Minnesota Bulletin, and the writer will receive $75. Another $50 will be awarded in a random drawing from the rest of the essays, which will also be considered for publication. 

All entries must be received by October 31, 2025 via email to Bulletin Editor Jennifer Dunnam.

Convention Schedule

Here are just a few highlights that you can expect at our convention:

  • Casual pool party on Thursday evening
  • Exhibitors showcasing products and services of unique interest to the blind
  • Tactile art room where you can unleash your creativity
  • A beginner, guided session on learning to draw with Scalable Vector Graphics via code
  •  Exploration of the latest artificial intelligence tools
  • Intermediate financial planning seminar (retirement, investing, and home ownership, just to name a few)
  • Blind Minnesotans celebrate how they’re living the lives they want 
  • Accessible puzzles in an escape room
  • Town hall hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind where you can comment on proposed rule changes and existing services
  • Planning four our advocacy, education, and advisory work in 2026
  • Updates from the Minnesota Center for the Blind, Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library, and other agencies
  • Elections for President, Secretary, and three board members of the NFB of Minnesota

More details about the schedule (and some surprises) will be made available as they are finalized. 

See You There!

Our convention each year is an opportunity for the blind of our state to come together for a common cause, to raise expectations for ourselves and others, and to strengthen our bonds of friendship. We will share public services and other resources for the blind, exchange ideas, and formulate plans and policies for the coming year. 

Please join us for the 2025 Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota!

Corbb O’Connor, President

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota

president@nfbmn.org | (612) 872-9363