A warm welcome to this year’s Convention: 

A new freedom and a new happiness

We are excited to welcome you all to the 15th Annual Primary Purpose International Convention in Oslo, Norway.

In 2006 a small group of A.A. members organized a speaker’s evening in Oslo.  It was the very beginning of what is now a big, annual A.A. event in Norway, which over the years has drawn hundreds of participants from around the country – and international guests from all over the world. Some of the most renowned international A.A. speakers have guested the convention. 

A unique atmosphere is forged when alcoholics come together and share their stories. The big book describes it as survivors of a shipwreck reuniting, but more than that, it is a life enduring process for us, because it didn’t come for free. And more so the newly minted exhilaration is contingent on meeting the same cohort of shipwrecked until the day we die. It is so because our new freedom and happiness can only blossom if we remind ourselves how it was and what happened as we march to the beat of love and understanding. Primary purpose is happy to present the slogan for 2023: “A new freedom and a new happiness.”

A.A. Preamble
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.