LAS VEGAS, September 27 — Convention planners are working at a fevered pitch to make final preparations for opening ceremonies of the BLET’s Third National Convention slated to begin on Monday, September 29.
Officers and staff from the BLET National Division began arriving on-site on September 21 for the preparation week leading up to the convention. Production and technical crews are currently building the stage and convention floor area as well as establishing the audio and video components necessary to conduct the upcoming convention. The crews will also set up the electronic keypad system for delegates to use when voting on possible changes to the BLET Bylaws.
At the same time, members of the BLET’s standing committees — Bylaws, Credentials, Legislative, Salaries and Work — are performing their specified tasks in the run up to Monday’s opening ceremonies. The Arrangements Committee also is assisting in the ramp up to Monday.
Delegate registration for the BLET’s Third National Convention begins on September 28, and the event will be held at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The convention itself begins on September 29 and concludes on October 2. Approximately 500 delegates will represent over 38,000 active locomotive engineers and trainmen throughout the United States. They will be charged with nominating candidates for National Division office, analyzing and voting on changes to the Brotherhood’s bylaws, and various other important duties.
A host of guest speakers will address the delegates, who will also hear reports from various BLET National Division officers.
“Countless hours of hard work — which can be measured in months, if not years — have gone into planning our Third National Convention, and our efforts are culminating here this week in Las Vegas,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “It has been my goal, and that of the BLET Advisory Board, to put on the most well organized convention possible so that our delegates may conduct the important work of our Brotherhood in the most professional and efficient manner possible. I have every confidence that we will have a successful and productive week that will make our membership proud.”
As the convention unfolds, regular news updates and photographs will be provided at www.ble-t.org/convention and www.Facebook.com/BLETNational.