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Convention Overview

Event — OIAA2026 Online International Convention
Workshop — OIAA2026 Host Group Session Workshop (for groups hosting convention sessions)
Purpose — reduce uncertainty early in the planning process by clarifying the schedule, session formats, expectations, and support available.

Key Dates

Convention dates — 20–22 November 2026
Convention dates (NZSD) — 21–23 November 2026

OIAA2026 Convention Schedule

Live convention schedule for Group reference only (sorry only English at this time – please contact OIAA2026 to request translated copies – full translated schedules (PDFs) will be available once all Host Groups have been confirmed). Full Convention schedules will be available on the website ahead of the convention – please check the convention page for updates.

What the sessions are

Length — each session is 1 hour 15 minutes.
Arrive early — please arrive 15 minutes before your session start time for set‐up.
Themes — sessions follow the room theme and the topic shown in the schedule.
Rooms — named for the A.A. triangle legacies: Recovery, Service, and Unity, and create the theme for each room to focus on.

Service members – three members of your group may be co-hosted to cover the role of Chair/Facilitator and two Tech co-hosts screen-share, chat, timer, security, etc. Training will be provided and sessions will be scheduled for late October, early November 2026. The Unity Committee will provide one Unity Tech co-host to support the Group during the session and Tech12 will hold Host control and ensure all group service members and interpreters are co-hosted.

Support available — interpretation, tech co‐hosting help on the day, and Unity Committee guidance can be arranged as needed. If you need something, ask early.

Session Formats

Opening & Closing Ceremonies — full convention (all rooms together); typically multiple host groups collaborate, with dedicated Unity Committee support.
Speaker — 1–3 speakers (as you prefer); you can provide speakers or request support to help find speakers.
Panel — commonly 3 speakers from different countries/languages; share speaker names and any interpretation needed (or request support).
Workshop — presentation style (video, slides, screenshare, etc.); be creative.
Traditions — bring your group’s experience with the Twelve Traditions using a speaker/panel/workshop approach as appropriate.
Literature — focus on the room theme and share your group’s experience; any format is welcome.
Rule 62 & fun/games — A.A. games and joyful activities (e.g., Wheel of Recovery, Hollywood Squares, scavenger hunt).

Interpretation

Available — simultaneous interpretation and ASL can be requested for allocated sessions. Deadline — submit interpretation requests no later than 31 August 2026.
Translations — translated schedules and “at a glance” versions can be requested; translated PDFs/JPEGs for session flyers or general convention information can also be provided on request.

Access to Convention / Individual Registration

Host Groups — will receive the zoom log in details for each room no less than 48 hrs prior to the event starting. Each room has a separate log in code/link and these will also be pasted in the chat during the convention (for easy access to different rooms).
Individual registration — individual registration will open (via the website) from mid-August and access codes to the convention rooms will be sent out ahead of the start day.

Spread the word– we can create convention flyers for your group to distribute to your local AA communities, Intergroups, online & face to face meetings, etc. Previously, some groups have created their own, and some have created videos (please ensure that we see anything you intend to send). We will also share the information with GSO’s and other AA entities, through the OIAA website, email lists & events.

Group Expectations

Stay in touch — keep communication open; share questions or issues as they arise.
Update details ASAP — advise of any changes to contacts or other key information as
soon as possible.
Be ready — show up on time, prepared, and enjoy hosting.
Bring your style — groups are encouraged to express their identity while staying within the assigned topic and Unity/OIAA themes (inclusive, supportive, organized, transparent, approachable, open‐minded).

Help!

Who to Contact
● Convention Lead Jennifer H — unity.jenh@aa-intergroup.org
● Host Group Speaker Seeker Janice K — JaniceKle@outlook.com
● Opening Ceremony Joe R — unity.joer@aa-intergroup.org
● Closing Ceremony Jennifer H — unity.jenh@aa-intergroup.org
● Unity Tech co‐host volunteers Joe R — unity.joer@aa-intergroup.org
● Communications / group flyers TBA – OIAA2026@aa-intergroup.org
● OIAA2026 Host Group WhatApp Chat Link

OIAA2026 Host Groups

Collaborate — connect with other host groups when helpful, especially for ceremonies.
Share experience — bring what your group has learned about carrying the message online.
Enjoy the process — you’re supported; ask for help early and have fun in service.