What are the dates and times of this year’s convention?
The first session at the convention will start at 10.00am on Saturday 12 September with the access to the venue from 9.30. Meetings and workshops will run to 18.30 followed by Saturday fellowship SLAAbaret to no later than 21.00. Sunday sessions will start at 10.00 doors from 9.30 too and run to no later than 18.30. The detailed timetable will be available on the website.
When will the detailed programme be ready?
The detailed timetable will be available on the website no later than beginning of August. If you have any suggestions then let us know on convention@slaauk.org
Who sets the ticket prices and what happens to the money made from sales?
SLAA conventions are fully self supporting. Ticket prices are set for the event to breakeven covering the costs which are likely to be around £7,300, nearly all of which are venue hire. 2026 ticket prices were approved by UK Intergroup. Prices are higher this year because the venue now charges VAT for the first time and because we undercharged last year leading to a loss. We are not recouping last year’s loss, just trying to make sure we breakeven this year. This year we’ve introduced an advanced online rate to help keep the increase to a minimum. There are also day tickets and concessionary rates. This still means we have to sell around 300 tickets and seek more tradition 7 donations to breakeven so please carry the message of the convention.
Why are you asking for Tradition 7 donations during online checkout?
If you are able then please make a Tradition 7 donation when booking your ticket online. These donations will go to towards financing this year’s convention. Without donations we are unlikely to break even. If you are able to make a donation of £5 that will go a long way to financing this year’s events . Any donation will be gratefully received.
Am I eligible for a concession ticket and why are the numbers limited
Concessions tickets are limited to 1 per customer and there is a limited allocation of 50 available. They are available for UK resident fellows who are out of work, low waged, or receive housing benefits, income support, job seekers allowance or employment and support allowance. Please be guided by your own conscience and higher power when making this selection.
The number is limited because otherwise the convention might run at a significant loss and that would mean either more funds are required to run one in 2027 or ticket prices would have to increase.
If no more are concessions rate available online you can register on the waiting list. Depending on finances in August/September we might be able to support additional Concessions tickets.
I’m doing service at the Convention, am I required to purchase a ticket?
The short answer is yes. Everyone who attends the Convention including the Convention Committee, Speakers and all the volunteers doing service are expected to buy a ticket.
I can only attend one of the two days. Can I buy a one day ticket?
Yes. You can now buy a ticket for just one of the days at a lower price.
How do I volunteer to give service
There are plenty of service positions available, if you are able to give service please let us know https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dHT0CxhCHCeBXrgieIUTUttIBk6cwj0V4EvTp7brNQE/edit
I’m a newcomer is this for me?
Newcomers are welcome and there will be sessions dedicated to newcomers. If you are a newcomer to SLAA and would like to talk to a fellow before this year’s convention then please contact the SLAA information line on 07938452973, leave a message and they will reach out to you to give you information about SLAA before you attend or at any other time. We will also be having newcomer reps at the convention to answer any questions you might have./lightweight-accordion].
What are the requirements to be a speaker?
Speakers are required to be working SLAA with a sponsor, to have Ideally the Speakers have completed unto Step 9 and to have lived experience in the topic or workshop material. We welcome speakers from all aspects of life and do want to be more diverse this year. This is a wonderful way of giving service and helping other fellows with their recovery.If you are able to give service let us know https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dHT0CxhCHCeBXrgieIUTUttIBk6cwj0V4EvTp7brNQE/edit /lightweight-accordion]
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, we are recording all the sessions in the rooms (not the quiet room). After recording editing will remove names and we can also digital modify voices if speakers request this via convention@slaauk.org . Recordings will be available once the editing has been completed this does take a lot of time. Please contact us if you can help with this.
Is the Convention two days of meetings?
Over the 2 days there will be a mix of topic meetings and also practical workshops facilitated by fellows. We also have 2 key note speakers, one each day. Some topic meetings will be set up similarly to regular meetings where the Speakers will share their experience, strength and hope and then fellows in the room will be able to share based on the Speakers chair. Some will be workshops led by 1 or 2 fellows. There will be a Secretary in every session who will hold the space, read the preamble and safeguard the room. On the Saturday evening we will also have fellowship with the SLAAbaret.
Are there marketing materials available for to share?
Yes. On the Convention page there is a downloadable flyer and poster in which you can share online or print at home. Please do share the marketing materials and the ticket link to everyone you know who would benefit from attending.
Will my ticket be posted to me or emailed?
No physical or digital ticket will be mailed to you. Instead, your first name and initial and email/mobile details will be held by check in team at the door.
Will there be tickets available on the door?
Only if the tickets haven’t already sold out online. It is advisable to purchase your tickets in advance particularly as at the door tickets will be more expensive. It also greatly helps with our planning over the weekend. The on the door prices are higher. The weekend ticket is £34, day ticket £27, and concessionary rate weekend ticket £23.
Can we attend via Zoom?
Not this year. We particularly wanted the convention to be an in person experience, to offer fellowship, spontaneity and connection. It’s a chance to meet all those fellows you might normally see online
I’ve bought a ticket and can no longer attend, can I get a refund?
Yes, please email convention@slaauk.org who will be able to help.
I bought a ticket online. Do I need to bring proof of purchase?
Please bring a copy of the order when first arriving at the venue. This is to make things easier for the volunteers who will be checking people in. Once your first name and mobile number has been checked you will be given a wrist band. Please keep this on you for both days and until you have completely left the Convention.
Is there a cloakroom?
Due to the number of expected fellows and limited available space at the venue we do not have an area dedicated to store fellows’ belongings. Please only bring what you are able to keep with you. The convention is in the middle of summer so bring what you need weather permitting.
Will there be fellowship at the Convention?
Oh yes. On evening of Saturday 12th September there’ll be fellowship (SLAAbaret) organised at the venue with an open mic opportunity to share with others music, song, poetry, readings, short stories, visual arts etc that have supported you in recovery. If you are interested in getting involved in this please contact convention@slaauk.org
If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here please email convention@slaauk.org