If you've been asking around your home group or searching online to find out where is the a.a. international convention in 2025, you'll be happy to know that the big event is heading to the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. It's been a long time coming, especially since the 2020 convention in Detroit had to be moved to a virtual format, so the excitement for this one is off the charts.
Mark your calendars for July 3 through July 6, 2025. It's going to be a massive celebration, marking 90 years of Alcoholics Anonymous. The theme for this milestone is "90 Years - Language of the Heart," which really captures the spirit of what these gatherings are all about. If you've never been to an International Convention before, you're in for something pretty special. Imagine tens of thousands of people from all over the globe, all sharing the same goal of sobriety, taking over a major city for a few days. It's an experience that's hard to put into words, but let's dive into what you need to know to get ready.
The Venue and the Vibe
The main events are going to be split between a couple of key spots. BC Place Stadium will host the big night meetings—those are the ones where the energy is just electric—and the Vancouver Convention Centre will be the hub for many of the smaller meetings and workshops.
Vancouver is a stunning place to hold a convention. It's tucked right between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains. Even if you aren't in a meeting, just walking around the city is a treat. The air is fresh, the views are incredible, and the city is very walkable. Since it's July, the weather should be just about perfect—not too hot, not too cold. It's basically the ideal backdrop for a weekend focused on gratitude and fellowship.
The vibe at these conventions is unlike any regular meeting you've ever walked into. You'll see people wearing lanyards everywhere you go—in coffee shops, on the SkyTrain, and walking through Stanley Park. It feels like the whole world has suddenly become one big, supportive home group. You'll hear dozens of different languages, see people exchanging sobriety coins from different countries, and probably make a few friends you'll keep in touch with for years.
Getting Your Registration Sorted
Registration for the 2025 International Convention usually opens well in advance. If you haven't checked the official A.A. website (aa.org) lately, you should definitely keep an eye on it. Usually, you can register online, and they'll send you a confirmation that you'll use to pick up your badge once you get to Vancouver.
One thing to keep in mind: don't wait until the last minute. These conventions draw upwards of 50,000 people. While Vancouver is a big city with plenty of infrastructure, things fill up fast. When you register, you usually get access to the official housing block, which can help you snag a hotel room at a negotiated rate. But honestly, even those go quickly. If you're planning on going with a group from your area, it's a good idea to start talking about logistics now. Maybe see if anyone wants to share a room or an Airbnb to keep costs down.
Crossing the Border
Since the convention is in Canada, this is a big one for my friends in the U.S. and overseas: you're going to need a passport. If yours is expired or you don't have one yet, get on that as soon as possible. Passport processing times can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to be stuck at the border while everyone else is headed to the opening flag ceremony.
Also, it's worth mentioning that Canada has some specific rules about entry if you have a past DUI or other legal issues. It's a bit of a "know before you go" situation. Most people find that with the right paperwork or by looking into "rehabilitation" status for border crossing, they can get through, but it's definitely something you want to research months in advance rather than days. Don't let a paperwork mishap ruin your trip!
What Happens During the Convention?
If you're wondering what you actually do for four days at an International Convention, the answer is: as much or as little as you want.
The Big Meetings are the highlight for most people. These usually happen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings or evenings at BC Place. There's something incredibly moving about sitting in a stadium with 50,000 other sober people, listening to speakers share their journey. The Flag Ceremony is another huge draw—it's like the Olympics of sobriety, where members from different countries carry their national flags across the stage. It really drives home the fact that this program works everywhere, regardless of culture or language.
During the day, there are countless marathon meetings. You can pretty much find a meeting starting every hour on the hour. There are also specific workshops on topics like the Twelve Traditions, sponsorship, carrying the message to hospitals and institutions, and even meetings for Al-Anon and Alateen.
But honestly? A lot of the magic happens in the hallways and on the sidewalks. You'll find yourself grabbing a coffee with someone from Australia or sharing a sandwich with a group from Brazil. It's the informal fellowship that really sticks with you.
Exploring Vancouver While You're There
Since you're making the trip to British Columbia, you might want to pad your schedule by a day or two to actually see the city. Vancouver has some spots you really shouldn't miss:
- Stanley Park: It's one of the largest urban parks in North America. You can rent a bike and ride the Seawall, which gives you amazing views of the water and the city skyline.
- Granville Island: Great for food and local crafts. It's a fun place to wander around and grab a sober lunch by the water.
- Gastown: The oldest part of the city, known for its whistling steam clock and cool cobblestone streets.
- The Mountains: If you have a car or want to take a bus, Grouse Mountain or a trip up to Squamish/Whistler offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Just remember that the city will be very busy. Plan for extra time to get anywhere, especially if you're relying on public transit or rideshares. The SkyTrain is excellent, though, and it's usually the fastest way to get around the downtown core.
Making the Most of the Experience
If this is your first time, my best advice is to wear comfortable shoes. You're going to be doing a lot of walking—between the convention center and the stadium, around the hotels, and through the city. Your feet will thank you by Sunday.
Also, try not to overschedule yourself. It's tempting to try and hit every single workshop and meeting, but you'll burn out. Leave some room for those spontaneous moments. Some of my favorite memories from past conventions are just sitting on a bench talking to a stranger who ended up having the exact same story as me.
Lastly, remember the theme: Language of the Heart. This convention isn't just about the logistics of where it's located or the schedule of the speakers. It's a celebration of the fact that we're still here, 90 years later, helping each other stay sober one day at a time. Whether you've got 30 years or 30 days, you belong there just as much as anyone else.
So, to recap for anyone who missed it: where is the a.a. international convention in 2025? It's in Vancouver, Canada, July 3-6. Start saving those pennies, check your passport, and get ready for a weekend that'll probably stay with you for the rest of your life. See you in BC!