Frequently asked questions

A weekend sharing and informational session hosted by the General Service Board so that trustees, directors and GSO/Grapevine staff can stay in touch with A.A. members, trusted servants and newcomers to service. Forums began in 1975. Learn more.

Regional Forums are open to all A.A. members and anyone interested in A.A. You do not need to hold a service position.

There is no registration fee. The General Service Board covers meeting room costs. Attendees pay for their own travel, lodging, parking and meals. Many groups, districts and areas help fund their trusted servants — ask yours!

Registration is handled by the General Service Office on aa.org and usually opens about two months before the Forum (for 2026 it opened October 2). We will post the link on this site as soon as it is live. Sign up for updates.

Absolutely. At the 2024 Pacific Regional Forum, 588 of 918 attendees were at their first Forum. It is a friendly, welcoming way to learn how A.A. works beyond the home group.

Yes. Come for whatever sessions you can. Late-arrival registration is available Sunday morning.

Regional Forums usually offer interpretation into Spanish and French. How it will be offered in 2028 (headsets, or a tool on your phone, as at the 2026 Forum in San Diego) will be confirmed with registration.

A hybrid/broadcast option is being explored by the host committee but is not confirmed. Any decision will be posted here.

No. Forums are sharing sessions, so no formal actions result. What is shared is captured in the Forum Final Report distributed to attendees and posted on aa.org.

A basket where anyone can drop a written question — anonymously if you prefer. Trustees and staff answer questions during the weekend.

Yes. The host committee arranges A.A. meetings outside Forum sessions — typically Friday at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday at 7:30 a.m. You can also use the Meeting Guide app to find local meetings.

Forums are open to anyone interested in A.A. Long Beach also has plenty for family members to enjoy nearby — see Travel.

Please do not photograph or record attendees or sessions, and never post identifiable images or full names online. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our Traditions.

Please note them during registration and contact the host committee as early as possible so we can work with GSO and the hotel.

The Forum takes place at the Hilton Long Beach. A discounted A.A. room block will be published with registration. Booking in the block helps the Fellowship meet its hotel commitments.

Yes. Current hotel rates are $35/night self-parking and $40/night valet (subject to change). Consider the Metro A Line or carpooling.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is about 15 minutes away. LAX and John Wayne (SNA) are about 22 miles away. See travel details.

The group rate may be offered up to three days before and after the Forum, based on hotel availability.

Fill out the volunteer form. Ten Welcome Committee chair positions will be confirmed at the January 2027 Area 09 Assembly, and many weekend shifts are open to members from any area.

A.A. World Services does not pay for coffee, hospitality rooms or A.A. meeting rooms. These are arranged by the host committee on a self-supporting basis. A PRF budget will be submitted to MSCA 09.

Yes! Send a presentation request and a host committee member will reach out.