From Tipoff to Triumph: KCB 53rd Annual Conference and Convention

Kentucky Council of the Blind 53rd Annual Conference and Convention: From Tipoff to Triumph

November 19-21, 2026
Best Western Louisville East Inn and Suites, 9802 Bunsen Way, Louisville, Kentucky

Welcome to the big game

In Kentucky we love basketball, and that’s the theme of the 53rd annual Kentucky Council of the Blind Conference and Convention. From Tipoff to Triumph, you will experience a weekend filled with speakers, exhibits, resources, technology, and even a special tour of the museum at the American Printing House for the Blind.

Learn about the latest technology, discover tips for living with low vision, and find helpful resources and services. Meet new friends, renew acquaintances, and enjoy delicious meals.

Can’t be there in person? Join us on Zoom from any cell phone, landline phone, or computer, or listen on ACB Media 9 or TheRadioStorm.com on any Alexa device.

To hear an audio version of the convention announcement, call (773) 572-6318.

Thank you to our sponsors

Athletic Director sponsor

  • Louisville Downtown Lions Club

Coach sponsor

  • Lula Dotson Legacy

Legend sponsors

  • Greater Louisville Council of the Blind
  • KCB Next Generation
  • Kentucky Low Vision Alliance

MVP sponsor

  • Louisville East Lions Club

All-American sponsor

  • Tri-State Library Users

Weekend schedule

Thursday, November 19

  • 5:30 PM: Convention registration desk (the scorer’s table) opens on the first floor of the hotel. If you pre-registered, your conference badge (ticket) and program (playbook) will be waiting for you. Programs will be emailed to virtual attendees by Thursday, November 19. If you did not pre-register, you may register at the hotel, but pre-registration discounts do not apply and events could be sold out.
  • 6:00 PM: GLCB Bracket Buster Party. Enjoy pizza and dessert, meet new friends, and play table games. If you are staying at the hotel, you may also want to enjoy the heated indoor pool. No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.

Friday, November 20

  • Morning: Tour of the Dot Experience, the world’s first totally accessible museum at the American Printing House for the Blind. See a piano played by Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller’s desk, old tactile maps, and samples of raised-letter reading systems from the past. Leave the hotel at 9:00 AM or meet the group at APH at 9:30 AM. The tour lasts about 90 minutes; return to the hotel between 11:30 AM and noon. Purchase tour tickets when you pre-register.
  • 12:00 PM: The convention officially opens with the Sweet 16 Lunch, followed by an afternoon of programs and exhibits covering services, advocacy, technology, low vision, resources, and more.
  • 6:00 PM: Elite 8 Dinner, featuring an outstanding speaker plus chapter, life member, and sponsor recognitions.
  • Evening: Board and card games with friends, sponsored by KCB Next Generation.

Saturday, November 21

  • 9:00 AM: Memorial service honoring KCB members we have lost this past year.
  • 9:30 AM: Exhibits open.
  • 10:00 AM: Programs begin, including informational speakers and a hands-on Meta glasses workshop.
  • 12:00 PM: Final Four Lunch.
  • Afternoon: More programs, exhibits, and an AI workshop until 3:00 PM.
  • 3:00-5:00 PM: Annual KCB business meeting and elections.
  • 6:00 PM: James F. Shaw Championship Banquet. The speaker will be Sheila Young, newly elected member of the ACB Board of Directors from Orlando, Florida. The evening also includes chapter spotlights and the presentation of KCB awards and scholarships.

From the chef: the KCB Training Table

Don’t miss a single meal at the KCB Training Table.

  • Friday Sweet 16 Lunch: chicken or egg salad sandwich, ranch pasta salad, and fruit cup
  • Friday Elite 8 Dinner: honey ham, citrus grilled chicken, hash brown casserole, peas, broccoli with cheese sauce, tossed salad, roll, banana pudding, cookies
  • Saturday Final Four Lunch: spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, brownies
  • James F. Shaw Championship Banquet: beef tenderloin, chicken cordon bleu, roasted potatoes, green beans, buttered corn, salad, roll, cherry cobbler, apple cobbler

Registration

Although you can listen to much of our programming on The Radio Storm and ACB Media 9, the only way to actively participate is to register as an in-person or virtual attendee. Pre-registration closes Tuesday, November 10. See the registration page for packages, pricing, and deadlines.

Hotel accommodations

Best Western Louisville East Inn and Suites, 9802 Bunsen Way, Louisville. Rates are $97 per night plus tax for up to 4 people per room. Rooms have microwaves, small refrigerators, coffee makers, and free coffee. Free use of the fitness center and the indoor heated swimming pool is included; no lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.

A self-serve breakfast is available from 6:30 to 9:30 AM each morning in the breakfast room across from the elevator on the first floor. Choices usually include hot and cold cereals, fruit, bagels, toast, yogurt, biscuits and gravy, bacon or sausage, omelets, and waffles. Hotel staff are generally not available to assist with serving. Beginning at about 8:00 AM on Friday and Saturday morning, KCB will have a limited number of volunteers available to assist with breakfast. To connect with a KCB volunteer, go to the meeting room instead of the breakfast area.

Check-in is 3:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM. Call the Best Western at (502) 499-0000 by November 10 to reserve; choose 1 from the menu and mention the Kentucky Council of the Blind to receive the convention rate.

Dress code

Dress code for the conference is business casual. Participants must be clean, hair must be neat, and dress must be appropriate. No halters, cut-offs, or short shorts. Underwear must not be showing, and excessively baggy pants are not permitted. Shoes and shirts are required.

Code of conduct

The Kentucky Council of the Blind is committed to maintaining the integrity of its events by creating a welcoming, professional, safe, and respectful environment for all who attend or participate.

Prohibited conduct includes unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identification, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Disrespectful, offensive, threatening conduct, verbal abuse, stalking, bullying, violence, intimidation, or excessive use of profanity are not permitted. All participants are required to adhere to this policy.

Anyone who believes they have experienced prohibited behavior may report it to the KCB President or Convention Chair. Anyone who believes they witnessed prohibited behavior toward another person is strongly encouraged to first speak with the alleged victim to confirm the behavior was considered inappropriate and warrants a complaint.

Upon receipt of an allegation, KCB will offer opportunities for informal conflict resolution, may conduct a formal investigation, and will then determine what action, if any, to take. Such action may include banning the individual from the event and any future events.

Nominating committee notice

KCB will elect officers at its 2026 conference and convention. Officers may serve two-year terms and are expected to attend monthly conference call meetings of the KCB Board, attend KCB events such as the conference and convention, participate in KCB chapters when possible, and serve on committees as requested by the President.

To run for office or nominate someone, contact Nominating Committee Chair Matt Selm at (859) 802-1358 by November 1. Other committee members are Debbie Deatherage (Louisville) and Eldon Kaiser (Cave City). The committee will submit a slate of candidates; nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Anyone nominated from the floor must be present or must submit, in writing and in advance, a statement of willingness to serve.

For more information

Call (502) 895-4598 or email kcb@kentucky-acb.org.

Connect with Us! Social Media - Phone - Email
Skip to content