What is the national convention?
The Freedom From Religion Foundation hosts an annual national convention bringing together its membership and other advocates of freethought values, secularism and the separation of church and state. The event features leading freethought and secular speakers, awards, entertainment and organizational updates over three days.
What is the goal of the convention?
The goal is to promote and defend the separation of church and state, celebrate secular values, inspire and empower activism, build community and recognize courageous leadership. The convention serves as a gathering place for FFRF members and like-minded individuals, to educate, celebrate and mobilize around FFRF’s core missions of keeping religion out of government and promoting nontheism.
Do only atheists attend the convention?
FFRF is an umbrella association for freethinkers of whatever persuasion, whether atheist, agnostic, humanist or skeptic, etc. While many members and attendees identify as atheists, the FFRF convention is open to anyone interested.
Where is the convention located this year?
The 2025 convention will take place at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, Oct.17–19th. An early bird welcome reception will take place on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 16th.
Where can I find the most current convention schedule?
Visit the FFRF convention page for the most current schedule.
Where can I find hotel reservation information?
Hotel reservation information can be found on the FFRF website’s convention page here.
Where can I find transportation and parking information?
Transportation and parking information can be found on the FFRF website here.
How can I register for the convention?
Online: Register via the FFRF website
By Mail: Members can register using the form on the back page of Freethought Today
By Phone: Contact FFRF’s National Headquarters at (608)230-8441 and ask to register for the annual national convention. Please have a credit/debit card ready when calling.
Can I sign up for the convention at the door, the day of? Can I sign up for meals the day of?
If the event is not sold out, you may register at the door. Late registration is not guaranteed. We advise that you sign up early to guarantee admission and group meals, and also make hotel reservations early so you will not be disappointed. The convention webpage will be updated as the convention approaches to indicate whether registration at the door will be possible. No group meals can be purchased at the door.
What is the registration and cancellation deadline and policy?
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
After deadline: No refunds, but fees may be converted into a charitable donation.
In case of a natural disaster, hotel reservations will be refunded if an evacuation order is in place.
Is there programming during the convention meals?
No, meals are for socializing and convenience only—no programming is scheduled during meal times, with the exception of incidentals, such as the usual “Moment of Bedlam” at the Saturday Non-prayer Breakfast.
Why are meals costly?
Banquet meal pricing is set by the hotel and includes a 35 percent service and tax fee. FFRF does not profit from meal sales. Because this convention is at a resort that is somewhat isolated, we encourage participants to purchase meal tickets or plan ahead if they prefer to eat elsewhere.
If I cancel my meals or convention registration, can I transfer the meal tickets or registration to a different attendee?
FFRF does not coordinate ticket or meal transfers.
Will the convention be live streamed?
Speeches will be uploaded to FFRF’s YouTube channel month after the event.
Transcripts of most speeches will also be printed in Freethought Today along with photographs.
What attire should I wear to the convention?
There’s no dress code. Dress comfortably and in layers—ballroom temperatures vary. Some attendees choose to dress up for Saturday’s dinner, but it’s optional. FFRF / freethought shirts are encouraged!
Does FFRF allow other groups to have sponsored booths at the convention or allow the selling of merchandise at the convention?
FFRF offers a number of its own book and sales tables where participants may browse. FFRF does not offer booth space or sponsorships. A “Free Literature” table will be available for sharing handouts (no political material allowed).
Does FFRF coordinate hotel room sharing with other attendees?
No. Due to privacy and staffing constraints, FFRF is not able to assist with roommate matching.
How do I make a speaker suggestion/location suggestion for a future convention?
Attendees will receive a post-convention feedback survey, in which they may submit speaker suggestions or locations. Attendees at the annual membership meeting are often asked to do a straw poll vote on future locations.
Or, email suggestions to [email protected].
Where will the convention be located in future years?
2026: Milwaukee, Wis.: Friday, Oct. 16—Sunday, Oct. 18
2027: Seattle, Wash.: Friday, Oct. 29—Sunday, Oct. 31. (50th annual)
FFRF rotates the convention between U.S. regions, returning to Wisconsin every third year.
For further questions, please contact [email protected] or call FFRF’s national headquarters at (608) 256-8900.
