Join the Freedom From Religion Foundation on the eastern shore for its 48th annual convention from Oct. 16-19 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at 10000 Beach Club Dr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572.
FFRF convention 2025: You’ll get a warm welcome in Myrtle Beach
FFRF invites you to celebrate its 48th national convention and its “Forward!” theme in a unique setting — an oceanfront retreat at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, 10000 Beach Club Dr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. After enjoying FFRF’s line-up of inspiring and informative speakers, you’ll find beaches to comb, an indoor pool and can walk the boardwalk or take a shuttle or Uber to nearby attractions during the convention’s off-hours.
As always, FFRF’s speaker lineup is impressive. You won’t want to miss a single minute!
Here’s a list of the confirmed speakers (so far):
• Mary L. Trump, who is a sharp critic of the current administration, will receive FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes Award, reserved for public figures who make known their dissent from religion.
• John Fugelsang is an actor, comedian, broadcaster, and host of “Tell Me Everything” weekdays on SiriusXM. He’s also appeared at Montreal’s “Just for Laughs” Festival, HBO’s U.S Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, and hosted “America’s Funniest Home Videos” for ABC. His new film “Dream On,” examining the American Dream, features 200 interviews in 55 cities, including 17 states. His new book is “Separate Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.”
• Katherine Stewart, last year’s “Freethought Heroine” honoree, returns to talk about her chilling tour de force, a new exposé, “Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy.”
• Dr. Maggie Carpenter, a brave abortion rights activist under prosecution by Louisiana and Texas for dispensing medication abortion pills to patients there, will receive FFRF’s “Forward” Award.
• Jamelle Bouie, the distinguished New York Times columnist, will be given FFRF’s “Clarence Darrow” Award.
• Mubarak Bala, the Nigerian atheist and human rights activist recently released from prison in Nigeria after five years’ detention for committing “blasphemy,” will get FFRF’s “Avijit Roy Courage Award.”
• Nancy Northup is president of the cutting-edge Reproductive Rights Center, which is receiving FFRF’s Henry Zumach Freedom From Religious Fundamentalism” award of $50,000.
• FFRF’s new Regional State Manager, Mickey Dollens, a seated state representative in the Oklahoma Legislature, will speak directly on the convention theme with his talk, “F.O.R.W.A.R.D.: Your Blueprint for Effective Citizen Lobbying.” With real-world stories and actionable tips, Mickey will offer hope and a clear path to influencing policy at the grassroots level.
• Speaking of secular state legislators, the convention will also host FFRF’s third annual panel of such representatives. Rep. Monique Priestley is a member of the Vermont House of Representatives (Orange-2 District). Rep. Heather Meyer is a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. Rep. Andy Smith is in his second term in the Minnesota House.
• Dr. Herb Silverman, who overturned South Carolina’s unconstitutional religious test to run for office, will give a short welcoming address.
• Two student activists: Bailey Harris, 19, who is receiving the Diane and Stephen Uhl Out of God’s Closet Scholarship of $5,000, and Eli Frost, 18, who is receiving the Beverly and Richard Hermsen Student Activist Award of $5,000.
• Other presenters include students winning FFRF 2025 essay competitions, and reports on the year’s highlights by FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, by FFRF’s legal team led by FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott and Deputy Legal Director Liz Cavell, and by the legislative team, led by Director of Governmental Affairs Mark Dann and State Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne.
Other speakers will be announced in subsequent issues and online at ffrf.org/convention2025.
Five ticketed meals, including FFRF’s popular “NonPrayer Breakfast,” will be offered this year, more than usual, in part because — aside from two in-house restaurants — meal choices outside the resort will be limited, unless you have a car or use Uber. A small-capacity shuttle that can be ordered ahead can take some participants to nearby restaurant strips in Myrtle Beach.
Early birds can check in on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 16, and enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar before relaxing on their own. The convention opens formally at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, following a complimentary continental breakfast. Friday evening ends with the traditional complimentary dessert reception and cash bar. The convention runs through Saturday evening, with FFRF’s annual membership and state representatives’ meetings taking place on Sunday morning, Oct. 19, ending by noon.
Book your own rooms at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, 800-876-0010 (option 3 for Hilton Myrtle Beach), identifying yourself as an attendee of the “Freedom From Religion Foundation Annual Convention” using the code “FFR,” or find the online direct link under “Hotel” at ffrf.org/convention2025. The favorable off-season rate is $165/night plus tax for a standard room, reserved on or before Monday, Sept. 22.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Register online at ffrf.org/convention2025.
Registration and cancellation deadline is September 30th, 2025 (Unless the event is sold out). Registration cancellations received after September 30th, 2025 will not be refunded.
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