1st Time Attendees 

Welcome to the Area 53 Mini-Conference!

March 6th – 8th, 2026 | Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center

Welcome to your first Mini-Conference! We are thrilled to have you with us. This annual weekend is more than just a meeting; it is a vital opportunity for you to experience the A.A. General Service structure in action at the local level.

As a first-time attendee, you are an essential part of the process. This guide will help you navigate the weekend of service, fellowship, and growth.

The Purpose: Your Voice, Our Conscience

The Mini-Conference is a "mock" version of the General Service Conference held in New York each year. You aren’t just a spectator here—you are an active participant helping to shape the "collective area conscience." The thoughts and votes shared this weekend provide crucial guidance for our Area Delegate, who will carry our Area’s collective voice to the General Service Conference in New York this April.

The Weekend at a Glance

Friday Night: The Kick-Off

The weekend begins with a warm welcome and opening statements from the Mini-Conference Chair. We typically feature a guest speaker to set the tone and spark the spirit of service for the days ahead. Then we give you time to meet your committee members, and take your material packets back to your room to read and review them in preparation for Saturday morning. 

Saturday: The Heart of the Process

Most of your Saturday will be spent in Committee Sessions. This is where the real work happens:

• Committee Work: You will join a specific group (such as Literature, Corrections, or Public Information) in rooms like the Red Oak or Chestnut rooms.

• Discussion: You will review and debate actual agenda items currently facing A.A. worldwide.

• The Voting Body: In the afternoon, we gather as a full assembly. Each committee reports its findings, and the entire body votes on the results.

Presentations & Reports

Throughout the weekend, you will hear from experienced voices in service, including:

• Representatives from the General Service Office (GSO) in New York.

• Our Area 53 Delegate, and other Delegates reports from Area 54, 55, and 56.

• The East Central Regional Trustee.

Sunday: The Area Assembly

The weekend concludes with the Sunday Assembly, where the formal business of Area 53 is conducted. It’s a great chance to see how our local "government" functions.