The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey State Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing each year’s organizational priorities.

National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 50th Annual State Convention

Wednesday, October 21 through Sunday, October 25, 2026
Theme: Live the Life You Want -- Stronger Together: 50 Years of Progress and Possibilities
Host Chapter: South Jersey Shore Chapter

Register and make a difference in the lives of blind New Jerseyans!

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey invites members, families, professionals, community partners, and supporters to attend the 50th Annual NFB of New Jersey State Convention, taking place October 21–25, 2026, at Tropicana Atlantic City.

This year’s convention marks the 50th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. For five decades, the organization has worked to expand opportunity, promote independence, and raise expectations for blind people throughout the state. The 50th Annual State Convention celebrates this history while continuing the work of advancing equality, accessibility, and opportunity across New Jersey.

The convention is the largest annual gathering of blind individuals in New Jersey and serves as the premier event for training, networking, advocacy, and information within the blind community. Each year it brings together blind New Jerseyans, families, educators, rehabilitation professionals, technology experts, and community partners to share ideas, strengthen connections, and advance opportunities for blind people.

The agenda will be finalized, distributed, and posted on the state website in mid to late September. Yes, the agenda will be available on NFB-NEWSLINE® too!

Here is your opportunity to learn more about the National Federation of the Blind’s programs and goals at both the state and national levels. The convention will feature presentations by the NFB national representative, along with speakers addressing issues affecting blind individuals and families across New Jersey and the nation.

We are pleased to announce that Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, will attend the 50th Annual NFB of NJ State Convention. President Riccobono will join us in Atlantic City and share updates and perspectives on our national movement as we celebrate 50 years of progress and possibilities in New Jersey. Click here to read President Riccobono's bio.

Attendees will hear about topics such as membership, seniors, accessible technology, Braille literacy, student leadership, guide dog users, and issues affecting parents of blind children. Additional workshops and discussions will focus on advocacy, accessibility, employment, leadership development, and community engagement.

The convention will also recognize the 2026 NFB of New Jersey scholarship class, celebrating outstanding blind students. Special programming throughout the weekend will commemorate the 50-year history of the NFB of New Jersey, honoring the individuals and milestones that have helped shape the organized blind movement in our state.

Whether you are newly blind, a long-time Federation member, a parent, a student, or a professional working in the blindness field, the convention offers valuable information, meaningful connections, and opportunities to become involved in a vibrant movement dedicated to equality, independence, and opportunity.

Mark your calendars and make plans now to attend the 50th Annual NFB of New Jersey State Convention as we celebrate 50 years of advocacy, progress, and achievement for blind New Jerseyans. Get involved, share the information widely, and join us in continuing the work of raising expectations and expanding opportunities. Everyone is welcome.

Jump to Convention Information

• Auction and Door Prize Contributions
• Convention Volunteers
• Location
• Room Reservations
• Convention Bus Transportation
• Daily Outline
• Convention Camp
• Registration
• Meal Options
• Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
• Convention Policies
• Past State Conventions
• Additional Information

Support the 2026 Convention Auction and Door Prizes

Help make the 50th Annual NFB of NJ State Convention even more memorable by contributing to our convention auction and door prizes. Individuals, NFB of NJ chapters, committees and groups, and companies or organizations are invited to donate auction baskets, individual auction items, door prizes, or monetary contributions.

Monetary contributions may be designated for auction items or baskets, door prizes, or both. Every contribution helps enhance the convention experience while supporting the work of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

Click here to contribute to the 2026 Convention Auction and Door Prizes!

Convention Volunteers

Help make the 50th Annual NFB of NJ State Convention a success by volunteering during our historic 2026 convention. Volunteers play an important role in supporting convention activities, assisting attendees, and helping create a welcoming and organized experience throughout the event.

Whether you are an NFB of NJ member, family member, friend, community supporter, or someone interested in getting involved, we encourage you to explore available 2026 State Convention volunteer opportunities. Complete the volunteer registration form to tell us about your interests, availability, and how you would like to help.

Location

Tropicana Atlantic City
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

The 50th Annual State Convention will be held at Tropicana Atlantic City, an accessible resort located directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The hotel provides a convenient setting for convention activities, with meeting rooms, guest accommodations, restaurants, shops, and other amenities located within the resort complex.

Tropicana Atlantic City offers accessible entrances, elevators, and public areas that support independent participation by blind and low-vision guests. Accessible guestrooms are available upon request.

The hotel is accessible via NJ Transit Access Link, which provides curb-to-curb transportation for eligible riders traveling to Atlantic City. Attendees may also travel by car, NJ Transit rail service, regional bus carriers, taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Parking is available for an additional fee.

Room Reservations

Tropicana Atlantic City is accepting room reservations for the 50th Annual NFB of NJ State Convention. Reservations may be made through the dedicated online booking link or by telephone. A credit card is recommended, and the first night's room rate will be charged at the time of reservation.

The NFB of NJ hotel room block ends Sunday, October 4, 2026. Rooms remaining in the block after this date will be released back to the hotel, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their rooms early.

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Hotel Guestroom Rates

The following convention rates include the reduced $20 daily resort fee but do not include applicable taxes. Guestrooms may accommodate a maximum of four people.

• Wednesday, October 21: $99
• Thursday, October 22: $99
• Friday, October 23: $119
• Saturday, October 24: $169

The average nightly cost, including the reduced resort fee, is approximately $121.50 before applicable taxes.

Call-In Booking

To make your reservation by telephone, call 888-516-2215. Room reservations are available 8:00 AM–2:00 AM Eastern Time, seven days a week.

Group Name: National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Group Code: ST10FB6

All callers will be asked for the group code. You may also tell the reservation agent that you are booking with the National Federation of the Blind of NJ group.

Online Booking

To make your reservation online, use the dedicated NFB of NJ convention booking link:
https://book.passkey.com/go/ST10FB6

Havana Tower and Convention Space

Convention activities will be held on the third floor of the Havana Tower. Every effort will be made to assign convention attendees' guestrooms in the Havana Tower; however, room assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Accepting a room before the standard 4:00 PM check-in time may result in an assignment in another tower. The Havana Tower is accessible through the Quarter at Tropicana.

If you require an accessible guestroom or specific accessibility features, please make your needs known when making your reservation.

Additional Hotel Information

The reduced $20 daily resort fee includes basic in-room Wi-Fi, local telephone calls, and daily fitness center access for up to two guests per room at each property. Fitness center access does not include lockers or shower facilities. Guestrooms also include in-room coffee makers.

Self-parking is available for an additional fee. Guests staying within the NFB of NJ convention room block will receive a $5 per-room credit toward self-parking. Additional parking information will be posted once finalized.

Room Reservation Cancellations

If you are unable to attend the 2026 NFB of NJ State Convention after making a hotel reservation, please do not contact Tropicana Atlantic City directly to cancel your reservation. Instead, contact Linda Melendez at 908-590-1747.

Linda may have a waiting list of attendees seeking rooms, particularly as the convention approaches and after the hotel room block closes. Contacting Linda first may allow your room to remain within the NFB of NJ block and become available to another attendee.

Hotel reservations may be canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled arrival date for a refund, subject to the hotel's cancellation policy.

>Convention Bus Transportation

NFB of NJ plans to offer bus transportation to and from the 2026 State Convention at Tropicana Atlantic City. Pickup locations, departure and return times, cost, eligibility, reservation instructions, availability, and transportation policies will be posted once finalized.

Please check back for updates.

Daily Outline

Get an at-a-glance view of the 2026 NFB of NJ State Convention schedule with our daily outline. Review the major activities, meetings, meals, seminars, and special events planned throughout the 50th Annual State Convention, from Wednesday, October 21 through Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Tropicana Atlantic City.

Use the daily outline to help plan your convention experience and identify the activities you want to attend. Dates, times, and activities are subject to change.

Click here to view the 2026 NFB of NJ State Convention Daily Outline.

Convention Camp

NFB of NJ Convention Camp will be available for youth ages 2 through 10, offering engaging, age-appropriate activities while parents and guardians participate in the convention. Experienced childcare providers will provide a welcoming environment during the following sessions: Friday, October 23, from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–5:00 PM; Saturday, October 24, from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–5:00 PM; and during the Saturday evening banquet from 7:00–9:30 PM. Separate fees will apply to each session.

Each child must bring their own food, drinks, and necessary personal items, such as diapers, wipes, or comfort items. Convention Camp staff will not administer medications. If a child requires a diaper change, the parent or guardian will be notified and must return to handle the change.

Convention Camp will be offered only if there is sufficient interest, with a minimum of five participating children required. Parents and guardians should indicate their interest through the convention registration form by September 25, 2026. Indicating interest does not register a child for Convention Camp. If the minimum is met, a separate registration form will be made available to select sessions and pay the applicable fees.

Register for the 2026 NFB of NJ State Convention

Registration Is Now Open!

The 2026 registration form features a new and improved design that allows attendees to register multiple people and purchase convention packages within a single transaction.

Pre-convention registration closes Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM. All convention meals must be purchased by this deadline and will not be available for purchase on-site.

Registration Form:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nfbnj2026annualconvention/event/nfbnj2026registrationform

New Features

You can register multiple attendees in one transaction, such as two adults, a child, and a support staff member.

Already registered and need to add something? Select “Already Registered/Additional Packages” to purchase additional meals, tickets, or convention packages without creating a new registration. Meals must be added by October 7 at 5:00 PM.

Registration Form Layout

Page 1: Event Information

Review the event information and select “Register Now” to begin.

Page 2: Package Selection

Choose the applicable package or packages:

• General Packages: Adults and youth ages 16 and older.
• Child Packages: Youth under age 16.
• Support Staff Packages: SSPs, aides, PCAs, and interpreters.
• Already Registered/Additional Packages: For attendees returning to add packages to an existing registration.

Page 3: Purchaser Contact Information

Enter the purchaser's billing information. You will enter the primary attendee's information separately on the following page to meet NFB of NJ registration requirements.

Page 4: Registrant Information

Provide the requested information for each attendee. For applicable meal packages, select a meal option and enter attendee names as requested so meals and tickets can be assigned correctly.

Review the “Your Summary” section before proceeding to checkout.

Page 5: Payment Options

Payment methods include credit card, debit card, Apple Pay on compatible devices, PayPal, and bank transfer.

The Invoice option may be used for payments by check or money order, subject to the deadlines below.

Information for JAWS Users

JAWS users completing the registration form on a computer should use the Down Arrow key to hear all information and instructions associated with each question.

Registration Disclaimer and Important Policies

NFB of NJ reserves the right to cancel any registration that is not completed and paid in full by October 7, 2026. Check or money order payments must be received by October 7; please allow sufficient mailing time, as late payments will not be accepted or processed.

Beginning October 3, 2026, all new registrations must be paid electronically using PayPal, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or bank transfer. New check or money order payments will not be accepted after this date.

NFB of NJ also reserves the right to cancel pre-registration submitted by current or former members who are not in good standing with the organization. Registration is considered a privilege and may be revoked at NFB of NJ's discretion to maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the organization. Anyone with questions about membership status or payment options should contact us well before the applicable deadlines.

Convention Meal Options

The 2026 NFB of NJ State Convention will offer breakfasts, boxed lunches, a Thursday evening Pasta Dinner, the Friday Federation Family meal, and the Saturday evening banquet. Meal descriptions, selections, and pricing are available through the convention registration process.

All meals must be purchased by Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM and will not be available for purchase on-site. Already registered attendees may use the “Already Registered/Additional Packages” option to add meals before the deadline.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, menu items may be changed or substituted by the hotel without prior notice. Every effort will be made to provide high-quality meals for convention attendees.

Complete meal descriptions and available selections are also available at:
https://nfbnj.org/state-convention/meal-options

Sponsorship Opportunities

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of NJ) cordially invites organizations, businesses, and individuals to become sponsors of our annual State Convention. Your generous support is absolutely critical; it directly empowers us to continue our vital work of raising expectations and expanding opportunities for blind individuals throughout New Jersey.

This year, we're focusing our fundraising efforts exclusively on sponsorships. A contribution of $75 or more is considered a sponsorship, and every dollar directly helps us host a meaningful and impactful convention. In return for your generosity, you or your organization will receive valuable visibility and recognition within the vibrant blindness community we serve.

Exhibit Hall Access for Sponsors

As a special perk, any individual, company, or organization that registers at the Vendor Sponsorship level or higher will be provided with a dedicated table in our exhibit hall. This isn't just a table; it's a prime opportunity to connect directly with attendees, proudly showcase your products or services, and engage in meaningful conversations with members of the blind community and their allies. It's a chance to build relationships and demonstrate your commitment.

Ready to Make a Difference?

To become a sponsor and actively support our mission, please take a moment to complete our sponsorship registration form. You can find it by visiting:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/habdvg/event/nationalfederationoftheblindsponsorshipandgiving

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and resource partners. Your partnership is truly essential to the success of our convention and, more broadly, to our mission. Together, we are powerfully transforming perceptions and creating greater, brighter opportunities for blind people across New Jersey.

Convention Policies

Integrity and Respect

To ensure all attendees can benefit from every aspect of the convention, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere where participants from diverse backgrounds can learn, network, and share with one another in an environment of mutual respect.

Thank you for doing your part to support our community and uphold the high expectations we strive to maintain.

Please visit the following link for the code of conduct:
www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct

Fragrance-Free Environment

To ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for all participants, the NFB of New Jersey State Convention is a fragrance-free event. Some individuals experience significant health effects from exposure to scented products. Attendees are asked to refrain from wearing or using perfume, cologne, scented lotions, aftershave, essential oils, or other strongly scented personal products during convention activities.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain an environment that is welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Please review the NFB of New Jersey Fragrance-Free Policy for additional information:
https://nfbnj.org/fragrance-free-policy

Past State Conventions

Please visit our Past Conventions page to access audio and video highlights from previous state conventions.

Additional Information

If you have questions and need additional information, please contact us at 908-590-1747 or via our contact us form.