HLAA2018 Convention
HLAA’s Annual Convention is the largest educational program and trade show in the country for people with hearing loss. Held in cities across the country. This year we are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
HLAA2018 Convention Program and Exhibit Guide
Keynote Speaker
Gary Shapiro, CEO and President of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) will deliver the keynote address during the Opening Session on Thursday, June 21.
Known for being a powerhouse in the consumer technology industry, Shapiro has helped direct policymakers and business leaders on the importance of innovation in the U.S. economy, and ensures that technology is accessible to people with disabilities.
Workshops Galore!
Enjoy more than 50 workshops and product demonstrations – all sessions are communication accessible with the use of CART/captions and hearing loops (sign language interpretation is available at plenary sessions and by request for workshops – make your request by June 1).
Advanced Bionics is sponsoring communication access for two workshop tracks.
Exhibit Hall
It’s not everyday that you can experience the latest technology and services for people with hearing loss under one roof! The hall is open for free to the public – just pick up a badge at the Convention Registration Desk. See the list of exhibitors.
Research Symposium, Listening in Noise
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from top researchers in the country on the topic of listening in noise. See details about the world-class lineup of speakers and their presentations on the Research Symposium page.
Special Events
National Awards Breakfast & Ceremony
Every year we honor volunteers and others across the country who have made a difference for people with hearing loss. Join us for a delicious breakfast and to celebrate their accomplishments. See the Awards Program page for a complete list of awards and recipients. Sponsored by CapTel Captioned Telephone.
State and Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception
The HLAA State and Chapters are the foundation of HLAA. This ceremony will highlight those people who have worked tirelessly in their communities to help others with hearing loss. Light fare and refreshments will be available during the State and Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception. See the Awards Program page for a complete list of awards and recipients. Sponsored by Hearing Help Express/IntriCon.
Get Acquainted Party (GAP), Thursday, June 21
(included in Registration)
This opening night event is always a highlight of the Convention. This year’s theme is Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in so count on lots of fun in addition to light fare and entertainment. Sponsored by CaptionCall.
HLAA2018 Convention Walk4Hearing, Friday, June 22
After a full day workshops, you will want to take this time to stretch out your legs and get moving! Step up with the Walk4Hearing and join us for a relaxing walk. We will circle back to the Hyatt Regency where you can freshen up, grab some dinner and prepare yourselves for an evening with Mandy Harvey! Walkers will receive a Walk4Hearing t-shirt and bottled water.
An Evening with Mandy Harvey, Friday, June 22
Many of you cheered for Mandy Harvey who competed on the 2017 season of America’s Got Talent. Mandy is an award winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker who has a hearing loss. Her appearance on America’s Got Talent got her the “golden buzzer” from Simon Cowell to pass to the next round. The emotional video of her performance went viral, touching people all over the world.
Mandy and her band will be performing on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Enjoy desserts plus cash bar.
West Side Story at the Guthrie Theater, Saturday, June 23
If you know Minneapolis, then you already know about its rich cultural landscape, specifically its theater scene. The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. You get to experience the world-class theatrical production of West Side Story at the Guthrie Theater Saturday evening! The theater will be looped, captioned and sign language interpretation will be available for those who need it. Please refer to the Communication Access page for more information on how to request these accommodations.
Transportation to and from the theater will be provided. The first wave of buses will depart from the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis starting at 6 p.m. Contacta is partially sponsoring the West Side Story event.
Twin Cities Highlights Tour, Sunday, June 24
Don’t miss this tour! During this three-hour tour, you will explore Minnesota’s charming capital city of St. Paul, see Minnehaha falls, drive along Summit Avenue, catch a glimpse of the beautiful Minneapolis skyline and more! See the About Minneapolis page for reservation details. Thank you to Williams Sound for providing ALDs for the Twin Cities Highlights Tour.
Event Photography Notice
Photography will occur during the HLAA2018 Convention. Photos may be used to for future marketing materials, so if you do not wish to appear in the published photos, please let us know by emailing convention@hearingloss.org.
Communication Access
Hearing loops and CART/Captioning will be in use in all workshops and plenary sessions. Sign Language Interpretation is available for all plenary sessions. You may request interpreters for specific workshops and for the West Side Story performance on Saturday evening by emailing convention@hearingloss.org. All requests must be sent by June 1, 2018.
Two chapter members stood up and talked about their first-time experience at an HLAA Convention. It was so wonderful to hear their excitement and enthusiasm as they spoke of meeting so many "just like them," having everything accessible, learning so much at such a variety of workshops, loving the evening socials, and already planning to be in Minneapolis!
