MA World Services 2010 Convention FAQ - The Fine Print
Q What is an MA Convention?
The Convention is the annual social gathering for all of Marijuana Anonymous. It’s not the Conference, which is the business meeting held each May. A convention includes speakers, workshops, plenty of meetings, a banquet and dance, and most of all a chance to fellowship with up to 150 members of MA from all over the country. It’s a giant, sober party!
The 2010 Convention is being held February 12-14 in Portland, Oregon. To register online or get more information, click here. And by the way, the 2011 MA Convention is in New York City!
Q How much does the convention cost? Are there registration scholarships available?
The convention registration fee is $45 until January 20th, then goes up to $55 on January 21st.There is also a Saturday night banquet, at a cost of $45, and a Saturday night dance at a cost of $5. If this is something you can’t afford, get in touch; there are some opportunities to work in exchange for some costs.
Q How much will the hotel cost? Do hotel registrations need to be made separately from convention registration?
Yes, hotel registrations need to be made separately from convention registration. See above for registration information. As for the hotel, there is a convention “special” of $104 per night at our host hotel, the Doubletree Lloyd Center. This rate is for one to four people per room! Please use the Hotel link or contact the hotel directly at (503) 281-6111. If you call the hotel, be sure to use this code to get the rate: MJA.
SPECIAL NOTE: The special room rate will be available ONLY until midnight on January 13th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first, so reserve ASAP!!!
Q What is the Convention schedule?
The convention officially starts around 4 p.m. on Friday, and ends around 3 p.m. on Sunday. Click here for the detailed schedule.
Please consider coming early or staying late! We have the hotel rooms for a few nights on either side of the actual event, and Portlanders are planning a welcome dinner/celebration on Thursday evening, as well as a celebration on Sunday evening, all in Portland. If you want to find out about those events, and possible other “before and after” happenings, email info@maconvention.org.
Q What is the cost of parking at the hotel?
A block of rooms with COMPLIMENTARY PARKING have been set aside for MA Convention use for February 12 - 14, 2010. Free parking applies to the rooms reserved as part of the block.
Q Is there housing available with local MA members?
It is possible some District 11 members will offer this service. However, due to the intensive nature of the convention, experienced convention-goers recommend staying at the hotel for the ultimate recovery immersion experience.
Q Will there be rides available from the airport?
Portland’s light rail system, MAX, runs directly to the hotel from the airport. The train can be boarded outside the baggage claim area, and the cost is $2.30 one way. The trip takes about 30 minutes with the trains departing every 15 minutes. The stop for the hotel is called the Lloyd Center stop. Finally, the trains depart the airport from 4:58 a.m. to 11:58 p.m. If a convention- goer expects to arrive outside those hours, a Portland member may be able to provide a ride. For more info about MAX, go to www.trimet.org.
Q I’m a vegetarian - will there be a vegetarian option at the banquet?
Of course - this is Portland!
Q What will the weather be like?
Portland weather in mid-February is typically in the 40s to 50s, and often raining. The DoubleTree assures us, however, that weather inside the hotel will be warm and dry!!
Q I’m really new to Marijuana Anonymous - I actually haven’t been able to stop smoking (but I’m trying.) Can I still go to the Convention? Can I go to the Convention if I’m not even sure I’m a marijuana addict?
Yes! The Convention is open to all MA members. Our third tradition states: “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana.” Even if you’re still smoking and/or you’re not sure you’re an addict, you’re welcome at the Convention.
Q I would love to share some music, or poetry, or other talent, with the MA community. Will there be a talent show or open mic?
Yes, we plan to have a Friday night forum for sharing songs, poems, and other expressions of heart, mind and spirit.
Q What will there be to do, aside from going to meetings?
During breaks and at meals, there will be many opportunities for casual fellowship and sharing. Workshops will be offered on many topics, and an early morning yoga gathering will be available as well. Friday night there will be an open mic opportunity for members to share their talents. Then, we’ll have a celebratory Saturday night banquet and dance, and finally, on Sunday we’ll have the traditional “birthday countdown,” in which everyone is celebrated for the time they have in MA recovery.
NOTE: Public transportation is easily accessible from the hotel for those who may wish to go into downtown Portland or other parts of the city. Your registration packet will contain information about places to see/things to do in the Portland area. In addition, Portland MA members may be leading “field trips” to points of interest at different times before, during, and after the convention.
Q Does the hotel have a smoking area?
No, the hotel is non-smoking. The state of Oregon regulates smoking in public places, and only allows smoking 30 feet or more from entrances to hotels, restaurants, etc.
Q Will there be any activities for spouses or partners of addicts attending the convention?
Yes! Spouses and partners are welcome at the MarAnon meeting which will be held on Saturday. They are also welcome to attend the Speaker’s Meetings and events such as the Open Mic, Banquet and Dance.
For more information on Marijuana Anonymous, please visit:
www.marijuana-anonymous.org |
