From: Richard Webb 
Subject: Re: national convention
Hello Denise and harvey,
   >X-Listname: NFBnet NFB-Talk Mailing List
   >Since I have been in the host affiliate twice for National
   >Conventions I can tell you that if you think the hotels are more
   >efficient in reservation taking you are sorly mistaken.  The
   >problem is that the hotels will take on the responsiblility of
   >determining if we will use the rooms which we block. We are a
   >unique convention in that we pretty much use the rooms which we
   >block.  Most conventions do not and the hotels end up holding the
   >bag on empty rooms.  As far as confirmations and other information
   >coming late.  At least I know that when I get a confirmation from
   >Baltimore it will be honored. Many times over the last 20 some odd
   >years there have been problems with hotels overbooking and our
   >people having to spend one or two nights on another location.  Only
   >someone who has been on the inside of this process can really
   >understand the intricacies of what goes on to produce the kind of
   >convention which we enjoy each year.  I do not know another
   >organization of our size who works the details of a conference as
   >efficiently as we do.  Our staff put in incredible hours putting
   >this together.  We get more work and better work out of our
   >National Center than anywhere I can remember.  So relax and plan on
   >enjoying New Orleans. Denise
Quite true.  Also, remember that we also do more to try to get new members
to attend conventions.  This means we have to build in some flexibility, as
we have a lot of folks sharing rooms, etc, sometimes with last minute stuff
being needed.
This is part of being a movement, and not just a fraternal organization, or
something of that nature.  For someone new to blindness, doing one of our
conventions can be just what they need, and we try to make that happen
whenever possible.
I would like to be there  this year, but have to do other things.  That
appears to be a busy week for me this year.
REgards,
Net-Tamer V 1.08.1 - Test Drive
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