🌐 SPRING FLING – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Coffee Service?
Doubletree has insisted on exclusivity of all coffee served in the hotel this year. For this reason there will be no coffee in the hospitality areas. Coffee is available in the hotel lobby and the foyer of the Grand Ballroom. You may also bring your own coffee if you like.
🎟️ When will I get my tickets or badges?
Tickets and badges are not mailed — they’re picked up in person at the event.
When you arrive, please visit the Spring Fling Registration Desk, located downstairs in front of the California Ballroom (check event maps or signage).
Our friendly volunteers will assist you with check-in and answer any questions.
🪪 How do I pick up a badge that someone else purchased for me?
All registrations and badges are held under the name of the purchaser at the Registration Desk.
If someone else bought your registration, only they can pick it up — we treat registrations like cash and can release them only to the original buyer.
For example, if one person buys ten registrations, they’ll receive ten badges and are responsible for distributing them to the attendees who will use them.
💸 I can’t afford to attend — what are my options?
We understand! The Spring Fling offers service-based scholarship opportunities that allow participants to attend speaker meetings in exchange for helping at the event.
Visit the Registration Desk to ask about volunteer or service positions that may qualify.
Remember — the Spring Fling only manages access to the main speaker sessions.
Everyone is welcome to attend Marathon Meetings, Book Studies, and Al-Anon meetings, which are open to all.
Your registration and Seventh Tradition contributions help cover the significant costs of bringing in speakers, renting facilities, and keeping the event going year after year.
🐾 Can I bring my pet to the event?
We love animals — but for everyone’s comfort and safety, pets are not allowed at the Spring Fling.
Only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted. Service animals must remain under their handler’s control (on a leash or harness) and with their handler at all times.
Please note:
- Emotional support, therapy, and comfort animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and cannot be admitted.
- If it’s not obvious what service an animal provides, event staff may only ask:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff cannot ask about your disability, require documentation, or ask that the dog demonstrate its tasks.
A service animal may only be asked to leave if:
- It’s out of control and the handler doesn’t take effective action to control it, or
- It’s not housebroken.
If a service animal must be removed, the guest will still be offered access to the event without the animal.
🗺️ I’m lost! How do I find my way around?
No secret handshake required!
Look for a volunteer wearing a red vest or green “Volunteer” T-shirt — they’re happy to help you find your way.
You’ll also find maps posted throughout the hotel, and a digital facility map and full schedule available on your phone at SacSpringFling.org.
If you’re still unsure where to go, stop by the Registration Desk — conveniently located near restrooms and open throughout the main hours of the event.
Why do we "Pass the Hat" at Spring Fling?
AA conferences and conventions require months of planning and significant expenses: hotel rental, parking, food and coffee, speaker lodging and travel, printing, and supplies. Spring Fling is entirely self-supporting — no group funds are used, and we do not accept outside contributions.
Registration fees and “passing the hat” contributions ensure the event remains accessible, especially for attendees from recovery facilities and sober living who often cannot afford to attend but desperately need the hope found in our speakers’ messages.
Spring Fling maintains a prudent reserve to safeguard the event’s future. As a nonprofit, any funds above that reserve are distributed to local service organizations such as Central Office, Al‑Anon, GSO, CNIA, and H&I. In some years, rising costs, hotel deposit requirements, and competing events have reduced what we can pass along — but careful fiscal management keeps Spring Fling strong and sustainable.
Passing the hat makes it possible to keep the event financially viable and focused on our primary purpose: carrying the message to those who still suffer.
Spring Fling contributes to our local service structure as follows:
– Central Office – 60%
– Al-Anon – 25%
– General Service Office (GSO) – 5%
– CA Northern Interior Area 7 (CNIA) – 5%
– Hospitals & Institutions (H&I), Area 42 – 5%
Thank you for your support — you are making a difference.
💵 Can I transfer or refund my registration?
We understand that plans can change. However, because the Spring Fling is a non-profit, volunteer-run event, we’re unable to issue cash refunds. Every dollar collected goes directly toward event expenses such as hotel facilities, speakers, and materials.
Registrations can be transferred to another person if you’re unable to attend.
Here’s how:
- Ask the new attendee to bring a copy of your purchase confirmation or receipt to the Registration Desk.
- Let staff know you’re transferring your registration.
- The badge will be issued under your purchase record.
Badges are treated like cash — they can only be released to the original purchaser or their verified designee.
Need help in advance? Email info@springfling.org for assistance.
📱 Is there a schedule or map I can view on my phone?
Yes! You can view the full event schedule right from your phone or tablet.
Visit SacSpringFling.org/schedule to find:
- A live event schedule with speaker times and workshops
- Hotel and meeting room maps
- Updates and announcements
🗺️ Are maps and printed programs are also available on-site:
- Maps are posted throughout the venue
- Printed programs are included for registered attendees and can be picked up at the Registration Desk
Tip: Bookmark the online schedule for quick access all weekend!
🙋 How can I volunteer for next year’s Spring Fling?
The Spring Fling runs on volunteer service — and we’d love for you to be part of it!
If you’d like to help with this year’s event or join next year’s planning committee:
- Stop by the Registration Desk and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Or email info@springfling.org to be added to our volunteer list.
- Attend the Spring Fling Committee Meeting:
📍 Denny’s on College Town Drive (near Howe Ave & Hwy 50)
🗓️ Thursday, March 5, 2026 – 6:30 p.m.
This is where we fill positions for the next Sacramento Spring Fling Committee.
Before attending, please read the position descriptions and duties on the Spring Fling website to make sure the role fits your skills and availability.
Some positions require specific computer experience:
- Treasurer: Microsoft Excel
- Registration: Microsoft Access & Word
- Publicity: Microsoft Publisher & Word
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back, make new friends, and keep the Spring Fling tradition alive!