Frequently Asked Questions / Help
Please read through the list of frequently asked questions about the Convention, the hotel and surrounding area.
If you don’t find your questions answered below, please send an email to the Convention Chair at convention@oamilwaukee.org.
What is an OA Convention?
In the Spring of each year, OA fellows gather at a designated location in the ten-state Region 5 area for a 3-day Convention. The Convention serves to enhance personal recovery in OA and highlight fellowship and service, with a healthy dose of fun in the evenings. It is also the largest fundraiser of the year for the Overeaters Anonymous sponsoring Region and the hosting Intergroup.
What will you experience at the OA Convention?
The Convention includes workshops, panels, meetings and Keynotes, all led by a diverse range of speakers who carry the OA message of recovery.
The weekend also is packed with opportunities for fellowship, including special interest sessions and meditation, content for Newcomers as well as long-time members and everyone on between. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony and entertainment on Friday night, a dance and sing-a-long party on Saturday night (so don’t forget your boogie shoes!), and concludes with a closing ceremony on Sunday morning.
What topics can we expect on the program?
You can expect over 35 sessions that will explore the 12 Steps, OA tools, emotional sobriety, relationships, your Higher Power and more. As in previous years, there will also be five diverse keynote speakers, extending hand and heart by sharing their Voices of Recovery.
What time does the Convention begin on Friday and end on Sunday?
The optional Pre-Convention workshop begins Friday at 10:00 am CDT and concludes at 2:00 pm.
The Convention begins at 4 pm CDT Friday and ends at 11 am on Sunday. Tickets are available a la carte, meaning you can purchase a ticket for the whole weekend or just that part that you are available to attend.
Where do I Check In when I arrive?
All of the events and sessions for the Convention will take place on the Ground Level of the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel. The registration table will be just north of the Lobby, near the Milwaukee Room. There will be greeters placed throughout the hotel on Friday evening and Saturday morning to guide your way.
When are events happening and where?
You will be provided with a folder at Check In. There is a detailed schedule in your folder.
There are five Keynote sessions during which time all other rooms will be closed. Except for Keynotes, there are multiple events and sessions occurring simultaneously.
There is a hotel floorplan in your folder. There will also be signs outside of the meeting rooms with a list of scheduled events taking place in each room.
What is the difference between all of the sessions?
On the event schedule, each session will offer a brief description as follows:
Keynote: Keynote speakers share their experience, strength and hope during the Opening and Closing ceremonies as well as Saturday morning, afternoon and evening. Keynote speeches are recorded.
Meditation: Facilitators will share their practical experience that utilizes different techniques. Meditation is not recorded.
Panel: Multiple speakers typically share for 10-20 minutes each on the designated topic. This is followed by Q&A and/or positive pitches. Panels typically are recorded.
Workshop: Targeted to a specific subject, this session is more interactive and generally includes reading or writing and sharing. Workshops may or may not be recorded, depending upon the topic. The program indicates clearly whether or not the workshop will be recorded.
Can I still purchase meals?
Meals will be available for purchase through May 2, 2025. You can purchase them when you register or contact the Convention Registrar @ 414/259-0640 if you’d like to add meal(s) to your existing registration. Subject to availability, you can purchase a meal ticket at Check In on Convention weekend.
Are the sessions being recorded?
Yes, all Keynotes, all Panels and some Workshops are being recorded, including Q&A. Pitches and sharing are never recorded. The program indicates which session are being recorded. Sober Voices Media will be on site to set up the recordings.
Are the recordings free?
No. They will be available for purchase only, at the Convention or later by email at bcsobervoices@gmail.com. Attendees can purchase recordings of all or individual sessions. Sober Voices Media will be set up near the General Session, in the Brookfield 4/5 Room; they accept major credit cards for purchases.
What is the Marketplace?
Opens Friday at 5 pm; concludes Saturday at 10:00 pm
Open most times except during Keynotes and Meals
This is the primary fundraiser for the Hosting Intergroup. Other Intergroups may be hosting a fundraising table, too. Your support is appreciated.
A boutique featuring items that inspire
· Relaxation/Self-Care
· Step 11 Prayer and Meditation
· Writing
· Sober Eating
along with the donated work of member Artists and Crafters, including jewelry.
How does the Gift Basket Raffle Drawing work?
There will be many prizes to be won. Attendees buy tickets and put them in bags placed in front of each prize. If you’re interested in specific prizes, place more tickets in those bags. The winners will be announced Saturday evening in the Brookfield 4/5 General Session, before Keynote 4. Your winning ticket must be present at the announcement to win. Your prize will be given to the person holding your ticket. Cash, check or credit cards can be used to purchase raffle tickets. An ATM is available in the Lobby. Good luck!
How does the 50/50 Raffle Drawing work?
Attendees buy tickets - half of the amount raised with ticket sales goes to Region 5/MAI, and the other half goes to the raffle winner. It is an easy way for nonprofits to raise funds during fundraising events and on their own. The winners will be announced Saturday evening in the Brookfield 4/5 General Session, before Keynote 4. Your winning ticket must be present at the announcement to win. Your prize will be given to the person holding your ticket. Cash, check or credit cards can be used to purchase raffle tickets. An ATM is available in the Lobby. Good luck!
How and where do I get my parking validated?
Complimentary On-Site Parking
I’d like to be of service, what can I do?
It takes an army of volunteers to pull off the Convention and we can certainly use your help! Be on the lookout for emails about how you can sign up to be of service. There will be a list of open slots with types of service, days and times. Even if you haven't signed up and want to be of service, visit the Service table at the Convention.
Where is the event being held?
The Convention will be held at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel, 375 South Moorland Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA, 53005
Tel: 1-262/364-1100
I’m flying in, how do I get to the hotel?
The Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel has a complimentary Airport Shuttle. Please plan ahead to schedule your ride with the hotel as it is approximately 40 minutes from the airport.
Uber may be available for approximately $60 one way.
What’s the parking situation? How much is it?
There is ample, complimentary On-Site Parking in flat lots surrounding the hotel.
I didn’t purchase a meal – what are my options?
You can bring your own food and eat in your room or the hotel common areas, indoors or outdoors.
Note: there is a community refrigerator and a microwave in the Hospitality suite. The room will be locked overnight but will be open as long as events are happening. Another good option is to order delivery from a nearby restaurant.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes. There are several good restaurants within driving distance.
See the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel web page.
Is there a microwave I can use? A refrigerator to store my food?
Each hotel guest has a mini fridge in their room. There is a microwave in the hotel vending area and also in the Convention Hospitality suite.
For non-hotel guests, there is a community microwave and refrigerator in the Hospitality suite for anyone to use pending available space. There may be a large demand so please be patient while waiting your turn to use it.
I’d like to carpool, how can I find others who are also interested?
Your best bet is to ask around at your home meeting(s) and encourage other members to attend, too.
I’d like to have a roommate, how can I find someone to room with?
Your best bet is to ask around at your home meeting(s) and encourage other members to attend, too. Or, email convention@oamilwaukee.org for assistance.