The Oldest Convention west of the Mississippi

About the Old Grandad Convention

The Old Grandad Convention is the longest-running AA Convention west of the Mississippi, with a history reaching back more than eight decades. What began as a simple coming together of alcoholics seeking sobriety and fellowship has grown into a cherished annual tradition grounded in unity, service, and the sharing of experience, strength, and hope.

While much of the early history lives in the stories passed from one member to another, one of the most often-told accounts of its beginning reflects the name of the convention itself.

As the story goes, following one of the earliest gatherings, a member was asked on the drive home how the convention had been. The response was simple and heartfelt:
“We had an old grandad of a time.”
From that moment on, the name stayed, and the Old Grandad Convention was born.

From its earliest days, the convention has served as a place where Alcoholics come together in fellowship, Newcomers hear the message of recovery, Longtime members share experience, strength, and hope.

Over the years, the format has evolved, but the heart of the convention remains unchanged. Meetings, speakers, and shared moments of connection continue to reflect the primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous: to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.