The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 2026 State Convention

Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026

The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts invites members, families, professionals, community partners, and supporters to attend the 2026 State Convention. This annual gathering provides an important opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives of the organized blind movement, gain practical information related to blindness skills and technology, and participate in discussions that shape the future of our work in Massachusetts.

The convention will feature presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and affiliate activities designed to strengthen local chapters and empower blind individuals statewide. Portions of the event will be live streamed and recorded for archival access on the state website, ensuring information remains available to all.

The full agenda will be finalized and posted on the state website in early to mid March and will also be available on NEWSLINE®.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will hear from the NFB national representative and speakers addressing a broad range of topics of state and national importance, including advocacy, accessibility, membership, seniors, technology, Braille literacy, guide dog use, student issues, and matters affecting parents of blind children. The convention will also highlight the 2026 scholarship class and recognize outstanding contributions within the affiliate.

Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2026 State Convention of the NFB of Massachusetts. This annual gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow Federationists, learn from engaging speakers, and contribute to the shared work that strengthens our movement. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, share the information widely, and participate in our ongoing commitment to transforming dreams into reality as we work to raise expectations for blind Massachusettsans. Guided by the belief that we care, we share, we grow, we make a difference, your presence and participation truly matter. We invite you to extend this opportunity to friends, family, and community members—everyone is welcome!

Location

Garden Plaza Hotel—Boston/Woburn
15 Middlesex Canal Drive
Woburn, MA 01801

The 2026 State Convention will take place at the Garden Plaza Hotel—Boston/Woburn, a comfortable and accessible venue conveniently located off Interstate 93. Its proximity to Boston, Cambridge, Route 128, and major public transportation corridors makes it an ideal location for attendees traveling from across Massachusetts and neighboring states.

The hotel features accessible entrances, elevators, and public areas that support independent participation by blind and low-vision guests. Its interior layout is straightforward, and staff are available to provide assistance as needed. Accessible guest rooms are available upon request, and the convention meeting spaces comfortably accommodate mobility devices, guide dogs, and participants requiring various accessibility accommodations.

Complimentary parking is available on-site, including accessible spaces near the entrance. The surrounding area includes numerous dining, shopping, and service options to support attendee needs throughout the weekend.

Getting to the Hotel

The Garden Plaza Hotel—Boston/Woburn, located at 15 Middlesex Canal Drive, Woburn, MA, is easily accessible for attendees traveling from across Massachusetts and New England. The hotel sits just off Interstate 93 at Exit 36 and is only minutes from Interstate 95/Route 128, making it convenient for drivers arriving from Boston, the North Shore, the Merrimack Valley, and surrounding regions.

For those flying into Logan International Airport (BOS), the hotel is approximately 20–30 minutes away under normal traffic conditions. Logan offers several ground transportation options, including shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and rental cars. Travelers may also use Logan Express to reach North Station or Woburn’s Anderson Regional Transportation Center.

Public transportation is another convenient option. The MBTA Commuter Rail Lowell Line serves Anderson/Woburn Station, a major transit hub. From the train or bus station, attendees can take a short taxi or rideshare trip to the hotel. For those traveling from within the Commonwealth, numerous trains and buses run from various locations across Massachusetts with connections to Woburn and nearby communities.

If you need assistance determining the best travel route, please contact Mika Pyyhkala at 617-308-1114. Mika can help you plan an efficient and accessible trip based on your starting point and preferred transportation method.

Room Reservations

The Garden Plaza Hotel—Boston/Woburn is now accepting reservations for the 2026 NFBMA State Convention. Because the room block typically fills quickly, attendees are encouraged to reserve early to ensure availability and receive the negotiated group rate.

How to Make a Reservation

Reservations may be made by phone or online.

To reserve by phone, call 781-935-8760 and state that you are attending the NFB of Massachusetts State Convention. Calling during regular business hours is recommended for the quickest assistance or for guests needing accessibility accommodations or specific room requests.

To reserve online, use the official booking link. The link automatically applies the convention rate and connects you to the designated room block.

Important note for students:

Any students attending the state convention are to contact Shara Winton at 617-600-8130 to make their room reservations and should not contact the hotel directly. Shara will assist students with securing the appropriate accommodations and ensuring their reservations are handled correctly for the convention.

Room Rates and Amenities

The convention rate is $119 per night for up to four occupants in a room before taxes and fees, and includes breakfast in the hotel restaurant. This is for rooms with two queen beds or rooms with 1 King. This includes standard hotel amenities. All taxes and fees are subject to change without prior notice, and will be calculated and applied at check-out. Guests with accessibility needs or guide dogs should mention this when reserving.

Reservation Deadline

The room block is available through Monday, March 2. After this date, rooms are released to the general public and the discounted rate may not be available. A credit card is required to hold the reservation but will not be charged until arrival.

Important Cancellation Instructions

If you need to cancel your reservation, please do not contact the hotel directly. Instead, call Shara Winton at 617-600-8130. Shara manages all reservation changes related to the convention and maintains a waiting list of individuals who often decide to attend after the March 2 cutoff date. By cancelling through Shara, your room can be reassigned to another attendee within the convention block, ensuring that the affiliate makes full use of its reserved rooms and meets its contractual obligations with the hotel. This process also helps other Federation members secure accommodations when rooms at the discounted rate may no longer be available.

Code of Conduct

As an attendee at our convention, you not only represent yourself but also represent our greater organization. We want you to enjoy our time together and to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides a valuable opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on local and national levels, and to plan our work for the future.

The National Federation of the Blind seeks to provide a convention environment in which diverse participants, including members, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers, may learn, network, and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues in an environment of mutual respect and professionalism. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are therefore specifically prohibited:

• harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, physical appearance, or other group identity
• harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact
• public drunkenness and associated behaviors (e.g., belligerence, yelling, hostility, destruction of property)

Participants are expected to abide by these rules and behaviors in all convention venues, including online arenas, social media, and social events. Participants who are asked to stop a behavior that the recipient considers hostile or harassing are expected to comply immediately. We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas. Please visit https://nfb.org/code-conduct for more information.

Additional Information

Additional convention details—including the finalized agenda, registration information, and any new announcements—will be posted as they become available, and attendees are encouraged to check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information. For questions or assistance regarding the state convention, please contact us at 617-600-8130 or sharawinton@gmail.com.