National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
80th Annual State Convention
November 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2026
Marriott at the University of Dayton
1414 South Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45409
(800) 627-7468
Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio’s 80th Annual State Convention. Our theme: “Reflecting Our Journey, Shaping a New Vision: Empowering Members to Inspire the Future.”
Richard Payne, Affiliate President
Mark Riccobono, National President, National Representative
Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator
Annette Lutz, Door Prize/Auctioneer Coordinator
Host Chapters
Dr. Carolyn Peters, President, Miami Valley Chapter
Arlie Ray, President, Springfield Chapter
Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio’s 80th Annual State Convention. Our theme is “Reflecting Our Journey, Shaping a New Vision: Empowering Members to Inspire the Future.”
As a founding affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, we have a strong legacy of working together as a community in order to protect and advocate for our civil rights as blind people from its very beginning.
Through our vast network of blind members and friends, we coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind people, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates unlimited opportunities.
We believe in the ability of blind people to organize and advocate on our own behalf and reflect this belief from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.
We respect and are inclusive of blind people of all backgrounds and abilities. It is our uniqueness as individuals and our collective dedication to our mission as blind people that is at the core of our strength as an organization.
Working together, we are an unstoppable force in our pursuit of civil rights for the blind in Ohio and beyond.
The Belief Message
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
Code of Conduct
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention is a family friendly event. We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment dedicated to positive experiences for blind people. We hold ourselves and our attendees to strict adherence to the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct found at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct/code
Privacy Notice
“This is a public event. You may be filmed on video or captured in photos that may be published in media outlets, including Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites. Some sessions and activities at the 2026 National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention may be photographed or videotaped. By participating in the State Convention, registrants agree that The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has the right to use their image, likeness and/or voice or sound recording taken in connection to the State Convention in all Media.”
Convention Arrangements
If you have any questions about convention arrangements, contact Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator, at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
Rookie Roundup
All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, in Salon F.
President Payne, National President Mark A. Riccobono, and other Federation leaders will welcome attendees and preview convention activities. Division and chapter presidents, along with experienced members, are encouraged to invite all first-time attendees to this special gathering.
Reserve Your Room
The Marriott at the University of Dayton Hotel address is 1414 South Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45409.
To make a reservation, call (800) 627-7468. Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including:
- An indoor pool
- A spa tub
- A fitness center
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- Gift shops/newsstands
- An exclusive membership club experience
Also, enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/cafe. The hotel also offers room service (during limited hours). You can quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily on Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Saturday/Sunday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Not only does this hotel have great amenities, but transportation is also available within a 5-mile radius.
Hotel Overview and Orientation
On behalf of Affiliate President Richard Payne and the Ohio Executive Board of Directors, welcome to Dayton for the 80th Annual State Convention. The Miami Valley offers a rich mix of arts, history, education, and military heritage, and we hope you enjoy the area during your stay.
Marriott at the University of Dayton: The hotel is welcoming and easy to navigate. As you enter through the double doors, you arrive in the main lobby. The rug beneath your feet can serve as a useful landmark when traveling with a white cane.
Hotel Lobby
When you enter the hotel, you will step into a spacious lobby with several important landmarks nearby:
- Directly to your left is a comfortable lounge area where you can relax between convention activities.
- Directly to your right is a complimentary water station.
- Continuing past the water station, the Dewberry 1850 Restaurant is located down the hall, and offers a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge—perfect for meeting with friends or enjoying a meal.
- The reservation/front desk is straight ahead, about 20 paces back at the front entrance.
- The business center with two computers and a hard table with seating for 6, is located to the right slightly before approaching the front desk.
- The women’s first floor restrooms can be found by walking down the hallway to the right of the front desk towards the meeting spaces. The restroom entrance is located to the right across from the welcome table.
Note: The University of Dayton Marriott is cashless.
Fitness and Recreation
To the right of the front desk, you'll find the hotel's fitness center, which includes cardio equipment, weight machines, fresh towels, and water.
Nearby are the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, with comfortable seating for relaxing after a busy day. An ADA pool lift is available for guests who need assistance entering the pool area.
Guest Rooms and Elevators
The hotel offers both King and Queen guest rooms, each designed with comfortable beds, modern furnishings, and dedicated workspaces.
The University of Dayton Marriott has six floors of guest rooms. Two elevators provide access to the upper floors, and guest rooms are also available on the first floor for those who prefer not to stay on a higher floor.
From the front desk, with your back to the main entrance, turn left to reach first-floor guest rooms and an elevator to the upper floors. Before turning left, you will find the hotel market straight ahead, offering beverages, snacks, ice cream, over-the-counter essentials, and University of Dayton souvenirs and apparel. A second elevator is located down the hallway on your left before the Dewberry 1850 restaurant.
Convention Areas
After checking in, turn right from the front desk and continue about 30 to 40 feet to reach the ballroom area.
Along this route, you will also find:
- First-floor guest rooms, on your left and down the hall.
- Men’s Restrooms located on your left before entering the hallway to the first-floor guest rooms.
Continuing straight ahead, you will reach the main convention areas:
- The Welcome Table, officiated by the Miami Valley and Springfield Chapters
- The River Park Room, where door prizes and auction items will be stored,
- The Information Desk, where you can also temporarily store items,
- Ballrooms (E through H),
- The Ballroom Foyer,
- The Kiefaber Room,
- The Tradewinds Room, which is at the end of the hall of the Ballrooms to your left, where Hospitality will be housed on Friday, November 6, and the Exhibit Hall will be housed on Saturday, November 7.
Seminar and Registration Areas
Seminars will be held in Ballrooms E through H and in the Kiefaber Room.
Convention Registration and Pre-Registration Pick-Up will take place in the Ballroom Foyer, where literature and convention materials will also be available. Please feel free to take any literature you need.
Guide Dog Relief Areas
Guide dogs are welcome, and two relief areas are available.
- The first is outside the exit at the end of the hallway near the first-floor guest rooms to the left of the registration area. The grassy relief area is located just off the parking lot.
- The second is outside the exit in the Tradewinds Room, providing another convenient location for guide dogs to take a break.
Registration
Online pre-registration is open through November 1, 2026, at 11:59 AM at NFBOhio.org/Convention. Pre-Registration is $30.00, and banquet tickets are $55.00. After November 1st at noon, In-Person Registration is $35.00, and banquet tickets are $60.00 onsite at the hotel.
Convention Registration and Pre-Registration Packet Pick-Up will take place in the Ballroom Foyer. Attendees who registered in advance should use the Pre-Registration Table for faster service. Attendees may also register onsite, purchase additional event tickets, and buy a box lunch for $25. Both Registration tables will be open on Friday, November 6, from 8:30 AM to 10:15 AM and from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM. For registration questions, contact Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator, at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
NFB Literature
NFB literature will be available throughout the convention next to the registration area. Feel free to take as much as you like; and share it with your friends and family.
Annual Auction
Help our affiliate to continue its legacy of advocacy by and for the blind by bringing your positive energy and generously giving in support of a great cause during our annual auction held at the Banquet on Saturday evening.
It promises to be fun for the entire family with many valuable items up for bid. Our chapters, divisions, and many friends contribute a wide range of items including electronics, gift certificates, food baskets, and more.
To donate auction items, contact Annette Lutz at (614) 288-4323 or bring items to the River Park Room when you arrive. Thank you in advance for supporting the affiliate’s advocacy work.
Door Prizes
Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and during our banquet. To be eligible to win a door prize, you must be registered for the convention and present in the meeting space when your name is called. All donated items should be labeled clearly in print and Braille with the donor's name, the amount of the gift, and the type of gift being contributed. Deliver prizes directly to Annette Lutz in the River Park Room or leave them with a representative at the Convention Information table along with its print/Braille label.
Hospitality
Hospitality will be held on Friday, November 6, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Tradewinds Room on the first floor. Join Ohio affiliate members for snacks, beverages, conversation, and fellowship with old and new friends.
Exhibit Hall
Whether you are looking for information or shopping for new technology, the 2026 Exhibit Hall will offer resources to help you live the life you want. Visit the Exhibit Hall in the Tradewinds Room on Saturday, November 7, from noon to 4:00 PM. Explore technology, employment resources, healthcare information, services for the blind, and more.
For questions, please reach out to Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
Guide Dogs
Guide dog relief areas are available near the first-floor sleeping rooms at the end of the hallway to the left of the reservation desk, use the exit to the parking lot; grassy areas are located to the left, and second is outside the exit in the Tradewinds Room, providing another convenient location for guide dogs to take a break. For assistance with guide dog issues, contact Luann Bowers, OAGDU Division President, at (419) 822-6828 or by email at luannbowers4@gmail.com.
Dream Makers Circle
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle (DMC). It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank account, which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422, or pchang@nfb.org.
Vehicle Donations
The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free 855-659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting https://nfb.org/vehicledonations.
Pre-Authorized Contributions
Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please consider joining our pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plan. Starting at $5 monthly, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations. To enroll, call 877-632-2722, visit https://nfb.org/pac to complete the online form, or email pac@nfb.org for additional information.
You can leave a legacy through planned giving. Please consider including us in your estate planning. It is easier than you think. We are so grateful for all you do.
Meet the National Representative
Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Diagnosed with glaucoma and aniridia at age five, he attended public schools, graduated with honors, and was active in debate and track.
Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, became a member of the Iron Cross honor society, and served as founding president of the Wisconsin Association of Blind Students. During his senior year, he was elected president of the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin.
After graduation, Mark joined the Sears executive trainee program and spent his free time advocating for the blind. Then he was appointed to the Wisconsin State Superintendent’s Blind and Visual Impairment Education Council and made the first director of the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an agency responsible for statewide services to blind children. Afterward he took a position in Baltimore with the NFB and earned a Master of Science in Educational Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Professional Studies in Business and Education.
Mark later served as executive director of the NFB Jernigan Institute, the only research and training institute developed and directed by blind people. In 2010 and 2011, he served on the Federal Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education. In January 2011, at Daytona International Speedway, he navigated a car equipped with nonvisual technology for 1.5 miles, demonstrating the first time a blind person drove a street vehicle in public without assistance from a sighted person.
On July 5, 2014, the National Federation of the Blind elected Mark to serve as its president. The election took place at the national convention of the National Federation of the Blind, held in Orlando, Florida. He has been re-elected by the membership every two years since that time.
Mark and his wife, Melissa, live in Baltimore, Maryland, with their three children.