The MCB Annual State Convention is the signature gathering of Missouri's blind community — a multi-day event that brings together members, advocates, partners, and allies from across the state to advance MCB's mission of empowerment, advocacy, and community.
2026 MCB Annual State Convention — Celebrating 70 Years
The 2026 convention marks a once-in-a-generation milestone: MCB's 70th anniversary. This year's gathering in the St. Louis area will celebrate seven decades of advocacy, service, and community for blind Missourians.
2026 also coincides with the American Council of the Blind's national convention coming to St. Louis — making it the most significant year in MCB's recent history and a unique "double-convention city" opportunity for blind Missourians.
Heritage Council of the Blind will serve as the host affiliate.
Convention Details
- Dates
- – (Thursday–Sunday)
- Venue
- Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport by IHG
- Address
-
11228 Lone Eagle Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044 - Reservations
- Book your room in the special MCB hotel block at Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport booking link.
- Host Affiliate
- Heritage Council of the Blind
Questions? Call (314) 832-7172 or email aa@moblind.org
2025 Convention Recap — Kansas City at Harrah's
MCB's 2025 Annual State Convention was held October 3–5 at Harrah's Hotel in Kansas City, hosted by the Allied Workers for the Blind affiliate. Earlier in 2025, a strong Missouri delegation attended the ACB national convention in Dallas, Texas — described by President Hollins as "probably the best turnout in several years" from Missouri.
At the 2025 ACB Convention, ACB Lifetime Membership Awards were presented to Wilma Chestnut-House, Robyn Wallen, and Tarika Walton — a proud moment for Missouri's blind community.
What Happens at the MCB Annual Convention?
General Membership Sessions
Annual membership meeting and elections, resolutions, policy discussions, and ACB affiliate updates.
Workshops & Educational Programming
Adaptive technology demos and vendor marketplace, employment and career resources, health and wellness sessions, daily living skills, and legislative advocacy updates.
MCB Awards Banquet
Presentation of the Ellis M. Forshee Award — MCB's highest honor — Member of the Month recognition, and in 2026, a special 70th anniversary celebration.
Networking & Community
Connect with members from affiliates statewide, meet MCB leadership and committee chairs, and access all seven MCB programs in one place.
Convention Marketplace
Adaptive technology vendors, affiliate sales tables, door prizes, raffle baskets, and national blindness organization resources.
First-Time Attendees — The First Timer Program
The First Timer Program covers lodging, meals, and transportation reimbursement for qualifying first-time attendees who are legally blind Missouri residents ages 18 and up. Up to four First Timer scholarships are awarded each year.
Contact — Membership Committee Chair:
- Felishya Booker — membership@moblind.org
- (816) 598-3479
Convention Accessibility
All convention planning is built around accessibility from the ground up:
Accessibility questions? Call (314) 832-7172 or email aa@moblind.org
Stay Updated on Convention News
Community Connect Zoom
Fridays at 2 PM — regular convention updates
MCB Information Line
(773) 572-6387 — Special Announcements mailbox
The Missouri Chronicle
Sponsor or Exhibit at the MCB Convention
The MCB Annual Convention is a premier opportunity to reach blind and visually impaired Missourians and the professionals who serve them. Contact our Convention Committee Co-Chairs to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
Convention Committee Co-Chairs
Brandi Jones
(816) 665-0369MCB office: aa@moblind.org | (314) 832-7172
Convention History — A Tradition Since 1956
The MCB Annual Convention has been held every year since MCB's founding in 1956. Over nearly seven decades, it has hosted U.S. senators, national disability leaders, and generations of blind Missourians shaping policy and building community together.
- 1956 MCB founded — first Annual Convention held
- 1961 Missouri hosted the ACB national convention in Kansas City
- 2012 MCB won four national ACB website awards at the Louisville convention
- 2026 MCB's 70th anniversary convention in Bridgeton — alongside the ACB national convention in St. Louis