Global A.A. Convention Comes to Vancouver

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | June 6, 2025
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From July 3 to 6, 2025, Vancouver will welcome nearly 48,000 members of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) from over 75 countries for the 90th-anniversary International Convention, the largest gathering ever held in the city,

For more than two decades, Vancouver's A.A. community, local authorities, and tourism stakeholders have pursued hosting rights. A formal bid was first made in 2003, followed by a second push around 2013. Their perseverance paid off: at a General Service Board meeting in November 2013, Vancouver was awarded the convention.

The celebration will leverage some of the city’s premier venues: the Vancouver Convention Centre—a double LEED Platinum awardee—and BC Place Stadium. These world-class facilities were key to securing this landmark event, contributing to its scale and success.

Gregg Talley, A.A. Convention Manager, said: “Vancouver had all the basics covered: an amazing destination, world‑class facilities and a committed, energized local A.A. population… We are delighted to be working with the Vancouver community to make this event a huge success in 2025”. BC Minister Todd Stone added that hosting the convention underscores B.C.'s global competitiveness and world-class venues.

This monumental event is projected to inject approximately $71 million into the local economy—benefiting hotels, restaurants, transit, and tourism—throughout downtown Vancouver and beyond.

What to expect:

Mass meetings at BC Place, featuring keynotes celebrating 90 years of A.A.
Workshops and panels covering topics such as relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, spiritual growth, and multicultural recovery.
A flag ceremony, where attendees carry national flags to represent global unity in recovery.
Social events, including dances, hospitality suites, and fellowship gatherings across the “Convention Campus”—Vancouver Convention Centre, BC Place, plus hotels and meeting venues throughout downtown.

Online registration for the event already opened last September 2024, via aa.org—where attendees can secure housing, program updates, and travel info. Those travelling from abroad, including attendees with past DUI charges, should review Canada’s entry requirements and follow guidance provided on the official site.

Why it matters
This is more than a gathering—it's a celebration of survival, solidarity, and service. For Vancouver, it’s a civic showcase: infrastructure, hospitality, and multicultural spirit aligned to host the largest event in its history.

As July approaches, there’s growing anticipation—both within the A.A. fellowship and the city at large—about this transformative event. Vancouver stands ready to welcome the world, united in hope and healing through this historic A.A. celebration.

#AA Convention 2025 #Vancouver Events #Sobriety Strong #Recovery Together #Global AA 2025 #Vancouver Convention #WBN News Global #Elke Porter

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