November 12th to 14th, 2025 Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia
Day 1: Wednesday, November 12th
Registration Opens
JVIB Welcome Reception
Join us as we kick off this year’s Leadership Conference and welcome both longtime colleagues and new friends. Set against the backdrop of our nation’s capital, this opening reception sets the stage for three days of powerful, engaging conversations. Sponsored by the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (JVIB), we’ll hear from leaders of the field’s longest-running journal and meet the next generation of scholars.
Day 2: Thursday, November 13th
Opening Remarks
Welcome and opening remarks from Sarah Herrlinger, Chair of the AFB Board of Trustees, and Eric Bridges, AFB President & CEO.
Plenary: The State of the Field Today
This opening plenary brings together leaders from national organizations in the field of blindness and low vision. Together, they will explore the key issues shaping our field today, along with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Conference Keynote: Dr. Joshua Miele
One of the world’s leading voices at the intersection of disability and technology, Dr. Joshua Miele is Amazon’s resident MacArthur Fellow. He has spent the past three decades merging his lifelong passion for science with a mission to build a more inclusive digital culture. In March, he published his memoir, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. At AFBLC, he will share insights from his journey and inspire attendees with the wisdom he’s gained in his pursuit of a more accessible world.
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Breakout Sessions: The State of the Field Today
The following sessions will be held:
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Awards Luncheon
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Plenary: Walking Together Through the Digital Revolution
Helen Keller said it best: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” As we navigate a time of rapid change brought about by the digital renaissance that stands before us, this plenary highlights the progress that’s possible when corporations and nonprofits work together to break down barriers to opportunity and inclusion. Hear from leading tech companies as they share success stories shaped by collaboration with partner organizations and those with lived experience.
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Breakout Sessions: Walking Together Through the Digital Revolution
The following sessions will be held:
Networking Reception: Celebrating 25 years of AccessWorld
Join us for a special networking reception as we raise a glass to celebrate 25 years of AccessWorld Magazine.
Dine-Out
Bedtime Stories: Milk and Cookies with the AFB Time Capsule
Hosted by AFB Studios
Day 3: Friday, November 14th
Plenary: Envisioning Our Future
This closing plenary looks to our future, bringing together both emerging and established voices in our field who impart wisdom from the past and share the optimism that is taking root in the next generation of leaders.
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Breakout Sessions: Envisioning Our Future
The following sessions will be held:
Break
Network with attendees and visit the AFB Exhibit Hall.
Conference Wrap Up
Lunch & Link-Up
Session rooms open for networking and special interest group meetings from 12-2pm.
