Welcome to the66th Annual Convention of the

FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (FCB) Sponsored by

The Florida Council of the Blind gratefully acknowledges Aira’s valuable gift to the attendees of our 2019 Convention, free access to their award  winning way finding app that will allow for greater autonomy and safety of movement for convention attendees around the hotel and, if they so choose, where they live, work and play.  

At the Avanti Palms & Conference Center 6515 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819

Phone: 866-994-3157 or 407-996-0900May 16 – May 19, 2019

Dedicated to

The Role Models who have made us what we are, The Roots from whence we come

And Reflections on them both!

Convention Sponsors 2019

With extreme gratitude and pleasure we recognize and sincerely thank our 2019 Convention Sponsors

PlatinumE S & S Vote

Charter/Spectrum

Vanda

SilverDemocracy Live

Southeastern Guide Dogs

En-Vision America

Sprint

BronzeOrcam

Q Media

Blind and Beyond Radio Show

Greater Orlando Council of the Blind

Tallahassee Council of the Blind

FCB Officers 2018 – 2020

Sheila Young, PresidentOrlando, FL

Mikey Wiseman, First Vice-PresidentHialeah, FL

Cassandra Jessie, Second Vice-PresidentDaytona Beach, FL

Mark Lear, TreasurerPort Orange, FL

Mary Tyson, Recording SecretaryHolly Hill, FL

Sally Benjamin, Membership SecretaryTallahassee, FL

James Kracht, Immediate Past PresidentMiami, FL

If a veterinarian is needed, contact Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 142Orlando, FL 32819

407-352-2579

Convention Registration ScheduleThursday, May 16, 2019 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Room: Foyer

Friday, May 17th, 2019 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Room: Foyer

Saturday, May 18th, 2019 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Room: Foyer

11:50 a. m. – 1:30 p. m. turn in raffle tickets and sign paperwork for bored reps and committee chairsRoom: Foyer

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Thursday Night Event7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. –Movie NightOn Thursday evening, May 16th, watch the descriptive movie Bohemian Rhapsody. This movie is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Bohemian Rhapsody is a movie based on the true story of

Queen's journey from the start of the rock band to their now-legendary 1985 performance at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium.Room: Boardroom

Friday, May 17th, 2019

7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Convention Registration Room: Foyer

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall OpenAs always, one of the highlights of convention is our Exhibit Hall that will be open both Friday and Saturday all day. Come browse, purchase goods or learn about new technology to assist you in living a more productive and independent life. Room: Amelia

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Guide Dog Users of Florida Meeting and Program Join Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF) as they share the transforming miracle of a tiny puppy’s growing into the role of a guide dog. After a brief business meeting, you will have the opportunity to view the movie, “Pick of the Litter” that follows the lives of a litter of puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind as they live and grow and become worthy of being called “Pick of the Litter”.Room: Captiva

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. – Technology Workshop

Have you ever heard of broadcasting streaming services that you can have conveniently right on your tv, laptop, tablet or the palm of your hand on your smart phone?

Do you know how the Amazon fire tv and the fire tv stick, as well as the Google Chrome cast along with the Apple Tv work along with other over-the-top devices and services?  What is that all about?

Join the members of the Technology committee for a truly outstanding and beneficial workshop where You will be surprised to learn how you can absolutely benefit from these unlimited streaming devices and other similar ones, enriching how we watch tv and have the best experience possible.Room: Cypress

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Budget and FinanceFCB is your organization. Members from the Budget and Finance committee will be available to answer questions in order to insure a transparency in FCB'S budget process. This session is an attempt to share information about FCB's finances and the proposed budget. This will help expedite approval of the budget on Sunday morning. Room: Biscayne

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – BRLF Workshop Come join BRLF as we explore using the Braille keyboard which is part of iOS for writing documents. We will also be demonstrating the pairing process that will enable you to use a braille display with your iOS device. COME JOIN THE FUN!!! The BRLF business meeting will be held during the Sunday breakfast. It's time to elect

officers, so bring your suggestions and ideas with you. Remember, together we are strong, and braille makes us better!!! Room: Captiva

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch on your own

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Convention RegistrationRoom: Foyer

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - FCB Annual Legislative SeminarThe annual FCB Legislative Seminar promises to be another interesting and informative journey into the world of working with those who represent us in the state Legislature and in the US Congress. Our guest, Rep. Anna V.Eskamani, Beginning her first year of representing the citizens of Orlando in the Florida Legislature, will share her thoughts and early experiences, advise us on effective ways of engaging members of the Florida Legislature and will answer our questions bringing with her enthusiasm, fresh, innovative plans and ideas for a better future for all of Florida’s citizens, including those of us with disabilities.Once again, members of the team representing FCB on Capitol Hill in February will share their observations. This year, you will hear from four new team members who made the trip with us to the Hill for the first time.Room: Sanibel/Cypress

3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Credentials CommitteeSally Benjamin, ChairpersonEach affiliate MUST send a representative to this meeting. This is where each affiliate’s delegates will be determined and any questions may be answered regarding voting and seating etc. Room: Biscayne

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - First-Timers WorkshopIs this your first time attending a FCB Convention? WELCOME! We have a special workshop just for you, co-hosted by long-time members and FCB experts, Mark Lear, Sally Benjamin and Cassandra Jessie. This workshop will tell you who we are, what we do and what we have to offer. Come check it out and let us get to know each other. Room: Biscayne/Captiva

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Pre-Convention Board MeetingThis is a meeting of the FCB Board of Directors that all are invited to attend. Get ready for the business meeting by having a better idea of issues being considered by the board. All board representatives and committee chairs MUST attend this meeting. Room: Biscayne

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Awards and Scholarship DinnerSponsored by AIRA Join us on Friday evening to celebrate and recognize FCB leaders and deserving students at a special Dinner hosted in their honor by Shelley Sawyer and Gabriel Lopez-Kafati. Select advocates and leaders will be recognized with prestigious awards and deserving students will be presented with valuable scholarships. The cost of this year's Awards Dinner is $35.00 or you may purchase the 2-

meal and movie package for $80.00. Please note the meal choices and mark your registration form accordingly. Room: Sanibel/Cypress

9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. - Resolutions Committee Paul Edwards, ChairpersonRoom: Captiva

Saturday, May 18, 2019

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Convention RegistrationRoom: Foyer

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall OpenRoom: Amelia

8:15 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. - 66th Annual State Convention Opening CeremoniesPresentation by Platinum sponsors; report by Constitution and Bylaws committee, Debbie Drylie.

The American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project: 'come celebrate ten years with us.

Dan Spoone, First Vice President, American Council of the Blind, and Chair of the ACB Audio Description Committee will moderate a panel of acclaimed experts, Eric Bridges, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind; and Joel Snyder, Director, American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project. Learn about the

history of this ACB program and its future of meaningful innovation that will bring us even more access to the visual arts and the world environment in which we live. These experts will be with us in real time to speak to and with us about the audio description project and the role we can play in our communities to broaden the programming that is described and to make audio description available to more people.

Charter, the parent company of Spectrum, from whom many FCB members purchase their cable TV services, will update us on the next steps to bringing access to its set top boxes and other programs and services to their customers who are blind and visually impaired.Room: Sanibel/Cypress

10:00 – 10:50 a. m. Library Our library, a collage of information: an update from the director of the Florida Bureau of Braille. and Talking Book Library Services, James Woolyhand; Library Users of America, Library patrons making a difference, Library without Walls, President Paul Edwards; giving back making a difference in our state, Sheila Young, FCB President, Immediate Past President and Vice President of Friends of Library Access.Room: Captiva

Accessible Voting The right to cast a secret, independent, verifiable ballot, a foundational civil right. Jim Kracht, Immediate Past President, Florida Council of the Blind, will update us about the status of our

right to vote in this state, where Florida is in terms of its compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), what that reality means for us as citizens of this state and nation and any next steps that we may need to take. Es&S, who created the mechanical ballot marking system that many of Florida’s counties now use and others are considering purchasing, will present helpful information about this voting option and where they are in terms of developing new technology in the near future.Room: Sanibel/Cypress

11:00-11:50 AM

Two concurrent workshops

Building a FoundationBuilding a foundation, creating and establishing your brand making your reality known to those with whom you can work to assist in the realization of your organizations goals and mission. Join Jill and Jack Fox, talking book Narrators, American Printing House for the Blind, and host of her own show on WFPL, NPR in Louisville, KY, as she shares with us tips and strategies to building relationships with and making our causes real to those in the worlds of media and Government and elsewhere.Room: Sanibel/Cypress

Exercise Sitting DownSitting is the new smoking: Join Patti Cordell, registered nurse and health champion and sister of FCB President, Sheila Young, as she introduces us to low impact chair exercises that are simple to learn and execute and yet bring invigorating, health enhancing movement into our lives.

Do you feel as though you could use more exercise and a healthier outlook on life?  Do you struggle with being overweight and out of shape?  Join Patti as she outlines how you can become CREATION Healthy and what that really means.  She will share some tips on how to prepare healthy meals, exercise while you are sitting, do some gentle yoga, have more energy, develop a better outlook,and create a positive lifestyle so you can live to be a healthy 100.Room: Captiva

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch on your own

1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - Annual Town Hall MeetingSaturday Afternoon will feature the FCB Town Hall MeetingFeatured will be a presentation and discussion regarding the current status of the Division of Blind Services (DBS): with Jim Kracht and the Division's Director Robert Doyle. Room: Sanibel/Cypress

3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Special Interest Affiliates’ Meetings

Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB)Join CCTB if answers to the following questions are meaningful to you. Does the thought of crossing a busy street or intersection make you shutter? How would you like to be able to safely walk to a store or close by restaurant for breakfast or dinner?  Well guess what, you can!!  Room: Captiva

FCCLV Business Meeting FCCLV will hold it’s annual business meeting.  Our guest speaker will be Ramon Dukes from the Lighthouse Central Florida.  Ramon is a Vocational Services Instructor in the Adult Program.  He has worked at Lighthouse Central Florida for nine years and is married with seven children.  Ramon will share low vision tips and tricks, Android phone accessibility features and the latest in low vision aids.  Everyone is welcome for a fun filled afternoon.Room:   Biscayne

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Constitution & Bylaws CommitteeDebbie Drylie, ChairpersonEach chapter with a revision to their Constitution or Bylaws being considered by the committee MUST send a representative to this meeting. Room: Captiva

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Pre Banquet Cocktail Reception

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Silent AuctionSaturday Silent Auction Annual Banquet. Room: Foyer

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - FCB BanquetSponsored by E S & S VoteFCB'S Annual Banquet: hosted by FCB President Sheila Young. Talking Book Narrators, Jack Fox and Jill Fox will share with us what happens in a typical day of a talking book narrator.Room: Sanibel/Cypress

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. John Richards’ tunes and more...Directly following the banquet, don't miss tunes from the vast library of DJ extraordinaire, John Richards. Come dance, socialize, or enjoy while getting supercharged for the suspense and excitement of FCB's annual silent auction and raffle drawing for money and other exciting prizes. You can even learn who the winners of the Silent Auction are! Sleep, after all this? Are you kidding? Room: Sanibel/Cypress

10:00 p.m. - FCB’s Annual Raffle DrawingParty time ain’t over yet! During intermission we will hold our annual FCB raffle drawing for money and other exciting prizes. You don’t need to be present to win but what a fine nightcap! Room: Sanibel/Cypress

Sunday, May 19 th , 2019

7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. - BRLF Breakfast"there will be a BRLF breakfast and business meeting and gathering Sunday morning at 7 a.m. Attendees must bring their hotel furnished coupon to receive the hotel provided complementary breakfast."Room: Biscayne

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Annual Membership Business MeetingBright and early on Sunday morning, you can then claim your right and responsibility as an FCB member by participating in the organization's annual business meeting. Hear from leaders about

progress made and work yet needing to be done and discover what important role you can play in advocacy. Room: Sanibel/Cypress

11:30 a.m. or immediately following adjournment of the business meeting Post Convention Board MeetingRoom: Sanibel/Cypress

Business Meeting Outline

Call To Order: Sheila Young, PresidentInvocation: Charles HolzszhuhPledge of Allegiance: James BrooksRoll Call: Sally BenjaminMinutes: Mary TysonTreasurer’s Report: Mark LearPresident’s Report: Sheila YoungAwards Committee: Shelley SawyerConstitution & By-Laws: Debbie DrylieConvention: Sally BenjaminResolutions Committee: Paul EdwardsScholarship Recipients: Gabriel Lopez-KafatiRaffle Winners and Info: Sally TrayerOther Committee Reports: (as needed)Unfinished Business:New Business:Announcements:

2019 Exhibit List

AIRA800 835-1934

Charter CommunicationsGurpreet Kaur6399 S. Fiddlers Green Circle Greenwood Village, CO 80111217-671-2671Gurpreet.Kaur1@charter.com

Disability Rights FloridaWendy Vance2473 Care Dr.Tallahassee, FL 32308850-617-9724wendyv@disabilityrightsflorida.org

Election Systems & SoftwareRitt and Allison Tafelski11208 John Galt Blvd.Omaha, NE 68137877-377-8683conferences@essvote.com

Emerald Coast Vision Aids, Inc.Mike Hage & C.J. Harrison 163 East Burgess RoadPensacola, FL 32503

850-206-5375mike@ecvastore.com

Enviroclectic Designs Lori Davis 4109 Fairview Vista Point #315Orlando, FL 32804407-970-9105lldavis10@bellsouth.net

En-Vision AmericaRichie Lefbvre825 4th Street W,Palmetto, FL 34221800-890-1180Envisionamerica.com

Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Leslie Spoone3924 Lake Mirage Blvd.Orlando, FL 32817407-929-9837 lesliespoone@cfl.rr.com

Florida Reading & Vision Technology, Inc.Lesa Kretschmer 2880 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 104Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311800-981-5119 lesa@floridareading.com

Guidelights and Gadgets, Inc.Barry Scheur 1597 Suncrest DriveMyrtle Beach, SC  29577617-969-7500bscheur@scheur.com / Krausch@scheur.com  Guiding Eyes for the BlindBecky Davidson611 Granite Springs RoadYorktown Heights, NY  10598914-243-2210 barnes@guidingeyes.org

Jehovah WitnessesTed and Nancy Christie20211 Saltsdale Road Umatilla, FL 32784352-250-2106 tedchristieIA@gmail.com

Low Vision Aids, Inc. dba Magnifying America John Palmer2129 SW Highway 484Ocala, FL 34473-7949800-364-1610JPalmer@TheLVA.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics Nancy Folsom6500 Montrose Trail

Tallahassee, FL 32309850-524-5026 nfolsom@comcast.net

Monthly Monetary SupportersDan Spoone3924 Lake Mirage Blvd.Orlando, FL 32817407-227-4489DanSpoone@cfl.rr.com

ORCAM731 Lexington Ave.New York, NY 10022800-713-3741Lena.lee@orcam.com

Pamela Marie Essential Oils Pam Rife2612 Musselwhite Ave, Orlando, FL 32804407-459-5300pamrife8@gmail.com

Paul Odham’s Opals and Gems Paul & Patty Odham1825 Deanna Dr. Apopka, FL 32703407-497-9938 odhamp@msn.com

Polara EnterprisesDavid Averys1497 CR 2178Greenville, TX 75402682-307-8868dayers@polaraent.com    Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.CHRISTINE FULT42107 77 St. EastPalmetto, FL 34222914-729-5665Christine.fulton@guidedogs.org

Sprintwqrah.garcia@sprint.com619-246-7107 The Seeing Eye, Inc.Chelsea WhiteP. O. Box 375Morristown, NJ 07963973-539-4425whitec@seeingeye.org Vanda Pharmaceuticals Chester Jawor & Wendy O’Steen 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. N. W.Suite 300-EWashington, DC 20037844-438-5469

Chet.Jawor@vandapharma.com

Vintage MarketCheryl Hamel8740 Pine Barren Dr.Orlando, FL 32817 407-575 9127Chamel1127@gmail.com

Vispero17757 US Hwy 19 N, Ste 560Clearwater, FL 33764800-444-4443PDamery@vispero.com

HOTEL DIRECTIONS FOR THE AVANTI PALMSRevised 5/7/19

Identifying the Hotel Convention Center from International Drive and locating the hotel entrance:

When entering off of International Drive, direct the driver to look for the Avanti main entrance sign. The sign is blue with white and turquoise print. Upon entering the driveway is a circular covered driveway immediately ahead at which drop-offs can occur.  The entrance to the hotel is here and has a large automatic sliding glass door with a doormat located on the outside.  

Hotel lobby general layout:Upon entering through the automatic doors and just inside the entrance another doormat will be located.  This brings you into an expensive lobby area containing the registration desk (ahead at “10

to 11 o’clock”), the concierge desk (ahead at “12 o’clock”), the lobby bar (ahead at “1 to 2 o’clock), and the walkway towards the conference rooms (ahead at directly “3 o’clock”).  

Locating the Registration Desk, Lobby Seating and Lobby Bar from the Main Entrance:

Moving forward, approximately 30 to 40 feet inside of the main entrance, with the doors to your back, you will locate the registration desk to your left. To your right is a seating area with a variety of benches, individual chairs and tables. Listen for the general direction from which the music in the lobby area is playing and this will direct you towards the lobby bar. 

Locating the Concierge Desk:Approximately 50 feet inside of the entrance the concrete floor transitions to tile. The concrete is a lighter color than the tile which is black so a visual transition may be detected by some. This transition is a good landmark upon entering and indicates one has passed the registration desk, the lobby seating area and the conference room area.  Approximately 10 feet onto the tile the concierge desk can be located to your immediate left.  

Locating the Lobby Restrooms:Restrooms can be located just past the concierge desk as you continue moving straight ahead through the building (keeping the entrance doors behind you).  There are two “S-curved” soft couches/benches just outside of the restrooms and the entrance to them can be located by passing the first couch, and turning 90 degrees left before you encounter the second couch.  Two water fountains are located on the wall directly ahead.  The doorway to the Men’s room is located on that same wall and to the left of the water fountains.  The Women’s room is located on that same wall and to the right of the water fountains.  

Locating the Cafe’ Marketplace OR Arcade and the Exit to the Pool Area:

Continuing past the Restroom entrance (keeping the main entrance doors behind you), you will pass the second “S-curved” couch/bench.  The sliding glass door exit to the pool area is located ahead.  As you near the door to the pool area, the Cafe’ and Marketplace store is located to the right and can be identified by a large doormat and a double set of manually operated doors.  The Arcade is located to the left.  As you continue straight ahead, the exit to the pool area can be identified by a large doormat and automatic sliding glass doors.   

Accessing the Pool Area and Guest Rooms from the Main LobbyThe entire pool area is surrounded by 5-foot gate. As you exit the building it is possible to walk straight ahead and locate a gate directly in front of you.  The latch for the gate is located on the gate, approximately 4 1/2 feet high from the ground and will need to be manually unlatched. Between the hours of 11 AM and 7 PM there is music playing at the pool bar to your right and this sound can be used to assist with orientation during these hours. 

Once you have traversed through the pool gate, the guest rooms can be located by walking forward for approximately 15 feet and then turning to the right.  After making this turn, the pool bar music will continue to be on your right side.  You may also hear running water coming from the pool water fountain and child’s play area on your left side.  The child’s play area fountains are not likely to be running after dark but we have been told that the water fountain which runs into the pool should be operating. Keeping the running water on your left and the music on your right continue to walk forward towards the guest room buildings. As you continue forward, the wide patio area narrows to a traditional sidewalk. You may

locate the grass line to your right or left depending upon your approach. At this point, follow either grass-line towards the right.  For a cane traveler, you can confirm your location on the sidewalk with a simple sidewalk check (i.e. sweeping your cane wide to the left and right) when you can feel both edges.  Continue forward on this sidewalk until you locate a gate in front of you. You must move through this gate to get to the hotel rooms. The gate can be opened via the push bar mechanism located at approximately waist level. 

Accessing Guest Rooms on the Pool side once you have reached the Guest Room Buildings: 

Once you have travelled through the gate you are standing in front of Guest Building 2. There are two guest room doors located directly in front of you, approximately six feet ahead.  The door on the left is Room 2115 and the door on the right is 2116. At this point you can turn left to follow the long building line of Building 2.  If you need to access Building 3, you would initially walk along Building 2 after turning left and then continue straight ahead once you have reached the breezeway between the two buildings on your right.  

Accessing Guest Rooms on the 2nd Floor or parking lot side once you have reached the Guest Room Buildings:If you must locate rooms on the second floor or on the parking lot side of Buildings 2 or 3, you have two options.  

1. By turning Left after exiting the pool area:   The breezeway between the two buildings can be located by turning left and walking along the building line once you have exited the gate from the pool area.  Turn right into the breezeway between the two buildings.  Once you turn right the stairs leading up to level two are located on the left side of the breezeway and the open pathway by which you can travel to the other side of the buildings is located on the right side. As you move through the breezeway approximately halfway through on the left-hand side is a Coca-Cola machine and

an ice dispenser.  Once you have traveled through the breezeway from the pool side and have reached the opposite end, you can turn left to locate rooms along the outside of Building 3, or turn right to locate rooms along the outside of Building 2. 

2. By turning Right after exiting the pool area:   It is possible to walk around the outside of Building 2 by turning right and walking along the building line once you have exited the gate from the pool area.  As you follow the building line, stairs to the second floor can be located at each corner of the building.  

Locating the Conference Rooms from the Guest Rooms (avoiding the pool area and the lobby):  

From the parking lot side of the guest buildings walk East along the buildings, keeping them on your right side (passing the breezeway if necessary) and traveling towards International Drive.  As you reach the end of the building line, it is important to locate the pillar on your left side.  If you are approaching this point from the second floor, you will need to walk to the end of the building line, locate the stairs and descend to the first floor.  Locate the same pillar at the bottom of the stairs on your left side.  

At the first floor location of this pillar at the corner of the building, take an immediate left, turning towards the parking lot, and locate a narrow walkway that leads you towards the parking lot.  At this point the ground is sloping down.  Once you have cleared the line of the wall on your left and you find it possible to turn right, immediately take a 90-degree right turn. Be careful not to turn too far to the right and enter the alleyway between the two buildings. Instead, after turning, cross the alleyway by walking straight ahead. You may hear the sounds of traffic on I-4 and, if so, should keep the sound of this traffic behind you to ensure you are walking in the correct direction.  

Once you complete crossing of the alleyway and align with the Convention Center building, it should be located on your right side. You should feel and cross over a metal grate on the ground. You are now on a sidewalk with the building on your right and a metal handrail on your left side. Be aware that there is an approximate one foot gap between the sidewalk and the wall what is filled with stones, so be cautious of your right side footing.  

As you walk along the building line, locate the second opening on your right side (the first opening is for staff only). Just before reaching the second opening you will feel the sidewalk gradually sloping up. This is a double manually operated door entrance into the conference area. Upon entering the, Citrus C room is located on your left and the Marco room is on your right side.   

Conference Room arrangement from the Parking Lot entrance:This is the order of conference rooms located on the right side when entering from the Parking Lot end of the hallway:  Marco, Sanibel, Cypress, Captiva, Biscayne, and Amelia. Continuing forward, past the Amelia Room, the hallway connects with the main lobby of the conference center.

This is the order of conference rooms located on the left side when entering from the Parking Lot end of the hallway: Citrus C, Citrus B and Citrus A. Past Citrus A, on the left side, the hallway opens up into a large open area with several exit doors located to the left.  An additional entrance to Citrus Room A is located in this open area, on the wall positioned perpendicular to the main hallway. Passing the open area and continuing towards the lobby, the restrooms are located generally across the hall from the Amelia and Biscayne Rooms.  Locating the Registration Desk from the Conference Rooms:Exiting the Conference Room hallway and entering the Lobby area, the Registration Desk can be accessed by traveling directly forward

for the entire length of the room. You may hear the music coming from the Lobby Bar and for orientation purposes, this should be kept on your right side. As you near the Registration Desk, the main entrance to the hotel from International Drive is located on your left side.  

Locating the Lobby Bar area from the Conference Rooms:Exiting the Conference Room hallway and entering the Lobby area, the Lobby Bar can be accessed by turning right within a short distance after exiting the carpeted hallway and entering the hard-floor lobby. After turning right, you will need to negotiate the lobby seating area and locate the opening in a waist-high barrier that surrounds the lobby bar.   

To return to the guest rooms, the directions supplied above will need to be reversed.  

Locating the Guest Tower from the Hotel Pool Area: Once you have exited the pool area through the gate, turn Left and walk along the sidewalk with the building on your right side until you reach the breezeway. The ground surface changes to a tile surface here. Turn right into the breezeway between the two buildings. Once you turn right the stairs leading up to level two are located on the left side of the breezeway and the open pathway by which you can travel to the other side of the buildings is located on the right side. As you move through the breezeway approximately halfway through on the left-hand side is a Coca-Cola machine and an ice dispenser. Once you have traveled through the breezeway from the pool side and have reached the opposite end, continue walking forward and out from under the overhang. At this point, you are approaching a parking lot crossing that is equal to an approximate 40-50 foot distance. Use caution relative to approaching cars (from your right or left) because there is no detectable warning at this location. As you cross, you must veer or take a 5-10 foot “jog” to

the left to avoid a parking space directly ahead, and locate the walkway ramp to the Guest Tower, which is wide and slopes up. At the top of this ramp, the ground surface will change to brick pavers and you may notice an overhang. Continue forward to enter the open-air atrium in the square center of the Guest Tower. As you continue forward, you may notice the overhang disappears.

Guest Tower Atrium description and locating elevators:The open-air atrium contains a lot of open space, with some trees and bordered landscape areas. There is a reflecting pool with a fountain which may serve as a good auditory clue to assist orientation. As you enter the atrium using the instructions above, continue forward towards the sound of the waterfall. Locate the bordered landscape area containing the reflecting pool and fountain directly ahead. Continue forward, keeping the reflecting pool and the sound of the fountain on your left side. When the reflecting pool and fountain are directly to your left, the elevator bank is directly to your right. Turn right and walk forward until you have entered elevator bank, which is more closed in and has an overhang. At this point, three elevators to guest rooms are located on your right side.

To return to the hotel pool or two-story guest rooms, the directions supplied above will need to be reversed.  

Locating guest rooms in the Guest Tower via elevators:Inside the elevators, there are 13 floor options ranging from 1st floor to 14th floor (there is no 13th floor option). While facing the door inside of the elevator the buttons are located to the right of the door. Once you have reached the desired floor and exited the elevator, turn right and walk forward until you locate a wall in front of you. At this point, you can turn right or left to access all guest rooms.

Generally, rooms with numbers ending in 01-11 and 28-30 will be most closely accessed by turning left. Rooms with numbers ending in 12-27 and the vending and ice areas, will be most closely accessed by turning right. However, all rooms can be accessed in either direction because the walkway is a continuous path around the square perimeter of the guest rooms which overlook the open-air atrium on each floor.