Thousands of Alcoholics Anonymous members in Vancouver for convention

Vancouver is welcoming an estimated 35,000 people from around the world for the International Alcoholics Anonymous Convention.

More than 35,000 people are expected to flood downtown Vancouver for the International Alcoholics Anonymous Convention, which is returning after a 10-year hiatus.

The three-day conference is normally held every five years, but the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ballrooms and other spaces at the Vancouver Convention Centre will hold AA meetings, events and other gatherings as a way for attendees to share their journey to sobriety.

Long-time AA member Vera F. arrived this week from Massachusetts. She told CTV News her road to recovery began in 1989 after years of alcohol abuse.

She explained that her drinking led to broken relationships, lost jobs and even jail time after she was arrested in 1986 for driving under the influence – which ended with her flipping her truck on the highway, sending her sliding 300 feet.

Four decades later, her arm remains with significant scarring and injuries.

“This is a direct result of my drinking,” said Vera. “This is a reminder of what my life looked like before Alcoholics Anonymous.”

She credits the program for saving her life and giving her a renewed sense of purpose.

Over the next three days, Vera and the other members from around the world will attend meetings and share their stories before gathering at BC Place for a final celebration on Sunday.

The three-day event has filled nearly 96,000 hotel room nights, which will contribute to the expected $63 million boost to the local economy, according to new figures from Destination Vancouver.

For those who are seeking help for a drinking problem, more information can be found on the AA website.