Apostacon

Apostacon
StatusActive
Genreatheism, freethought, humanism, secularism and skepticism
Location(s)Lincoln, Nebraska (2009–2010)
Omaha, Nebraska (2011–2014)
Irving, Texas (2015)
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2009
Attendance450 (2014)[1]
Organized byLincoln Secular Humanists (AHA chapter) (2009–2010)
Seth Andrews, host of The Thinking Atheist podcast, at Apostacon 2014

Apostacon (portmanteau of "apostate" + "conference"[2]), before 2013 known as Midwest Humanist Conference, Midwest Humanist and Freethought Conference and Midwest Freethought Conference, is an annual event about atheism, freethought, humanism, secularism and skepticism in the (Midwestern) United States.[3] The conference, which embraces the parody religion of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, is aimed at "atheists, humanists, agnostics, skeptics, apostates, freethinkers, rationalists and pastafarians."[4]

History

The 2009 event was held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), hosted by the Lincoln Secular Humanists and coordinated by Humanist and LGBT activist Jason Frye.[5] Speakers lectured on topics ranging from reproductive rights and LGBT rights to community building.[6] In 2010, the second conference themed “No God, No Problem” was again coordinated by Frye, but this time held in the Country Inn & Suites in Lincoln, Nebraska; there were 80 attendees.[5] From 2011 until 2014, the conference was held in Omaha, Nebraska.[3] During Apostacon 2014, famous science communicator and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson delivered the keynote address.[7][1] The 2015 installment was held in Dallas, Texas, the first time outside of Nebraska.[3]

In October 2015 Apostacon president Sarah Morehead was removed by the executive board for allegedly defrauding the conference.[citation needed]

Event Date Location Notes
Midwest Humanist Conference August 15, 2009 Lincoln, Nebraska At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Midwest Humanist Conference II August 22, 2010 Lincoln, Nebraska Theme: "No God, No Problems". 80 attendees.[5]
Midwest Humanist and Freethought Conference August 12–14, 2011 Omaha, Nebraska Speakers included Greta Christina, Brian Keith Dalton, Fred Edwords, Hemant Mehta and Jennifer McCreight.[3]
Midwest Freethought Conference August 3–5, 2012 Omaha, Nebraska Speakers included PZ Myers, Brian Dunning, Dan Barker, Hemant Mehta, Jerry DeWitt and Fred Edwords.[3]
Apostacon September 20–22, 2013 Omaha, Nebraska Speakers included Hector Avalos, Dan Barker, Jamila Bey, Richard Dawkins (via Skype), Matt Dillahunty, Fred Edwords, Sean Faircloth, Nathan Phelps, Darrel Ray and David Silverman.[3]
Apostacon 2014 September 19–21, 2014 Omaha, Nebraska Theme: "Exercise Your Noodle And "Meat" New Friends!" Speakers included Dale McGowan, David Fitzgerald, Lawrence M. Krauss, Cara Santa Maria, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Matt Dillahunty, Margaret Downey, Nathan Phelps, Darrel Ray and David Silverman.[3] 450 attendees.[1]
Apostacon 2015 September 18–20, 2015 Irving, Texas Theme: "The Sauciest Freethought Conference in the Noodleverse!" Scheduled speakers include: Ryan J. Bell, Matt Dillahunty, Margaret Downey, David Fitzgerald and Penn & Teller.[8]
Apostacon 2016 September 17–18, 2016 Omaha, Nebraska Theme: "The Mother of All Meat Balls"

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Michael O'Connor (September 18, 2014). "Omaha atheists strive to be more active in community, change perceptions". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  2. ^ Neil Carter (April 7, 2015). "To Abilene, Apostacon, and Beyond". Patheos. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Apostacon series". Lanyrd. Eventbrite. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  4. ^ Clay Farris Naff (September 13, 2014). "Is It Time for Government to Recognize the Rights of Pastafarians?". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c Jason Frye (September 8, 2010). "Midwest Humanist Conference Recap". Humanist Network News. American Humanist Association. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  6. ^ Jennifer Brauer (August 10, 2009). "Midwest Humanist Conference". Atheist Nexus. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  7. ^ Dan Arel (January 8, 2014). "Neil deGrasse Tyson Speaking at Apostacon 2014". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  8. ^ "Apostacon 2015 Speakers". Apostacon website. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
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