This blog invites attendees of the 2008 Al-Anon International Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 3-6th, to share with one another and with those who were unable to attend what their experiences were like with the hope to attract others to attend the next Al-Anon International in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 5-7, 2013.

The General section asks members to share insights or experiences from the weekend that contributed to their recovery.
 
The Connecting With Our WSO Day, Meetings, Alateen, A. A., Parade, and Big Meetings sections provide space for members to make specific comments about specific parts of the program.

This blog is an exchange for members.  Specific questions, comments, critiques or suggestions for the Planning Committee should be sent to wso@al-anon.org  Subject:  2008 International Convention.  An evaluation form will be also e-mailed to a statistical sampling of registrants.

Please remember to abide by the three obstacles to success in Al-Anon:  no gossip, discussion of religion, or dominance.  Individual names of speakers, etc should not be used nor comments of a personal nature towards any one person as we strive to place principles above personalities.  Questions in each section are jumping off places and not intended to limit or direct the conversation in any particular direction.

Enjoy.

WSO International Convention Planning Committee

Were the workshops interesting?  Did you learn new information that you didn’t know before you came?  Gather any tools to help you in your service role or attract you to a new service position?  Did you enjoy the mixer at the end?  Were the handouts useful?

Did you enjoy the interaction of the Convention?  Attend either of the dances?  Spend time in the hospitality room?  Pick up love gifts?  Meet many people from different states, provinces, or other countries?  How did you get to Pittsburgh?  Was part of your trip supplemented by a service arm?  Did you attend the Pioneer luncheon?  Did your Area plan any additional opportunities to get together while at the convention?

What specific meeting did you find useful to your recovery?  Were the speakers helpful to introduce the topic?  Were time limits adhered to so that many members could share?  Were topics varied enough to meet your needs?  Members’ suggestions for additional topics or workshops for 2013 should be sent to wso@al-anon.org Attn:  2008 International Convention.

Did you attend any of the Alateen meetings as an Alateen or Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service?  Were the Alateen spaces at the Convention Center clearly designated?  Did you attend either of the open Alateen meetings?

Did you get to any of the A. A. meetings?  Gain any new insights or awareness?

Did you enjoy the parade?  Any new information that you learned?

What recovery insight did you gain?  Did you enjoy the Jumbotron in the Big Meeting?  Did you increase your awareness of Al-Anon Family Groups worldwide?  Did you get to view the e-CAL presentations?  How about the character-generated text during the Big Meetings?  Did you find that useful?