Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 International Convention & Travel to Canada

lions gate bridge at dusk vancouver BC

Lions Gate Bridge at dusk. Photo Credit - Destination Vancouver

Updated April 16th, 2025

This year — July 3-6, 2025 — the International Convention will celebrate A.A.’s 90th Anniversary in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with a theme of “90 Years – Language of the Heart.”

General Information

When and where will the 2025 International Convention take place?

The 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous will be celebrated at the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver, BC, Canada, from Thursday July 3rd   to Sunday, July 6th, 2025.

  • The registration hall will be open on Wednesday.
  • The block party will begin on Thursday at around 7:30pm. The daytime A.A. meetings will be held on Friday and Saturday throughout the Convention Campus
  • The three big meetings will be held at BC Place Stadium, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sunday’s meeting will conclude around 11:00am.

Where can I purchase the 2025 International Convention Anonymity-Protected Stadium Photograph, Convention audio recordings, and the official convention mug?

What is the Convention Campus?
The 2025 International Convention will take place on what we are calling the Convention Campus. Maps will be available in our mobile app and program materials detailing all the hotel space, convention rooms and the stadium dedicated to housing our event. 

Have A.A. International Conventions been held in Canada before?
Yes. There have been International Conventions in Toronto (1965), Montreal (1985), and Toronto (2005). As you may know, the Responsibility Statement was adopted at the 1965 International Convention in Toronto.

Will there be a bag policy for any of the convention locations?
As with most stadium venues such as BC Place, there will be limits on what can be brought into the stadium. More information will be available as we get closer. A bag check service will also be available.

Will there be a dedicated Mobile App for the 2025 International Convention?
A 2025 International Convention app will be available for download for mobile devices. This will give attendees instant access to the convention program, schedule changes, maps of the Convention Campus, updates, alerts, and more. Print programs will still be available for attendees.

Will there be meetings offered in languages other than English?
Yes, there will be meetings in multiple languages provided throughout the event.

Traveling to Canada

If travel to Canada is difficult for some U.S. members, why are we holding an International Convention in Vancouver?
The Fellowship of the United States and Canada General Service Structure of Alcoholics Anonymous functions as one entity in spirit and in service to the Fellowship. As this event rotates through the regions of A.A., there will be times when it takes place in the U.S., and other times when it is held in Canada.

What Canadian travel information is currently available?
Below are resources to aid members in making plans to attend the 2025 International Convention (most questions can be answered by reviewing the links below). Also, a good travel book on Canada will provide valuable information on needed documents and border crossing requirements, as well as vacation tips.

Who will have to submit forms and applications to gain admission to Canada?
It is suggested that those who believe they have some past legal incident, such as a DUI or felony that could inhibit their ability to cross the border to attend the 2025 International Convention, read the new guidance from the Canada Border Services Agency provided below.

Recently we met with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office staff.  Based on this meeting we need to set appropriate expectations for those attendees who may have entry issues due to past criminal history.  There are no guarantees that the process will be completed in time for the July Convention. 

We are providing you with some updated process steps to consider taking with full knowledge that if you pay the fees, they are not able to be reimbursed to you if the application does not get processed in time.

This was the new guidance based on where we are in the timeline as we approach the event to get this completed.

Here’s the info you seek from IRCC. Please let me know if you’d to discuss further.

  1. Download the visa forms and TRP document checklist:

Form: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5257.html Checklist: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/documents/pdf/english/kits/forms/imm5939/01-02-2021/imm5939e.pdf

  1. Consolidate all criminal court documents as well as all other required documents identified on the IMM5939e.
     
  2. Complete the IMM5257e and prepare a support letter explaining why your case merits temporary exemption from having to meet Canadian immigration laws, specifically section 36 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The onus is on the applicant to write considerations that may compel the visa officer to issue a temporary resident permit (TRP). These considerations may include, but are not limited to, humanitarian and compassionate grounds, economic benefit to Canada, etc.
     
  3. Pay the TRP, visa, and biometric fees online (424.75 CAD) here: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/pay.asp
     
  4. Mail your completed IMM5257e, TRP support letter, criminal court records, required documents listed on the IMM5939e, and proof of fee payment to the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles at:

Immigration Section
Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles
550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Alternatively, the applicant may travel to a Canada-U.S. port of entry to submit all the aforementioned forms and documents (minus the fees). A border services officer can assess the applicant at the port of entry and collect the applicable fees.

Are there any restrictions or regulations affecting travel to Canada in 2025?
Yes. The U.S. and Canada each have restrictions and regulations that apply to citizens and visitors who travel from one country to the other. U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport to travel to Canada.  Citizens from other countries need to view Canadian Visa Requirements.  Border crossing into Canada has significantly changed, particularly in the last two years. (For more information:  access links to Canada Border Services Agency website (CBSA) provided below)

Information for those who may have entry issues due to past criminal history:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html

Information for those who may have visa requirements due to traveling from another country:

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

For general information members may also access https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html or contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at CBSA by calling:

Within Canada
Toll-free
1-800-461-9999
TTY (for those with hearing or speech impairments)
1-866-335-3237 

Outside Canada
Long distance charges apply
1-204-983-3500
1-506-636-5064 

Press “0” to speak to an officer during regular business hours – Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (local time) excluding holidays.

I need to apply for a visa to enter Canada and need to request a letter of invitation? How do I submit this request?
If, after reviewing the official Canadian government’s entry requirements, you need a Letter of Invitation, we can assist with that. You first need to complete your registration for the 2025 International Convention and obtain housing, then email the staff associate, Marissa S. at 2025icsa@aa.orgto request the Letter of Invitation, which the GSO will provide.

Registration and Housing

Registration and housing questions? Call Showcare at (514) 380-9375. Press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish, press 3 for French, or email: 2025IC@showcare.com.

Is there any housing available?
Latest news regarding 2025 International Convention Housing. 
Housing Resource Flyer May 2025

How much is the registration fee to attend the 2025 International Convention?
The General Service Board has approved the 2025 International Convention fee so that when registration opens in September of 2024, it will cost $160.00 (USD) per person. On April 15th, 2025, the price will increase to $185.00 (USD), where it will remain that price for those registering on site when the convention begins.

Will there be virtual sessions or post-convention video products for those who are unable to attend in-person?
Unable to attend the 2025 international convention in person? There are options for you to participate!

Register for a Virtual Session Program Track.

This is a two-day 8 session virtual program track for individual viewing at home. The sessions will be live-streamed as they take place and will not be available for purchase after the Convention. The cost is $35 (USD).   

You can use the Online Registration to sign up for the Virtual Session Program Track: aa.org/international-convention

Friday, July 4, 2025: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PDT  A.A. Around the World Call Up I

Friday, July 4, 2025: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT Online Meetings, Are We Hiding Behind Our Screens?

Friday, July 4, 2025: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PDT  Unity: The Most Cherished Quality

Friday, July 4, 2025: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT   Living Sober

Saturday, July 5, 2025: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PDT  A.A. Around the World Call Up II

Saturday, July 5, 2025: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT  H.A.L.T.

Saturday, July 5, 2025: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PDT  Intensive Work with Other Alcoholics

Saturday, July 5, 2025: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT  Celebrate Sobriety

There will be eight (8) 1.5-hour topic sessions to view.  There is a half-hour break between sessions.

Purchase the 2025 International Convention Three Big Meetings Video Product
An anonymity-protected video recording of the Three Big Meetings in the Stadium will be available for viewing after the Convention. The cost is $60 (USD). Once you purchase the video, you will receive instructions via email after the convention about how to view the anonymity-protected video recording.  

You can purchase the Three Big Meetings Video Product as an ancillary product through the Online Registration portal. If you are already registered for the Convention, log on to your registration record via your email confirmation and add the video to your purchase. 

New! Watch Party Viewing Option
The General Service Board has approved a tiered-pricing registration option that is now being added for Groups and Information Gathering Watch parties. Intergroups/Central offices, districts, areas, and local A.A. groups have requested this option. A Group and Information Gathering Watch party coordinator must register and pay a 2025 International Convention Virtual Program Session Track registration fee based on a tiered number of watch party attendees as follows:

1. 6-20 attendees = $200.00 (USD)
2. 21-30 attendees = $300.00 (USD)
3. 31-40 attendees = $400.00 (USD)
4. 41-50 attendees = $500.00 (USD)

You can register for this “Watch party” viewing option at Watch Party Viewings Registration

How to Coordinate and Host a Watch Party

  • Gather a group who would like to get together to watch the virtual program session track.
  • The coordinator would pay for the group based on the board-approved tiered-pricing structure based on how many attendees will attend the watch party.
  • The coordinator must have a place for people to meet for the Watch Party. 
  • The coordinator will need to ensure how people are going to view the virtual program—for example, laptop connected to a TV screen, projector on screen, etc.)
  • The coordinator could request reimbursement from the other attendees for their portion of the cost of registration based on the tiered pricing for the number of people in the group.  

Must everyone register? I thought I didn’t have to pay to go to an A.A. event.
Yes. Everyone must register. Attendance at this special celebration is voluntary, and, as responsible A.A. members, “we pay our own way.” The International Convention is paid for by those A.A.s who participate in it.

In the past I have been able to register and book my housing by filling out a printed registration form and mailing it in.  Is this still an option?
We are broadly distributing the Registration Brochure containing a printed registration form. The brochure is filled with specific information about the 2025 International Convention you will want to review.

The Print Form Registration Process will allow attendees to pay for the registration fee and our additional product offerings by check or money order only.  If your print registration form arrives by mail to Showcare before registration opens, it will not be processed until September 10, 2024. 

If you register by mail and select that you want to obtain housing, a link to the housing system by our vendor, Showcare, will be emailed to you to complete your reservation.  Regardless of whether you paid for registration by check or money order, you must provide a credit card to reserve and pay for your housing. 

What types of housing are available?
In addition to traditional hotel rooms, we also have dormitory housing available at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).  We also have options available through Airbnb.Once you have completed your registration you will be provided the option to book a hotel room or this alternate dormitory housing or an Airbnb.

Will there be virtual sessions or post-convention video products for those who are unable to attend in-person?
You can use the Online Registration or Print Registration Form to:

  • Register for a Virtual Session Program Track. This is a two-day 8 session virtual program track. The sessions will be live streamed as they are taking place and will not be available for purchase after the Convention. Cost is $35 (USD).
  • Purchase the 2025 International Convention Three Big Meetings Video Product.  It will be an anonymity-protected video recording available for viewing after the Convention is over.  Cost is $60 (USD)

Must everyone register? I thought I didn’t have to pay to go to an A.A. event.
Yes. Everyone must register. Attendance at this special celebration is voluntary, and, as responsible A.A. members, “we pay our own way.” The International Convention is paid for by those A.A.s who participate in it.

Will there be any camping sites available as a housing option? 
We will not be offering camping sites as part of our housing options for the 2025 International

Camping:
Parks BC – this is the central hub for all camping in BC.  Attendees will want to search by “near Vancouver” as they won’t know any of the park names AND use the filter on the left to select Vehicle Camping to shortlist to appropriate camps.

RV Parks:

Will there be accommodation for people with accessibility needs?
Yes, when registering for the convention you can request accommodation for whatever your accessibility needs may be. More information will be available as you participate in the registration and housing process. Our convention is unique, and most cities cannot accommodate all the special and ADA requests of our attendees. Facilities would be assigned on a first come first serve basis.  Please reach out to Showcare at (514) 380-9375 to see if we can accommodate your request.

My group would like to book their housing together. How do we go about booking a group reservation?
Given the unique make up and location of our convention housing inventory, we are no longer able to facilitate Group Housing requests for the 2025 International Convention.  Thank you.

I can no longer attend. How do go about cancelling my registration?
All cancellations must be made in writing to 2025IC@showcare.com. Refunds will be given only if a written request is received by May 9, 2025. No exceptions. There is a $15 USD administrative processing fee for cancellations, which will be deducted from the refund. All ancillary items/products are non-refundable. Cancellations requested prior to May 9 will be processed on a rolling basis.

I am traveling with a member of Al-Anon. Will there be programs for them? Do they need to register separately?
You will have to register every member of your party, including Al-Anon members, at the same time. There will be programing specifically for members of Al-Anon, taking place at a hotel on the Convention Campus. Details will be announced closer to the date of the convention.

Transportation

Are there any discount codes for air travel or car rental?
You may wish to take advantage of airline flight discounts available through one of our partners. SkyTeam comprises 19 international airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Air. To book your travel now, visit skyteam.com/en/business-solutions/global-meetings and enter our Event ID: 4860S.

AirCanada is also providing our group with discounted travel. To book visit aircanada.com and enter the Promotion Code RF4VA681.

How will I get around Vancouver?
Vancouver is a very compact city; So compact that we simply could not add hundreds of buses to the city street to move convention attendees. For those staying and moving through downtown, walking might be your best option. 

The good news is that Vancouver also has a very good transit system and Skytrain connects nearly all of the hotels and dorms in our convention block. It also connects the Convention Campus around the Vancouver Convention Center where most of our meetings and happening and the BC Place Stadium where the 3 Big Meetings will be. https://www.translink.ca/rider-guide/transit-accessibility/accessing-public-transit

A 3-day TransLink pass is available for pre purchase in our registration system and on site in Vancouver. Use this link to update your registration to include TransLink pass. The pass(es) will be mailed to you with your convention badge in May 2025.

What transportation services will be available for those with accessibility needs? 
We are making every effort to ensure Vancouver is accessible for all attendees. TransLink is an accessible service.

The Accessible Convention Transportation Shuttle Service is available to convention registrants staying in our official convention block of hotels and dorms. However, due to the need to accommodate as many attendees who need this service as possible, we cannot allow more then 2 people from any one party to use the accessible transport. We allow the attendee in need of the service and one (1) caregiver/aide to use this accessible transport. Adding other members of the traveling party reduces our ability to meet the needs of members facing accessibility barriers.

Here is the link for information about the Accessibilities Transport Shuttle Service - kushnershuttles.com/event/aa-2025/

Do I need to rent a car?
Vancouver is known for being a very walkable city with an efficient public transportation system TransLink, which we expect attendees to take full advantage of. If you feel like a car might be better suited for your needs, then please feel free to rent one.

Will scooters be available for rent?
Scooter rental service pick up is provided at the Vancouver Convention Center. ADA transportation will be provided to/from the Vancouver Convention Center and BC Place.  Scooter rentals can be found here. Please make your reservation in advance.

Speaker Selection Information

I would like to suggest a speaker. How are speakers chosen for the 2025 International Convention?
Following the opening of registration, a speaker suggestion form will be distributed to specific trusted servants within our service structure, such as local area delegates.  At that time, these members will be asked to submit names of suggested speakers..  Note that the selection of speakers is through a group conscience process. Speakers come from those registered or who plan to register for the 2025 International Convention. We strive to use people who have not spoken at previous Conventions.

We anticipate receiving many suggestions for speakers and will likely receive more names than we can use. We may need to “go to the hat” to choose speakers  at random.  We will strive for a diverse pool of selections according to several factors includinggeographic location..   Anyone selected as a speaker will be invited to speak sometime in early 2025.   (Please note that the final panel topics/themes are developed and chosen by the convention planning team.)

Volunteers

The 2025 Volunteer Welcome Committee is excited for next year.  We can’t wait to meet you all here in our beautiful city!

What kind of volunteer opportunities will there be?
The Volunteer Welcome Committee will need 5,000 happy and joyous volunteers to assist with making the 2025 International Convention a marvelous experience for everyone.  There are 14 committees responsible for this, all headed up by a Chair and Co-Chair.  Please go to our Volunteer Website for a list of these committees..  Many of them involve the best AA job of all – greeting!

If I’m a volunteer, do I have to pay?
Yes, all attendees, including volunteers, must have a paid registration.

When can I sign up to volunteer? How will I be notified?
To be a volunteer you can sign up now on our Volunteer Welcome Committee Website. After creating an account, sign up for the Kick-Off Rally RECORDED. You'll receive a confirmation email with training materials and instructions to qualify for shift sign-ups (tentatively in March).   

How do I get information about ongoing volunteer opportunities?
Sign up for the  Mailing List  you will receive news, updates, fun facts and the latest volunteering updates. You can also check out our website for regularly updated information.

My friend and I want to volunteer in the same places at the same times.  Is that possible?  Can I volunteer for more than one assignment? 
When volunteer shifts open, tentatively in March, you and your friend can coordinate to sign up for the same shifts, and as many shifts as you like! (but we hope you get to enjoy the convention too!)

I do not live in Vancouver. Are there volunteer opportunities for people from out of town?  How will I know where to go and how will I get training? 
YES! If you are outside of Vancouver, outside of the province or from another country and are registered for the Convention, there are plenty of opportunities for you. Have a look at our Committee List - you will see there are a LOT of greeting positions.  And isn’t greeting the best? To be a volunteer you can sign up now on our Volunteer Welcome Committee Website.

Where can I find out more information about volunteer opportunities?
Visit the 2025 Volunteer Welcome Committee website for more information at https://icvwc2025.org/

I am attending, and I am bilingual.  Is there a place I can help out?
Yes! Since we have people coming from all over the world, we have a Global Languages committee to coordinate volunteers that speak multiple languages. Make sure to note your languages in Volunteer Hub when creating your account. You can also Contact Us and we will make sure you get connected

What is Volunteer Hub?  How do I find it? 
Volunteer Hub is the software we are using to sign up and schedule our many volunteers. You can always find it (and log back into your account, once you have created it) via our website on the volunteer page.

I signed up for a volunteering account, and/or the Kick-Off Rally RECORDED, but don’t know what happens next or how to sign up for shifts?
Check your inbox for a message from Volunteer Hub where you will find the information you need. If you can’t find it, Contact Us.

I am overwhelmed with the technology. I want to volunteer but I can’t seem to figure it out. What can I do?
Let us know, we are here to help. Please Contact Us.  Our website is https://icvwc2025.org/