Saturday, October 25, 2025

Morning General Session

6:30 AM to 8:00 AM—Pre-Purchased Breakfast Buffet

Room 200

Bring your convention pre-registration receipt with you to receive a wristband for breakfast. The band is only valid for one day. Breakfast buffet must be pre-purchased per person for each day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pre-Registration Pick-Up & On-Site Registration

Registration Desk

8:00 AM to 8:25 AM–Banquet Ticket Exchange

Metropolitan Ballroom

8:30 AM–Pre-General Session Music

Metropolitan Ballroom

9:00 AM–General Session

Welcome and Call to Order
Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ

9:05 AM–Presidential Report

Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ

9:45 PM–Nominating Committee Report

Annemarie Cooke, Chair, Nominating Committee

9:55 AM–Introduction of NFB of NJ Scholarship Class of 2025

Lia Stone, Director of Youth Programs

10:00 AM–National Association of Blind Students (NABS) Report

James Yesel, NABS Representative

10:20 AM–NFB 2024 & 2025 National Scholarship Finalists

Lia Stone, Facilitator; Panelists Krystle Allen, Lauren Altman & Sergio Arvizu Arguelles

10:45 AM–Fit break

John Paré, National Representative

10:55 AM–Landing in NOLA

Annemarie Cooke, Facilitator; Panelists Elizabeth Miner and David Berman

11:25 AM– Championing AI for You

Panel Discussion; Moderator: Mac Biggers

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech experts, for everyone. In this practical panel discussion, Federationists will share how they incorporate AI into their daily lives through apps, smart glasses, and other accessible tools. These individuals are everyday users who have found creative, impactful, and sometimes surprising ways to make AI work for them. From identifying objects and reading printed text to enhancing mobility and fostering independence, this conversation will shine a light on the real-world potential of AI for blind users.

11:50 AM–Announcements

Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ

12:00 PM–Adjourn

 

12:00 PM to 12:15 PM–Banquet Ticket Exchange

 

Lunch Break-Out Sessions

12:00 PM to 12:20 PM– Pre-Purchased Lunch Pick-Up

Room 200

Bring your convention pre-registration receipt with you to receive your Saturday lunch; seating is available.

12:10 PM to 1:10 PM–NJ Association of Blind Students Gathering

Room 201

Students, join us to learn about NJABS and enjoy free pizza

12:10 PM–Parents of Blind Children—NJ Meet and Talk

Room 206
Carol Castellano, NJ-POBC

Afternoon General Session & Evening Activities

Metropolitan Ballroom

1:15 PM–Afternoon General Session

Welcome, Call to Order, Announcements
Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ

1:20 PM–Kenneth Jernigan Leadership In-Service Program

Bree Douglas, President, NFB of NJ Northeast Chapter

1:35 PM– Marching Together on Capitol Hill

Clarke King Facilitator; Panelists Isabelle Nutt and Gregory Keene

2:00 PM–Leadership Seminar

Lia Stone, Facilitator; Panelists Beatrice Olivetti and Nimisha Rana

2:30 PM–Fit Break

James Yesel, NABS Representative

2:45 PM–Affiliate Business Meeting

Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ

4:45 PM-Announcements and Closing Remarks

Linda Melendez, President, NFB of NJ, and John Paré, National Representative & Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute

5:00 PM–Adjourn

 

5:10 PM to 5:25 PM–Final Banquet Ticket Exchange

 

7:30 PM–Banquet Doors open at 7:15 PM

Metropolitan Ballroom

Bring your pre-purchased banquet exchange ticket with you! Everyone must have a ticket to be served! There will be a cash bar. Food and bar service will not be available during the keynote address.

Maestra of Ceremonies—Jane Degenshein, Board Member, NFB of NJ; Chair, Senior and Technology Committees
Invocation—
Recognition of Sponsorship—
Keynote Address—National Rep John Paré
Presentation of State Scholarship Awards —Lia Stone, Director of Youth Programs, NFB of NJ
Door Prizes