The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM), together with the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), is proud to host our Annual Networking Holiday Party—one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Each December, entrepreneurs, BEP vendors, families, friends, and supporters from across Pennsylvania come together to celebrate the season, honor shared achievements, strengthen the bonds of our community, and raise vital funds that support PABM’s ongoing programs and advocacy.
Thank You & Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party and helped make this year’s event such a meaningful success. Your participation, support, and generosity continue to strengthen our mission and the community we serve.
Stay tuned for details about the 2026 PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party. We look forward to welcoming you back next year to celebrate another season of connection, achievement, and opportunity.
Event Details
| Date: | Saturday, December 12, 2026 |
| Time: | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM |
| Location: | DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport 4509 Island Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 |
Hotel Reservations
The DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport is now accepting reservations for the 2026 Holiday Party. Rooms may be booked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-445-8661 with Group code XPA, or use our online booking link. A booking link will be coming soon. The best time to call is during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), when reservation specialists are most available.
The 2026 Holiday Party group rates are$129 per night for either two queen beds or one king bed. Hotel room rates includes applicable taxes and fees. All taxes and fees are subject to change without prior notice, and will be in effect at the time of check-out. Parking is available for $25 per day.
The Hotel will be releasing our block of rooms on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 so make your reservation quickly. You will need a credit card to secure your reservation, There will be no charge to your card until you arrive at the hotel. In addition, there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms and if needed, make it known when you are making your room reservation.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party is now open! Register early to receive the best rate and a special Holiday Party shirt.
- Early Bird Registration: adults $50 & children under 12 $25— Available through Black Friday, November 27, 2026. Those who register during the early bird period will receive a 2026 PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party shirt when they check in at the party.
- Registration: adults $60 & children under 12 $30— Available Saturday, November 28 through Friday, December 11, 2026
- On-Site Registration: adults $70 & children under 12 $35— Available on Saturday, December 12, 2026
Click here to register for the holiday party!
Holiday Party Shirt Sponsorship
Businesses, organizations, and supporters are invited to become a 2026 Holiday Party Shirt Sponsor and help support PABM while gaining recognition at this year’s celebration.
For a $100 sponsorship, your business or organization’s logo will be featured on the back of the official 2026 PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party shirt provided to early bird registrants. Sponsorship opportunities are limited to eight sponsors. Click here to register as a holiday party shirt sponsor while space is still available!
A Celebration of Blind Entrepreneurs and Community
Our Holiday Party is more than just a year-end gathering—it’s a chance to highlight the dedication, hard work, and resilience of blind entrepreneurs and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) vendors. The evening combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering a welcoming environment where members, families, friends, and supporters can enjoy delicious food, lively entertainment, and meaningful conversations with peers and friends.
It is also an opportunity to build lasting friendships and professional connections, celebrate the progress and achievements of blind merchants and entrepreneurs statewide, and gather with a community that shares a commitment to independence, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
This celebration also serves as an important fundraiser for PABM, helping us continue our mission of supporting blind entrepreneurs and advocating for opportunities statewide. By coming together in fellowship and generosity, we not only honor the achievements of the past year but also help ensure that PABM has the resources to build an even stronger future for our community.
Event Highlights
- Festive Hors d’Oeuvres & Refreshments — Share a variety of hearty hors d’oeuvres and seasonal treats prepared to bring warmth and cheer.
- Networking & Camaraderie — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, BEP vendors, and supporters in a relaxed, celebratory setting while building new personal and professional connections.
- Entertainment & Activities — Enjoy music, games, and interactive holiday fun for both adults and families.
- Door Prizes & Raffles — Enjoy the excitement of door prizes and raffle drawings throughout the evening.
- Exciting Live Auction & Fundraising — Bid on unique items, gift baskets, and experiences. The live auction not only adds energy and fun to the evening but also helps raise funds that support PABM’s programs and advocacy efforts throughout the year.
Whether you are a Business Enterprise Program vendor, independent business owner, family member, friend, or someone passionate about supporting blind-owned businesses, the Holiday Party offers an opportunity to celebrate the season, strengthen connections, and support PABM’s mission while enjoying an evening of holiday cheer.
Schedule
Please note that the following is subject to change without notice.
- 5 PM arrival check-in food drive donations collected
- 5 PM to 10 PM DJ music and dancing
- 5:15 PM door prizes begin and continue through the evening
- 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM OPEN BAR provided by anonymous donor
- 6 PM – 6:30 PM cold hors d’oeuvres TBD
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM hot hors d’oeuvres TBD
- 7 PM auctions and raffles begin
- 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM cash bar
- 10 PM Conclusion of holiday party
Support Our Philabundance Food Drive
This holiday season, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) is proud to host a non-perishable food drive in partnership with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s leading hunger-relief organization. We invite all attendees of the PABM Holiday Party to help fight hunger and support families in need across the Philadelphia region. We’re collecting unopened, non-perishable food items such as canned goods, boxed meals, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, and other pantry staples. For details on the most needed donations, view the listing of Top 10 Most Needed Items (PDF).
More than 15% of Philadelphians face food insecurity. Your contribution—large or small—helps Philabundance provide nutritious meals through its community network. Together, we can make a real difference for our neighbors this holiday season.
Door Prizes, Raffle, and Auction Donations
One of the highlights of the Holiday Party is the excitement of the door prizes, raffle drawings, and live auction. These activities not only add fun and anticipation to the evening but also serve as essential fundraising opportunities for PABM.
We are seeking donations such as:
- Gift cards to restaurants or retail stores
- Baskets filled with themed goodies, such as holiday, gourmet, spa, or other creative themes
- Merchandise or products from your business
- Tickets to shows, sporting events, or attractions
- Unique experiences or services
- Other items suitable for door prizes, raffles, or the live auction
Every contribution helps us raise funds to sustain PABM’s vital programs and advocacy while making the event more memorable for attendees. Whether you contribute a gift card, basket, product, service, or another special item, your generosity helps make the Holiday Party a success and supports PABM’s work throughout the year.
Please contact Pam Baquero at 215-200-3696 or oneblindhippie@yahoo.com to coordinate donations.
Additional Information
The PABM/BEP Networking Holiday Party embodies the spirit of community, independence, opportunity, and giving back. With laughter, conversation, spirited bidding, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect way to close out the year while supporting PABM’s mission. We invite all members, friends, and supporters to join us in celebrating another year of growth and achievement—and in helping us raise funds to continue empowering blind entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania.
Additional details will be posted as they become available. Attendees are encouraged to check this page regularly for the latest information.
Updates will also be shared through the PABM and NFB of Pennsylvania listservs and during PABM monthly meetings.
For questions or additional information, please contact Pam Baquero at 215-200-3696 or oneblindhippie@yahoo.com.
We invite members, BEP vendors, entrepreneurs, families, friends, and supporters to join us in celebrating another year of growth and achievement while helping PABM continue to empower blind entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania.