Who may attend?

Any member of Al-Anon or AA. A full schedule of meetings and keynote speakers will be available for all attendees. Al-Anon and AA meetings are “open” meetings so all registrants may attend.

---

Yes! The 75th Anniversary of Al-Anon is a big deal, and we are offering lapel pins for $5 and journals (80 pages, 5″x7″) for $10 to celebrate. Stop by the Fundraising table in Fon du Lac D, E, and F to buy yours before they sell out! Wear the pin proudly, and fill the journals with your thoughts and reflections for the rest of the year and beyond. See photos below.

Will the main speakers be recorded?

Yes! AMOT will be recording the five main speakers (Brenda P. and Matt J. from AA, and Sue K., Liz P. and Ann F. from Al-Anon) as well as selling CD recordings of a wide range of past speakers from both AA and Al-Anon. Please support their voluntary efforts by planning to order and purchase these recordings to take the inspiration, experience, strength and hope home with you.

Oh, no, I missed the registration deadline! Can I still show up and attend the convention?

Yes! AA and Al-Anon walk-in registrations will be accepted on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, payable only by $40 cash or check (payable to “Illinois Al-Anon State Convention”). There is an ATM at the hotel/convention center. A limited number of banquet tickets may be available at walk-in registration until sold out: first-come, first-served.”

Will there be conference-approved literature for sale at the convention?

Yes! As in prior years, there will be new and used Al-Anon literature for sale. If you also have any to donate, or inspirational or recovery-related craft items, please email Jane G. by September 20, 2026.

I see the Saturday night entertainment is music bingo. What is that?

Music bingo is a modern twist on traditional bingo where songs replace numbers on the card. Instead of waiting for a caller to announce “B‑12,” you listen to short music clips and mark off the matching song title and/or artist when you hear it. The goal is the same as classic bingo: complete a winning pattern and call “Bingo!” For more information, check out this webpage.

Do winners need to be present to win the various raffles: 50/50, basket, and quilt?

It depends. Yes, winners need to be present for the basket raffles and 50/50 raffles. No, winners do not need to be present to win the quilt raffle. All raffle tickets will be $1 each, or 6 for $5.

Why have an in-person Illinois state AFG convention?

The COVID-19 pandemic created a new approach to gathering. Many of us experienced remote teaching, learning, and jobs. Zoom became the new buzzword as we zoomed meetings, events, school, conferences and more. Because of remote and zoom events, we were able to carry on with school, work, church, and our Al-Anon, Alateen and AA meetings through COVID. Zoom and other technologies that brought us together were a blessing.

Now in 2026, restrictions have lifted and people are resuming and enjoying life out of the protective bubble. It is time to get back together in person. That’s why we are excited to announce that the 2026 Illinois State AFG Convention in October is live and in-person. The benefits you will enjoy at an in-person conference are:

• The ability to interpret nonverbal cues
• Easy collaboration and discussions
• Fewer technology issues
• The chance to build new relationships
• Participate in purposeful small talk
• The ability to communicate effectively
• Limited distractions
• Increased engagement and participation
• Physical contact, a handshake, hug, eye contact
• And a sense of intimacy that can’t be replicated on video

We are looking forward to seeing all of you in-person at our 2026 IL State AFG Convention in October!

---

Can I volunteer to serve at the convention?

Of course, we would love to have you!

We need volunteers for a variety of positions:

1. Greeter
2. Registration Table
3. Hospitality Room
4. Meeting leads
5. Literature
6. Quilt Raffle
7. Basket Raffle
8. Decorations

Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator with your interest: Dana Markham, at iarefree4@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance!

---

Who can answer questions I have?

For registration questions, please email Teresa P.

For website questions, please email Lesley D.

For Al-Anon Program questions, please email Libby M.

For AA Program questions, please email Nina T.

*Frequently Asked Questions