The Freedom From Religion Foundation hosts an annual national convention bringing together its membership and other advocates of freethought, secularism and the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. Our 49th annual national convention features leading freethought and secular speakers, awards, entertainment and organizational updates. The convention serves as a gathering place for FFRF members, their families and friends and like-minded individuals to educate, celebrate and mobilize around FFRF’s core missions of keeping religion out of government and promoting nontheism.
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.
FFRF members comprise most attendees, but others are welcome. FFRF is an umbrella association for freethinkers of whatever persuasion, whether atheist, agnostic, humanist or skeptic, etc. While most members and attendees identify as atheists and other nonbelievers, the FFRF convention is open to anyone interested. FFRF hosts a variety of speakers and honorees, often including some religious allies.
Please note that apart from the Thursday Evening Reception, occurring in the Hilton Milwaukee hotel, the convention programming will occur in the Baird Center, located at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203. These buildings are attached by an indoor, accessible skywalk.
FFRF offers a discounted room rate at the Hilton Milwaukee hotel, where only the Thursday Evening Reception will be held.
Visit the FFRF website for the most current schedule.
Visit the FFRF website for hotel reservation information.
Visit the FFRF website for transportation and parking information.
Online: You may register via the FFRF website.
By Mail: Members may register using the form on the back page of Freethought Today
By Phone: Contact FFRF’s National Headquarters at (608)256-8900, and ask to register for the FFRF annual national convention. Please have a credit/debit card ready when calling.
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.
Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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.
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.
Banquet meal pricing is set by the hotel and includes a 23% service charge. FFRF does not profit from meal sales.
Speeches will be uploaded to FFRF’s YouTube channel the month after the event.
Transcripts of most speeches will also be printed in Freethought Today along with photographs.
There’s no dress code. Dress comfortably and in layers. Ballroom temperatures vary. Some attendees choose to dress up for Saturday’s dinner, but that is optional. FFRF/freethought shirts are encouraged!
FFRF offers a number of books 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).
No. Due to privacy and staffing constraints, FFRF is not able to assist with roommate matching.
Attendees will receive a post-convention feedback survey, in which you 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, send an email to FFRF with your suggestion(s).
2027: Seattle, Washington: 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 send an email to FFRF, or call FFRF’s national headquarters at (608)256-8900.
