so back in the day I wouldn't do conventions. Didn't see the point. Evrything changes.

Done a couple of one dayers, done a couple or three camp out conventions. Dne a local weekend convention. Just got back fom a weekend regional convention. So what am I getting out of this?

To start with there's something special aboit several hundred sober people all being in the same place. There's oppertunity to hear ESH from old timers,hardliners, newcomers, retreads. There's oppertunity to be of service. There's oppertunity to garner and share best practice. There'soppertunity todiscover how tohavea bloody good time sober.(ok i also found out that disco sucks and I only ever went to discos for the late bar) and finally I learnt how to spot, challenge and resist inappropriate behviours in a nonconfrontational way.

I learnt that it's ok to shed tears of joy of sadness and of gratitude. that it's ok to be honest about your anxieties. That it's ok to reach out to another. That when you're feeling off, look for the guy that looks how you feel and go an talk to them.

Yep, conventions are well worth doing.