2025 MAB Convention Agenda
Download and Print the Agenda: Click Here
"Stepping into the Future"
Sept. 12-14, 2025
Comfort Inn – Bozeman
Calling all MAB members, vendors, and community!
Please join us for our action packed 2025 convention ?Stepping into the Future?
This edition includes the most recent version of our full schedule as well as a registration form.
To keep up to date with schedules, vendors, etc., visit our web site: www.mabsop.org and click on convention page.
Note: We encourage you to arrive just after lunchtime on Friday as we are offering crafts and games! Can't come early? Join us Friday evening for the vendor expo, live auction, and live music. You can come solo or invite a guest to this free event Friday night from 6-9 PM.
Please mail your completed registration form and payment to: Bozeman Chapter MAB,
PO Box 6797,
Bozeman, MT 59771-6797
Note: You may register over the phone by calling: (406) 600-7548. and mail your check to the address above (full convention cost is $50.00).
Room reservations need to be made by August 12, 2025. Please contact the Comfort Inn directly: (406) 587-2322.>br />
Ask for the MAB rate of $165.00 per night before tax, which includes a hot breakfast. The Comfort Inn is located at 1370 N. 7th Ave., Bozeman, near Walmart and Applebee's.
We look forward to a fun weekend with you!
Bozeman Chapter MAB
Questions? Please call Todd Fahlstrom at (406) 600-7548 or email: bozemanmab@gmail.com.
Schedule: Please note: this is a draft schedule & subject to change
Friday, September 12, 2025
10:00am – 3:00pm Tour of Low Vision Center (LVC)
Come visit our LVC at 220 W. Lamme, Suite B9-2, Bozeman and see what aids and devices might work for you.
1:00pm – 4:30pm MAB State board meeting, Garnett room
2:00pm Registration tables open
2:00pm Vendor tables open, Madison room
2:00pm Silent Auction tables open (closes Saturday at 4:45)
2:00pm – 4:30pm Crafts and games for all, Spanish Peaks room
4:30pm – 5:30pm FREE pizza sponsored by Helena and Billings chapters
5:30pm Kick-off convention with a flag ceremony and Welcome message from Bozeman Chapter and MAB President.
6:00pm – 8:00pm Vendor expo with live music by Kim Hoffman
8:00pm Live Auction
Join us as we showcase many valuable items to be auctioned off to help support the Summer Orientation Program. Our auctioneer will be Chris Broadhurst who has taught woodshop to hundreds of folks over the years. This 4-week program helps folks' step into independence and are taught by folks that have attended in the past or teach and are all Blind/Visually Impaired. Find out more information at: www.mabsop.org. Got something to donate; contact Todd Fahlstrom at (406) 600-7548.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
7:00am – 8:00am Chair stretching with Debbie
Bring your bodies as we warm up. Get your heart going and limber up as you start your day.
7:30am – 8:30am Breakfast hosted by -MAB Chapter
Join us in the front lobby, and our host will make you feel welcomed and engaged as you enjoy your breakfast and kick off the day.
8:30am Welcome message
8:30 Vendor booth open, Madison room
8:45am – 9:30am Breakout Session 1
Presentation 1A – Everyone has a place at the table, Debra Erickson from the Blind Kitchen
Presentation 1B – Guide Dogs for the Blind, programs and updates, Michelle Cliborn
9:45am – 10:30am Breakout Session 2
Presentation 2A – Panel discussion: successful individuals who have made steps toward independence
Presentation 2B – The cycle of grief, revisited: Pat Trafton
10:45am – 11:30am Breakout Session 3
Presentation 3A – American Council of the Blind Community platforms and programs and supports, a guide/path for you, Cindy Hollis
Presentation 3B – Mobility and beyond travel, canes and wearables and the future
11:45am – 12:45 pm Lunch (buffet style taco/potato bar)
Keynote speaker: TBD
Presentations by: Ski for Light, Talking Book Library MT, NFB News Line, I Can Connect, and Blind and Low Vision Services of MT.
1:00 pm – 4:30pm Business meeting, President Doug Robinson
2:30pm – 3:00pm Take a break and stretch by grabbing a snack, step outside for some fresh air, or capture some goodies from the silent auction
4:45pm Silent auction closes
5:45pm Dinner (buffet style)
6:45pm MAB Awards and scholarship presentations (Dorothy Bridgman, Keith Denton, Chapter awards, Scholarship presentation)
7:00pm – 8:00pm Keynote speaker, Bridget Wilkinson
9:00pm – 10:00pm Pool party
Join your friends, relax by the pool, and reminisce about everything that happened throughout your day. Note: pool closes at 10:00
Sunday, September 14, 2025
7:30am – 8:30am Breakfast hosted by MAB Chapter
Join us in the front lobby, and our host will make you feel welcomed and engaged as you enjoy your breakfast and kick off the day.
8:30am Memorial service
Join us as Pastor Benny McCracken leads us in a memorial service as we honor those who have passed over the last year. Light reception afterward.
10:00am Installation of officers & MAB board meeting
Travel safely. We will see you next year!
T-shirts
T-shirts will be $20. below is the wording on the back of the t-shirt.
Front T-shirt Description
On the front is the MAB logo and below it says "helping people with vision loss"
The T-shirt will be the blue in color as featured.
Back T-shirt Description
In White Font: How to engage with a blind or visually impaired person.
1. Speak directly to the person, not through others.
2. Do not shout!
3. Always introduce yourself.
4. Announce yourself when you are entering or leaving a room.
5. Using words like "see" and "look" are not offensive.
6. Be specific when providing direction. In relation to the person state left/right, up/down or the hour on a clock (i.e., it's at your "2 o'clock").
7. Pointing, using gestures, or saying "over there" do not provide a reference.
8. Always ask before providing assistance. It may not be needed.
9. Never push, pull, or grab a blind person. Instead, ask to use sighted guide technique.
10. Never pet or speak to guide dogs; communicate with the owner.
Stay Connected:
|
|
|
|
|
Would you like to Volunteer?
If you want to be a volunteer, please contact us at: (406) 442-9411.
You can also Open and Fill out the Volunteer form but you must contact us before you can volunteer. All volunteers must be screened and approved before they can participate.