Area 53 Mini-Conference

2018 Mini-Conference Final Report Available

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The Final Report from the 2018 Area 53 Mini-Conference is available online. Printed copies will be available at the June 3, 2018, assembly in Hilliard Ohio.

About the Report
Area 53 held its annual Mini-Conference at the Salt Fork Conference Center on March 9-11, 2018. The report contains three sections: (1) an introductory background material on the conference structure, (2) highlights about the 2018 Mini-Conference, and (3) a summary of the advisory actions taken by the Mini-Conference in March with how agenda items was handled at the General Service Conference in April by the delegates.

2018 Attendance Summary
There were 121 paid participants (including 11 scholarships). A total of 179 meals (including 76 banquets) were served by Salt Fork. In addition, our Hospitality Room offered full meals for a donation.

2018 Finance Summary
We were over budget this year. Our current cash reserves are lower than expected to start the 2019 planning cycle. Some factors that contributed to he shortfall were PayPal fees of $224, charges for setting up the hospitality room, and audiovisual equipment rental fees. We also invested $240 for registration signs and badge holders, supplies that will be used for future Mini-Conferences.

In service,
Stephen S., Area 53 Mini-Conference Chair

Mini Conference Story from a Newbie

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I love the outdoors. An opportunity to hang out at a state park? When my sponsor suggested I attend the mini-conference, I was all over it!

A friend and I went in together and got a cabin with a hot tub. It was going to be a vacation! We had food and smoothies and all sorts of fun planned. We had a great time driving to the event, and listened to a lead by Bill W. on the way.

When we arrived at our cabin which could’ve slept six, I was pleased by the beautiful view of the lake, and then there was the hot tub! I was amazed that this lovely cabin was affordable for the two of us. We unpacked our pumpkin pie and smoothie maker and delicious food and soon had a visit to the hot tub. Ahhhh… it was going to be a warm and relaxing weekend, in spite of the March temperatures.

We then proceeded to the lodge to register for the mini-conference. Now I must say that I have attended my share of conferences and played my share of “hooky” from sessions in order to do what I wanted. I expected some meetings and focus groups and hanging out with people. What I did NOT expect was what I got, which was an intense and inspiring view of how our Fellowship works, the nuts and bolts of it.

I was moved. Seriously moved.

I had seen my involvement in AA at the group level, as meetings and secretaries and Seventh Tradition baskets, as coffee and discussions and the “meeting after the meeting.” I did not comprehend what was happening deep underneath my meeting-oriented experience of AA. Such was my introduction to another area of service. I learned so much, and met people whose
hearts and minds were deeply committed to our Fellowship, and who showed it in their actions and attitudes. There was a lot of laughter, and seriousness, and well-meaning dispute and discussion. I was engaged from the outset, and have now become more involved in this other area of service as a result.

The Twelve Steps of AA saved my life. The Traditions and Concepts keep us going.

I am responsible…

My Remarkable Mini-Conference Story

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This will be my 4th year of attending the Area 53 Mini Conference and I am super excited!

When I attended my first Mini Conference 3 years ago, I was filled with a nervous anticipation of what to expect. I found the experience to be overwhelming (in a great way). And, I couldn’t wait to go back to my home group and friends to share what I had learned from this amazing experience. Participating was a privilege. It was at my first Mini Conference that I learned from Bill F. the difference between a Trustee A and a Trustee B…and I still chuckle every time I hear him explain it!

Now, three Mini Conferences later, I find that I am still filled with anticipation – no longer as nervously. I am super excited about attending. Being a part of the Mini Conference Committee definitely adds to that excitement because it gives me the advantage of knowing in advance some of the spectacular events that this year’s Mini Conference has in store for us.

Everything from the minute you arrive – being greeted at the door, Mini Conference Registration Desk, the Speaker Meetings, the interactive Workshops, the Hospitality Room, the Early Bird meetings, and the delicious meals – promise to add to the remarkable story that you will leave with. I know you will want to go back and share with your home group and friends in the Fellowship.

I look forward to seeing you soon. If there is anything you need while you are there, please feel free to ask Frank G., Area 53 Delegate.

My story,
Marcia H.

We are waiting for you …

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The 2017 Area 53 Mini-Conference will officially open in about 24 hours, at 7:00pm on Friday, March 10.

Some of your Mini-Conference committee volunteers arrived on Thursday. They are setting up stuff – stuff like the onsite check-in and the hospitality room. There are 100 people pre-registered and that is very exciting for us. We expect more to walk-in and register onsite.

Onsite check-in starts at 2:00pm on Friday. We promise to have your nicely printed badge, your conference meal tickets (if you ordered in advance), the official mini-conference program and your randomly assigned conference committee background material. Just for you!

The hospitality room opens at 2:00pm on Friday. They will have the coffee brewed by time you get there (rooms 373-375 in A-Wing). Snacks and surprises will be available. Some of those that pre-registered generously donated over $270 to help with food and beverage expenses. Big “thank you!”

At 4:00pm there are two service workshops: a GSR School by Dan S., Group Services Chair, and a panel discussing “Having had a spiritual awakening…” moderated by Marcia H., DCM for District 26.

What else can we say? We are waiting for you… Hope you can show up.

Your Mini-Conference Committee

Mini-Conference Program

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The 2017 Area 53 Mini-Conference program is final and has been printed in mass quantities. You can view the printable version of the program on the Mini-Conference homepage.

While your on our homepage, be sure to check out the rest of the useful information we have put together for members in Area 53:

1. Conference Committee topics that will be discussed Friday night and all day Saturday

2. Everything about conference meals and the hospitality room

3. Some common questions and answers about the mini-conference and its history in Area 53.

Enjoy!

Your Mini-Conference Committee

Important Conference Terms

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The 2017 Area 53 Mini-Conference committee and agenda topics have been determined by the Area 53 Delegate. You can preview them on the Mini-Conference homepage.

Agenda topics typically begin with a few special words. It will be useful to understand what is implied when you see them in conference materials or on the area website.

Consider … Where this word is used, a recommendation requiring a vote is probably indicated. When possible, a recommendation from the Committee as to whether they voted to approve or disapprove the action being considered should be forwarded to the full assembly as a motion, along with the actual vote count, both “for” and “against”

Discuss … Where this word is used a recommendation requiring a vote is probably not indicated, although exceptions may occur. Use common sense. If a vote is not indicated, then a brief overview of the Committee discussion should be given when reporting out.

Review … The committee can decide whether this item requires a vote. If no vote is required, a brief overview of the Committee discussion may be given when reporting out.

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