SOAAR 2025 | OTTAWA
Breaking Barriers
4th Biennial Secular Ontario Alcoholics Anonymous Roundup (SOAAR)
Join us Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Lord Elgin Hotel in downtown Ottawa for the 4th Biennial Secular Ontario Alcoholics Anonymous Roundup (SOAAR). Our goal is to help anyone find sobriety, regardless of what they do or do not believe.
See you there!
SOAAR 2025 Program
| 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Keynote Speaker: Joe C., History of Secular A.A. Joe C., author of "Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for a 12-Step Life", kicks off SOAAR 2025 as our keynote speaker with the history of special composition groups in A.A. |
| 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Panel: A.A. Traditions and Secular Meetings Moderator: Michel D. Panelists: Roger C., author of "The Little Book: A Collection of Alternative 12 Steps"; Doris Mc. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Speakers: Experience, Strength, and Hope Panelists: Nick D., Susan M. |
| 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. | Lunch (for those who purchased a banquet ticket) Market greens, chef’s assorted wraps (with vegetarian options), selection of desserts, and assorted soft drinks, juices, teas, and coffee and water |
| 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Panel: What Does it Mean to be Secular in A.A.? Moderator: Oliver S. Panelists: Kim B., Andy M. |
| 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. | Speaker: Steps 1, 2, and 3 Rick B. will walk us through the first three steps and how to work them in a secular fashion. |
| 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Keynote Speaker: Beth H, (Aich), “I Understand Myself Better as a Plant” Our second keynote speaker Beth H(Aich), Author of "We’re Not All Egomaniacs: Adapting the Twelve Steps for Alcoholics with Low Self-Esteem", will speak to learning how to nurture ourselves and meet our own needs as alcoholics when we were not taught these skills in childhood. |
Who is SOAAR 2025 for?
Any member of A.A. or any person with a desire to stop drinking who wants to attend a one-day conference catering to agnostics, atheists, freethinkers, believers, and anyone in search of fellowship and unity in their sobriety journey.
Have questions? We have answers.
Are there hotel rooms available at the Lord Elgin for SOAAR 2025 attendees?
Yes! If you’re traveling from out of town or simply want to make a stay-cation out of SOAAR 2025, use our booking code “SOAAR 2025” for a reduced nightly rate of $229. This rate is available until Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Contact the Lord Elgin at group@lordelgin.ca or (613) 235-3333 to book your room.
What is the deadline to buy my ticket?
You can buy your ticket on location! However, the price will go from $20 to $25 if you buy them day-of (though the luncheon remains $70). We suggest you buy your ticket in advance through our Eventbrite platform.
What is secular AA?
Part of Alcoholics Anonymous, secular AA is a recognized special composition group with a secular format catering to everyone. We aim to help anyone with a desire to stop drinking find sobriety, regardless of what they do or do not believe. Founder Bill W. spoke at the 1953 General Service Conference on variations in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, commenting “The more we insist on strict conformity with these Steps and Traditions, the more resistance against them we create.” Our goal in secular AA is to widen the door of AA for more alcoholics to find sobriety - exactly the primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous.
What is the history of SOAAR?
The founding SOAAR event was held in Toronto in 2017 with roughly 100 AA members in attendance. The theme was Live and Let Live, one of AA’s flagship slogans. The second SOAAR was held in Hamilton in 2019, and Kingston in 2023. Ottawa is proud to host the fourth SOAAR, and you can buy your ticket online now.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please email soaar2025@gmail.com if you have questions.