Freedom From Religion Foundation

2008 - 31st Annual Convention

Convention Overview

Convention Location

Convention Maps and Directions

Convention Schedule

Convention Meals

The 31st annual national convention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation will take place on the weekend of Oct. 10-12, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on the Magnificent Mile.

Confirmed convention speakers include Tufts University Prof. Daniel Dennett, author of Breaking the Spell, Freedom Evolves and Darwin's Dangerous Idea. Dennett will receive the Emperor Has No Clothes Award.

Eleanor Clift will speak on "Two Weeks of Life: Reflections on Religion and Politics." Clift is contributing editor for Newsweek. She was formerly Newsweek's White House correspondence, and formerly deputy bureau chief. She writes on the Washington power structure, the influence of women in politics and other issues. Clift is a regular panelist on the syndicated talk show, "The McLaughlin Group." She is also co-chair of the board of the International Women's Media Foundation.

Jeff Sharlet, will talk about his investigative reporting, recorded in his powerful new book, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. The public face of the secretive ministry is the annual National Prayer Breakfast, but Sharlet uncovers the group's hold on federal government and politics.

Houston attorney Kay Staley, whose lawsuit before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rid the Harris County Civil Courthouse of a bible monument, will be named "Freethinker of the Year."

Orlando student Webster Cook will receive a student activist award and speak on "The Crackergate Scandal." Webster's objection to student monies going to campus ministries led Catholic officials to call for his expulsion from a public university, over his refusal to swallow a communion wafer.

Scott Dikkers, editor-in-chief of The Onion, the nation's premier news parody, will not only speak, but will showcase classic irreverent spoof headlines and stories about religion. Dikkers, a comedy writer and film-maker was editor-in-chief of The Onion from 1989-2000, and returned to that position in 2005. He is also the author of several humor books.

The 60th anniversary of McCollum v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court's landmark ruling against religious instruction in public schools, will be marked by an appearance by Jim McCollum, the child plaintiff in that case. Jim is a retired attorney and Foundation member living in Arkansas. The Foundation has reprinted his mother Vashti McCollum's classic book about the case, One Woman's Fight.

The convention opening Friday night is capped with a dessert reception. Saturday begins with a NonPrayer Breakfast, and concludes after a banquet meal Saturday night. The $30 hearty and hot plated breakfast and the full-course $50 dinner (herbed chicken and polenta, with vegetarian option) includes a 22% gratuity.

Note: FFRF's convention registration of $50 per member remains one of the freethought world's better deals! This price has not been raised in years, despite increasing costs. Companions, such as spouses accompanying members, may register for only $55. Non-member registration is $95.

The convention will also offer music, time to socialize and browse FFRF sales tables, booksignings and the annual drawing for "clean," pre- "In God We Trust" currency.

The Foundation's annual membership meeting, followed by the meeting of the Board of Directors, takes place Sunday morning and concludes by noon.

Other speakers and awardee recipients will be announced in the Spring Private Line and future issues of Freethought Today.

You may reserve rooms for the convention at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr. The hotel is between the Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive, renowned for its shops, restaurants, hotels and museums.

Phone the Hyatt Regency Chicago directly at 1-888-421-1442 and mention "Freedom From Religion Foundation" to reserve your rooms. Single and double rooms are $169 plus tax. Triple occupancy is $194 and quadruple is $219. Rooms go fast (750 people registered for last year's FFRF convention), so plan ahead!