ABOUT THE CONVENTION
Aims
After very successful conventions in 2013, 2017, and 2023 we will build on the wave of enthusiasm that was created. We aim to have 100 Alexander teachers (and trainees) from all over the planet to continue to find new ways of learning, unlearning and understanding the Technique. We will endeavour to build on the past while looking to the future. Our aim is to find out how we can…
- Help to make the Alexander Technique more accessible today.
- Preserve its real meaning in the future without appearing to be stuffy or old fashioned.
- Improve our teaching so that it brings a greater understanding to future generations.
In short, we will continue to explore how we can take the Alexander Principles into the future without losing the essence of the work.
The theme of this week will be ‘Discovering for yourself’ which is very different than learning how to do something. When you have discovered for yourself something, it is your own and you know from a place of certainty that that what you discovered is true. In this week you will discover very new ways of teaching which afterwards will leave your pupils empowered and inspired to go deeper into this work.
“My technique is based on inhibition, the inhibition of undesirable, unwanted responses to stimuli, and hence it is primarily a technique for the development of the control of human reaction.”
— F. M. Alexander
Throughout the week there will be workshops, talks and discussions led by some of the world’s most experienced Alexander Teachers. Many of the workshop presenters are very experienced in directing, co-directing or moderating teacher training, or regularly leading post-graduate training. They have been picked because their teaching is lively and inspiring.
The Convention will take place in a peaceful conference centre where most of the participants will sleep, eat and learn under one roof over 7 days. This means the exchange room and breakout rooms never close so you can exchange work, chat or discuss all aspects of the Work to your heart’s content without being disturbed. We aim to give you extra teaching tools and inspiration that will radically strengthen your confidence in the way you teach. The only requirements are an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a sense of humour!
Should you accept our invitation we promise that you will experience a week so interesting and fulfilling it will never be forgotten!
Please note that all workshop and events will be in English or have English translation.
Schedule of Events
The convention starts at 6pm on Sunday 25th August and finishes at lunch time on Saturday 31st August 2024. Every day there will be workshops both in the morning and in the afternoon except for one free day when there will be an opportunity to visit the high Alps. There will be a series of talks/discussions every day at 5pm, and work exchange rooms and meeting rooms open 24 hours a day.
For a full timetable, please see our timetable page
Typical Daily schedule
8:30 Yoga, guided constructive rest or meditation
9:15 Breakfast
10:00 Short meeting to make announcements etc.
10:15 to 1:00 Workshops
1:00 Lunch
2:30 – 5:00 Exchange work, workshop or free time
5:00 Daily Presentation
7.00 Evening meal in town
There will also be tea and coffee rooms available to give you a chance to relax over a cup of tea and reconnect with old friends or meet new ones.
Location
The venue is the wonderful Mekinje Monastery which is located just north of the historical town of Kamnik and just twenty minutes by car or taxi from Ljubljana Airport. It is approximately 30 minutes by car to Ljubljana City or 50 minutes by public bus or train.
The Mekinje Monastery is a retreat and conference centre just outside Kamnik, Slovenia. Mekinje offers modern residential accommodation and is close to Ljubljana Airport. The rooms are a mixture of Single, Double, Twin, Triple and Quad rooms available.
The Conference Venue and Meeting Rooms are various sizes and locations to meet the needs of the particular workshop. All conference, meeting rooms and bedrooms are equipped with Free Wi-Fi Internet Access. The meditation rooms offer an oasis of quiet for all.
Special diets are catered for. Please mention your requirements to the Monastery centre at time of booking if you are staying in the monastery.
For full details about the Centre, or other places to stay please visit the accommodation page
How to Register
Registration is now open.
Please be aware that there are a limited number of places, and registration will close when these are filled.
All the details are on the Registration page.
Getting to the Convention
From Ljubljana Airport
We suggest you take a taxi. Call Taxi Kamnik. Telephone number: Taxi Kamnik +386 31 713 421 Ride will cost around 25-30 euros. See https://www.lju-airport.si/en/
Alternatively you can go to Venice airport and get a transfer to Ljubljana
From Venice Airport
Before you fly into Venice Airport you will need to book a transfer in advance to Ljubljana train station from GoOpti see: https://www.goopti.com/en/.
On arrival catch the bus or train to Kamnik Town which both leave every hour and costs around €4 one way and you can buy tickets on the bus or at the station for the train. After you arrive in Kamnik you can walk to Monastery, approx. 20 minutes or catch a Kamnik taxi +386 31 713 421
If you are travelling by car or train please consult Google maps to obtain best route https://www.google.com/maps/
Local Places of Interest
Slovenia is a truly amazing country in Central Europe and is known for its high mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Three Bridges) that spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.
In 2022 Slovenia was voted as one of the top 10 counties to visit. Lonely Planet describes it as ‘An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine.’ Slovenia really does offer a remarkable blend of spectacular landscapes, an intriguing and varied history, mouth-watering cuisine, and a wealth of outdoor activities to pursue. Often described as an ‘idyllic, natural paradise, Slovenia has an enchanting range of landscapes. The dramatic, mountainous scenery of Lake Bled and the high Alps transform into the rolling fields and lush vineyards of Slovenia’s wine regions, while stylish Mediterranean towns and pebble beaches are scattered along its Adriatic coast.
Included in the price is a day out into the mountains for those who wish to explore the region.