ALL ABOARD THE KCB HOLIDAY EXPRESS
Kentucky Council of the Blind
51st Annual Conference and Convention
November 21 – 23, 2024
The theme of the 2024 Kentucky Council of the Blind conference and convention is “All Aboard the KCB Holiday Express”, and you are invited to be part of this exciting weekend. Discover how you can put your business, organization or agency in the spotlight by bemoming an exhibitor, speaker, and/or sponsor at our upcoming conference.
All events are at the Best Western Louisville East Inn and Suites, 9802 Bunsen Way in Louisville. The convention will also be virtual on the Zoom platform and live-streamed on the Internet on both ACB Media and the Radio Storm.com. You can participate whether you live nearby or across the country.
Our exhibit, speaking and sponsor opportunities are perfect ways for businesses, agencies, service providers, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to let attendees and listeners across Kentucky and around the nation know about products and services. Convention attendees are interested in low vision, audio, and braille products; technology, resources, and services for people with vision loss; and of course gift ideas for the holidays. They want to know about health and wellness, training opportunities, education and library programs etc.
Customize your conference package to meet your specific needs. Here are some options:
* EXHIBITS – The exhibit area is one of the most popular areas of every conference and convention. Use your table to interact with attendees who want direct hands-on experience with products or detailed information about services. Hand out information, sell products, gather contacts – a great way to grow your business. Open Friday afternoon until 5:30 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Reserve your space now; $25 for one day, $45 for both days. Complimentary with any sponsorship of at least $100 or more.
* SPEAKERS – A limited number of speaking opportunities are available on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. Use your time to introduce new products, offer support or tips to existing customers, demonstrate specific techniques for using a product etc. You may address the convention either in person or by Zoom. We ask all speakers to allow time for questions from the audience. The convention Zoom host will provide a time check if you wish, and will call on individuals who have questions. Your session will be recorded and, depending on sound quality, will be included in a future edition of Sound Prints, KCB’s audio magazine that is broadcast 12 times each week on ACB Media 1 and distributed to hundreds of people as a podcast, on audio CD, and on the KCB telephone information line. Complimentary with any sponsorship of $100 or more.
* SPONSORSHIPS – Become a conference sponsor. There’s a sponsorship to fit every budget. Sponsors at the $100 level and above will receive complimentary presentation time on the convention program. Sponsors at various levels will also be eligible to add their names to activities or aspects of the convention. Sponsors will be listed prominently in the convention program and will be acknowledged during the convention and on Sound Prints. 2024 KCB Holiday Express sponsorships include:
* Engineer ($1,500), Station Master ($1,000), Conductor ($500), Brakeman ($300), and Chef ($200) – your choice (based on availability and your specific needs) of complimentary exhibit space, presentation time, name an event, Sound Prints interview, and listing on front page of program
* Steward ($100), – your choice (based on availability) of complimentary speaking time and/or exhibit space; listing on front page of program
* Porter ($50), Redcap ($25), or Passenger ($15) – Recognition at convention and honorary listing in program.
DOOR PRIZES AND AUCTION ITEMS
Even if you cannot attend our convention in person or on Zoom, you can donate a door prize or auction item. If you wish, door prize drawings may happen during a specific session or event at the convention. The 2024 KCB Holiday Express will take place on November 2 and will be a Zoom-only event. Auction donors will be recognized, both in the pre-auction publicity and during the auction when their item(s) come up for bid.
MORE DETAILS
* Each exhibit space will include draped table, chairs, and table sign.
* The exhibit area will be in a separate room adjacent to the convention. Attendees will be free to visit exhibits during program time.
* Speakers will be scheduled for 15- and 30-minute blocks of time.
* If presenting on Zoom, you should plan to complete a sound check with convention planners during the week prior to the convention. Zoom sound checks are essential in order to ensure a high-quality listening experience for attendees.
* You need to be present on the Zoom line or in person at least 15 minutes prior to your presentation. If you do not appear on Zoom or in person for your presentation, you will not be rescheduled.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel accommodations are available at the Best Western Louisville East Inn and Suites, 9802 Bunsen Way in Louisville. Rates are $94/night plus tax for up to 4 people per room. Rooms have microwaves, small fridges, coffee makers and free coffee for your convenience. A breakfast buffet and free use of the heated indoor swimming pool and fitness center are included with your night’s stay. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. Make reservations by November 14 by calling (502) 499-0000; press 1 from the menu and be sure to stipulate that you are with the Kentucky Council of the Blind.
REGISTRATION
Now it’s time to sign up for your exhibit space and speaking and sponsor opportunities. Remember that space and speaking times are limited, so don’t delay. Call (502)895-4598 and use your debit or credit card to register by November 7 as an exhibitor or sponsor to insure that you are listed in the conference and convention program. for the KCB Holiday Express by calling (502) 895-4598; online pre-registration will be available after October 15. The two-day best value package is $60 ($75 after November 14) and includes Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch and banquet. A free pizza party, sponsored by the Greater Louisville Council of the Blind, will be on Thuosday evening for exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and attendees who pre-register and who check in to the hotel on Thursday.
Please indicate whether you will participate in person or on Zoom and your preference for date and time; this will be considered as much as possible when we create the conference schedule.
Have questions? Need more information? Contact us by email at kcb@kentucky-acb.org, or call us at (502) 895-4598.
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