Click “Launch Event” to identify the ACB Media stream for each event.
Events in July 2026
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Exhibitor Reception Exhibitor Reception
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July 15, 2026Mock Elections Mock Elections
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July 15, 2026 -
Access Through the Arts with the Missouri Arts Council Access Through the Arts with the Missouri Arts Council
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July 16, 2026Speaker Piper Hudson will share information on tactile art making, multisensory installations, descriptive audio frameworks, and collaborative storytelling. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Smart Living Stronger Access Appliances Community and Advocacy Smart Living Stronger Access Appliances Community and Advocacy
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July 16, 2026Be part of a conversation with BITS about appliances and accessibility, and why inclusive design must extend into every part of daily life. Our presentation will highlight the launch of the Appliance Portal, efforts to connect with the community through YouTube, and the importance of bringing greater awareness to vendors, advocates, and consumers alike. By sharing experiences, building visibility, and speaking with a stronger collective voice, we can help drive meaningful progress in accessibility and advocacy. Presenters: Larry-Watkinson, Technology Project Manager, Olympia, WA; Jeff Bishop, President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS), Application Developer, Tucson, AZ; Lucia Greco, Accessibility Evangelist, Berkeley, CA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
GDUI Guide Dog School Update GDUI Guide Dog School Update
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July 16, 2026Thinking on getting a guide dog or are you looking into applying for a successor guide? Or are you curious about what the guide dog world is up to? Join GDUI and hear updates from several US and Canadian guide dog training programs. Hear about what training is like, the matching process, graduate support, and much, much more. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Capturing the World Through Photography With Confidence Capturing the World Through Photography With Confidence
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July 16, 2026Many of us carry smartphones or wearable devices with built-in cameras, but if you are blind or visually impaired, using them may feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. This BITS session is designed for smart device beginners or intermediate users and will start with the basics of how to take photos using accessible features. We will explore simple techniques to help you understand what is in your pictures using description tools and apps. By the end, you’ll feel more confident capturing and sharing moments in ways that work for you. Presenters: Kelly Ford, Software Developer, Madison, WI; Ann McKay-Bacon, Teacher Consultant for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Detroit, MI Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
American Comedy and the Jewish Connection American Comedy and the Jewish Connection
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July 16, 2026Comedy will be explored in the 20 and 21st centuries and the impact it has had on the culture. The contributions of Jewish writers and performers, we will delve into stand-up, skits, television, comedy and movies. Join us for an entertaining and informative presentation. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
The Power of Small Behavior Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes The Power of Small Behavior Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
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July 16, 2026One out of every three adults in the United States is living with pre-diabetes and 50% of those people over age 65 have this condition. It is estimated that 90% of these people do not know it. There is a common misconception that a person can do very little at this point to avoid or delay progression to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Brenda Jagatic BSCN, RN, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist will be joining us to share information about small behavior changes that can have a huge impact on slowing or preventing the progression of this disease. The hints that she will be sharing regarding living a healthier lifestyle are also very beneficial for people who already have a diagnosis of diabetes or are just wanting to lead a more healthy life. We will also have two members of our group sharing their personal experiences with altering the course of their diabetes. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
LUA Presents Voices and Access and Freedom through a Conversation on Book Banning LUA Presents Voices and Access and Freedom through a Conversation on Book Banning
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July 16, 2026This is a thought provoking exploration of book banning, examining its definition, history, and growing impact on access to information. Learn from meaningful discussions that challenge us to consider who decides what content is appropriate and how those decisions shape education, libraries, and society. The presentation also brings critical attention to equity, highlighting how restrictions disproportionately affect blind and low vision readers and others who already face barriers to access. Gain a deeper understanding of intellectual freedom and practical ways to advocate for inclusive, accessible, and diverse collections. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
ACBL Lessons in Leadership ACBL Lessons in Leadership
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July 16, 2026On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire began, ultimately destroying 9,000 homes and buildings including the homes of five members of the Pasadena Host Lions Club. Donna and Mitch Pomerantz, Club Secretary and President respectively, will talk about their involvement in organizing the Club’s response in assisting the Altadena, Northern Pasadena, and Sierra Madre communities to recover. A real-life story of action and leadership. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Seeing Braille Wait I Thought I Had to Feel Braille Seeing Braille Wait I Thought I Had to Feel Braille
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July 17, 2026Seeing Braille, a program for the PC, lets blind or sighted presenters demonstrate braille to sighted audiences, in person or online. By exploring dit positions, letter patterns, numbers, punctuation, and uncracted or contracted words or phrases, users can learn braille by sight and take the mystery out of braille for audiences such as parents, classmates of blind chilred, and the public in general. Presenter: Neva Fairchild, American Foundation of the Blind, retired aging and vision loss specialist, Dallas, TX Co-sponsored by BRL and AABT Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Patty Goes to Peru Patty Goes to Peru
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July 17, 2026Patty Slaby will tell us about her inspiring Mission Trip to Lima Peru. She will share about her experiences at an orphanage where she presented and demonstrated how it is to live as a blind individual. She will summarize some of her adventures and describe the time she spent with the children being immersed in Spanish. Presenter: Patty Slaby, itinerant teacher of blind and low vision, Arcadia, WI Co-sponsored by AABT and BRL Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
GDUI OandM for Everyone GDUI OandM for Everyone
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July 17, 2026Knowing how to travel with a cane is vital for our success as blind or low vision people, but yet, too often cane travel instruction is hard to come by. Come and see the plethora of orientation and mobility programs offered by some of the guide dog schools from around the country! Please know that you don’t need to have or want a guide dog to join this session; O&M is for everyone! Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Why You Need a Better Money Plan and How YNABS Five Questions Can Help Your Finances Soar Why You Need a Better Money Plan and How YNABS Five Questions Can Help Your Finances Soar
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July 17, 2026Does your budget look good on paper but fall apart in real life? Join Moe Carpenter, AFC and Certified YNAB Spendfulness Coach, to discover a better way to manage your money. We’ll examine YNAB’s five questions and how they can help you build a stronger plan, spend more mindfully, and make your finances truly soar to new heights. Sponsored by ACBNG Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Braille Games Braille Games
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July 17, 2026Come join BRL to play games based on the use of braille. BRL members will lead you in playing a few games using your knowledge about braille. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Overview of the New ADP Website Overview of the New ADP Website
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July 17, 2026The Audio Description Project’s website was re-designed in 2025, built around a modern content management system, which now allows us to place everything we know about movies, series, and TV programs in a database for display by website visitors. But how do you best utilize the ADP website features to customize your visit for maximum usefulness? Come hear from webmaster Fred Brack and ADP Coordinator Dianna Leonard on how to make the most of your experience. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Todays Poetic Voices of Protest and Resistance Todays Poetic Voices of Protest and Resistance
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July 17, 2026Poets will be performing and discussing their works. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Trends in AI and Making It Accessible Trends in AI and Making It Accessible
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July 18, 2026Blind Information Technology Solutions, along with a panel of experts, will explore the latest trends in AI from a blind and low vision perspective. The session will highlight how tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and Accessibility Agents are expanding access, creativity, and innovation. Attendees will learn how blind and low vision people are not only using these technologies, but also helping shape what comes next. It will be a practical and engaging look at how accessible AI is changing the world around us. Presenters: Larry Watkinson, Technology Project Manager, Olympia, WA; Jeff Bishop, President BITS, Tucson, AZ; Kayla Bentas, Technology Project Coordinator, Peabody, MA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Braille Devices under Two Hundred Dollars Braille Devices under Two Hundred Dollars
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July 18, 2026Enhance your use of braille with four low-cost braille devices. The BrailleDoodle is a device with raised braille letters and a method of drawing. The VersaSlate is a paperless slate and stylus. The Hable is a device with braille input that can connect to other devices. Braille legos are a fun way to learn more about braille. Presenters: Lucy Edmunds, retired Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library, Lansing, MI; Audry Schading, Braille Instructor, Lighthouse Guild of New York; Shanell Matos, Assistive Technology Program Leadership, Lighthouse Guild, New York. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sister Power Brunch Hour Sister Power Brunch Hour
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July 18, 2026At a new time this year and always a convention favorite, join ACB Women for another inspiring conversation with two dynamic ACB Women leaders, Cheryl Cumings, WA and Katie Frederick, OH. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
ACB Inspire Mentoring Program Graduation ACB Inspire Mentoring Program Graduation
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July 18, 2026Celebrate with the Class of 2026 during their graduation ceremony. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Perspectives in Songwriting Perspectives in Songwriting
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July 18, 2026A diverse panel of writers and composers will share their experiences. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
ACBF Campfire ACBF Campfire
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July 18, 2026It’s summertime – time to sit around the virtual campfire and eat hotdogs and s’mores. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, camp is a special experience. Paul Edwards, storyteller extraordinaire from Jacksonville, FL, is back this year with campfire stories. A virtual treasure hunt, camp trivia, and easy snack ideas also fill this finale to the virtual convention week. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Strong Minds Safer Lives Mental Health and Self-defense Fundamentals 2 Strong Minds Safer Lives Mental Health and Self-defense Fundamentals 2
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July 24, 2026Take your confidence to the next level in this dynamic in-person session focused on practical self-defense skills you can use in real life. Building on the fundamentals introduced in the virtual session, participants will engage in guided, interactive exercises designed to strengthen awareness, reaction time, personal boundaries, and assertive communication in challenging situations. This hands-on experience emphasizes empowerment, safety planning, and realistic strategies for navigating everyday environments with greater confidence. Participants will have the opportunity to practice simple defensive techniques, explore scenario-based responses, and develop both physical and mental readiness. Presenters: Amy Wilson, Ricardo Salazar, Gregg Wandsneider Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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BRL and AABT Breakfast Rejuvenate Your Knowledge of the History of Braille BRL and AABT Breakfast Rejuvenate Your Knowledge of the History of Braille
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July 25, 2026Presenters: Carlie Lee, Community Relations Facilitator and Jane Herdth, Director of Outreach, Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis, MO Carlie will cover the history of braille at the school and Jane will discuss about the use of braille in today’s world including technology and a proram for the deafblind protactile. Hands on items will be available. Co-sponsored by BRL and AABT Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3Advocacy Bootcamp Advocacy Bootcamp
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July 25, 2026Advocacy can look like a lot of things; there is no right or wrong way to do it. This session will talk through the structure of our government to understand the various platforms in which to advocate through. Then, the discussion will expand further to explore other, out-of-the-box forms of advocacy that do not require engaging with the government at all. Lets put on our thinking caps to find various ways to advocate and make change for the blind and low vision community. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3Committee Magic Transforming Meetings into Meaningful Results Committee Magic Transforming Meetings into Meaningful Results
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July 25, 2026Whether you are a Committee Member, Committee Chair or an Officer, you know that your organization’s success depends on the management of committees. This session will help you turn committee meetings from talking about the problems, to planning sessions for meaningful action to attain goals. Sponsored by the Berl Colley Leadership Training Committee Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3Entering the BIY Era Entering the BIY Era
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July 25, 2026Modern AI tools are opening the door to the “Build It Yourself” era, in which the best technology option for you might be the one you build yourself. In this session, Ed Summers, Head of Accessibility at GitHub, will talk about how vibe coding is changing the accessibility landscape and empowering people with disabilities to build new tools that address their specific needs. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3Path to Success Path to Success
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July 25, 2026Speaker Jack Pinnock, Dreamie Cookies Inc. will tell how he started his business making cookies and brownies in his home and now trains others to be the bakers. He continues to sell his cookies and brownies to vendor companies and individual vendors. Co-sponsored by RSVA and IVIE Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3All About the Missouri Business Enterprise Program All About the Missouri Business Enterprise Program
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July 25, 2026Speakers will identify what type of facilities are available in Missouri. They will include how a blind person can become a vendor and the training involved as well as statistics of the Missouri BEP Program. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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BOP Communications BOP Communications
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July 26, 2026Newsletters are still a vital communication tool, but today’s audiences access content in many ways – – email, web, audio, mobile, and more. Affiliate leaders will explore how to create and distribute accessible newsletter content that reaches people across formats and abilities. The discussion will focus on deployment, how content is shared, discovered, consumed, and reused, along with best practices, workflows, and accessibility considerations. Participants will also see demonstrations of GLOW and SwiftLetter, tools that support accessible publishing, including editing, audio generation, and streamlined workflows. This session, sponsored by the ACB Board of Publications will highlight what works and how affiliates can evolve from producing newsletters to building a more effective, multi-format communication ecosystem. Facilitator: Jeff Bishop, Director, ACB Board of Publications, Tucson, AZ Panelists: Low Vision Alliance, Melanie Sinohui, Phoenix, AZ; Next Generation, Greg Lindberg, Orlando, FL; Braille Revival League, Ralph Smitherman, Brandon, MS; Washington Council of the Blind, Reginald George, Yakima, WA; Washington Council of the Blind, Heather Mears, Walla Walla, WA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3AAVL Fall Prevention Stand Tall Stay Safe AAVL Fall Prevention Stand Tall Stay Safe
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July 26, 2026Larry Johnson, ACB member, San Antonio, TX, who has given workshops from 1 hour to 8 weeks on Fall Prevention, and Doug Powell, ACB member, Falls Church, VA, who is a 20+ year Tai Chi teacher, combine to give hints to improve your environment and exercises to improve your balance with special focus on people who are blind or have low vision. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3Becoming WELL What We Can Do to Help Build Each Other Up in Life and Community Becoming WELL What We Can Do to Help Build Each Other Up in Life and Community
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July 26, 2026WELL, is an acronym that stands for Wisdom, Encouragement, Listening, and Learning. Life can be demanding and exhausting, but even in the midst of busy days and personal challenges, you can still be W.E.L.L. and treat others well too. These four areas can help guide us in how we show up for one another, strengthen our relationships,and create meaningful connections within our communities. Join us as we explore practical ways to lead with wisdom, offer encouragement, truly listen, and remain open to learning from the people around us. Together, we’ll discover how these simple, yet powerful practices can help us build each other up, foster belonging,and create a stronger, more supportive community. Sponsored by ACB Next Generation Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3Prose and Poetry Prose and Poetry
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July 26, 2026Share some of your original work or just come listen. FAMILY FRIENDLY, PLEASE. Facilitator Carla Hayes, Chair, AABT and IVIE Committees, McMurtry, PA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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ACBF Breakfast ACBF Breakfast
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July 27, 2026Are there ways to feel better beyond or alongside our typical ways of prescription medicines? There are many ways, including hands-on or hands above the body, emotional freedom technique, Bach Flower Remedies, homeopathy and more. Debbie Hazelton from Dothan, AL has been involved with energy medicine for over 30 years. She is certified in the emotional freedom technique, in the Bach flower remedies, and is a Reiki master. She will explore many of these, giving a few techniques, websites and ways to find out more information. Questions will be taken as time allows. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3LVA Presents How Do You Do That Hobbies with Low Vision LVA Presents How Do You Do That Hobbies with Low Vision
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July 27, 2026Panelists Josh Schneider, Theresa Breeden, and Lindsey Tilden will invite us into the world of playing sports, crafting, and enjoying tabletop games and how they’ve adapted their activities for low vision. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3GDUI Best in Breed GDUI Best in Breed
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July 27, 2026Golden, Lab, Shepherd, Poodle, other? In this day and age, guide dog schools breed a variety of dogs. Every dog breed has its own personality, characteristics, and quirks. Come and learn from guide dog handlers about a variety of guide dog breeds and why their owners love them! Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Joining Senior Organizations Benefits and Pitfalls Joining Senior Organizations Benefits and Pitfalls
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July 28, 2026A panel of ACB members discusses the benefits and pitfalls of joining national organizations such as AARP and local entities like senior centers. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3LUA Presents Meet the Narrator LUA Presents Meet the Narrator
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July 28, 2026Spend part of your afternoon in a fun and engaging conversation with Talking Book Narrator MacKenzie Beyer. This will be an interactive session and questions are welcome! Participants may also get to hear a live reading. MacKenzie has read books such as The Best Thing by Mariana Capata, A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh and Bummer Summer by Ann Martin. Co-sponsored by LUA, BRL and AABT Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Sterling 3The History of Economic Resilience in St Louis The History of Economic Resilience in St Louis
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July 28, 2026Part 2 of a 2-part series presented by the Multi-Cultural Affairs Committee that uncovers the economic resilience of the Black and Indigenous communities in St. Louis. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3GDUI Unusual Careers for Guide Dog Handlers GDUI Unusual Careers for Guide Dog Handlers
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July 28, 2026Come and hear some unexpected, and unusual careers that some guide dog handlers are pursuing. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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GDUI Have you Heard of the Pawsome Hava Hegenbarth GDUI Have you Heard of the Pawsome Hava Hegenbarth
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July 29, 2026Hava is an artist, a puppy raiser, a friend of GDUI, and much, much more! Come and hear from the woman behind the wonderful stuffed guide dogs we draw for every year! We will hear her story, draw for some of her wonderful dogs, present GDUI awards, and more! This is a session you don’t want to miss! Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Mills 3Amazon Entertainment Takes It To 11 Amazon Entertainment Takes It To 11
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July 29, 2026Explore Amazon’s latest innovations in entertainment accessibility, including Adaptive Display, Dialogue Boost, Audio Description, and advanced hearing aid connectivity on Fire TV. Learn how these features work together to create a more inclusive streaming experience. Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility for Amazon Devices & Services. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
BallroomMembership Seminar What Outreach mechanism Work for Growth Membership Seminar What Outreach mechanism Work for Growth
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July 29, 2026Panel 1: What interactive activities and awards might encourage more participation and retain members? Speakers will identify what keeps members involved. Panel 2: What website links or call to action items would draw more people to respond? Speakers will outline best practices for website design. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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