The National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana

Invites you to the 2026 State Convention

April 24-26, 2026

Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge

4728 Constitution Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

225-925-2244

Agendas:

PDF: 2026 NFBL State Convention Agenda

Word: 2026 NFBL State Convention Agenda

Braille: 2026 NFB State Convention Agenda

You are cordially invited to attend the 54th Annual State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL). The NFBL is an organization of blind and low vision Louisianians who believe that with the appropriate training, attitude and opportunities, blind people can live the lives they want. We believe that it is never too late to learn new techniques and new ways of redefining blindness.

Topics Presented

The convention will cover a wide range of topics, including:

• How to become comfortable with my blindness
• How to navigate day-to-day activities including information access (digitally and in hardcopy), transportation, preparing meals, managing a household, and networking (in person or online)
• Presentations by successful blind professionals
• How to obtain assistance from the Social Security Administration and other human services agencies
• Opportunities for learning to use a white cane or reading Braille
• How to get help for my blind child
• How the newest technology could benefit me
• How a blind person can fully participate in hobbies such as cooking, traveling, community service, gardening, hiking, and shopping (to name a few)!

EVENTS OUTLINE

Convention Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026. Check the website at www.nfbla.org to pre-register online or contact 318-251-2891 for pre-registration forms. Registration will be $30 if pre-registered, and $40 for onsite registration. Pre-registration forms must be in by April 7th. Pre-registration is non-refundable.

Room Rates: $120 per night (singles, doubles, triples, etc.), plus tax which is currently 16.5.%. Please make your reservations directly with Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge. Be sure to mention that you plan to attend the state convention of the NFBL to receive the convention rates. Rates and availability cannot be guaranteed after March 23rd. Rooms are limited so make your reservations early.

Meals: Complimentary continental breakfasts will be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings for registered convention attendees. Dinner will be available Friday evening for $15, and a boxed lunch will be available on Saturday for $10. A banquet meal will be held Saturday evening; tickets are $40 and may be purchased during pre-registration or at the registration desk.

Division Meetings: Meetings for parents and teachers of blind children, blind students, merchants/entrepreneurs, blind seniors, blind parents, and deaf-blind individuals.

Family Room: A room will be set up for live streaming that families with children may use during general sessions. Parents/Guardians are responsible for supervising children.

Entertainment: In convention tradition, Friday night will feature dinner and an auction/talent show. In addition, the convention will host bingo, and of course, DOOR PRIZES GALORE!!!

SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year at its State Convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL) awards merit-based scholarships to recognize the achievement of blind scholars. To learn more about the scholarship criteria and complete a scholarship application, please visit our scholarship programs page. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Pam Allen, President, NFBL at 318-251-2891from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays or Email at pallen@nfb.org. To learn about transportation options from central locations in New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport, Ruston, and Alexandria call 318-251-2891, ext. 3001 by April 7th to reserve your spot. (There is a $25 nonrefundable fee. Space is limited).

Exhibitors

We are looking forward to welcoming exhibitors to share information and resources with our attendees. Thanks for helping to make our convention a success!

If you are interested in applying to be an exhibitor at our convention, please complete the form below by March 20th!

All vendors must register for NFBL convention in order to exhibit. Cost is $30 for pre-registration and can be completed by following the link above.

Due to limited space and availability, all interested organizations/individuals must apply for a vendor table. If accepted as a vendor, you will be notified by March 30th.

Exhibitor Fee: $150. This includes the exhibit table and a listing in the agenda.

Sponsors

Bronze: $250 
This level of sponsorship includes exhibit table, complimentary registration for one, 25-word informational message in agenda, mention on website, thank you at opening ceremony and banquet.  

Silver $500
This level of sponsorship includes exhibit table, complimentary registration for two,  60-word informational message in agenda, mention on website, thank you at opening ceremony and banquet.

Gold $1,000 
This level of sponsorship includes exhibit table, complimentary registration for two, 100-word informational message in agenda, a thank you at opening ceremony and banquet, and a mention on website,

Platinum $5,000 
This level of sponsorship includes exhibit table, complimentary registration and meal and banquet tickets for two, 150-word informational message in agenda, a thank you at opening ceremony and banquet, a mention on website and an opportunity to present at a Saturday breakout session.

The NFBL is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items as a result of participation at the NFBL Convention. Vendors are responsible for transportation and warehouse of all of their items.