Photo courtesy American Atheists. Hugh Laurie will provide the keynote address on Friday, March 30.
The 2018 American Atheists National Convention will begin on Friday, March 30 with additional social events on Thursday, March 29 for attendees who arrive early. All speakers and events will be held in the Century Ballroom of the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel unless otherwise noted.
Keynote Address: Hugh Laurie
Hugh Laurie is an actor, director, singer, comedian, and television icon. We’re honored to welcome Hugh as the keynote speaker for our 2018 National Convention.
From his work with collaborator Stephen Fry in the sketch comedy series A Bit of Fry & Laurie to his starring role as Gregory House in House, Hugh Laurie has been a fixture of television, film, and music for more than 35 years. Mr. Laurie has also made appeared on HBO’s Veep, BBC’s The Night Manager, and currently stars on the Hulu series Chance.
In addition to his acting, Mr. Laurie is a talented musician and plays piano, guitar, drums, harmonica, and saxophone. He is a vocalist and keyboard player for the charity rock group Band From TV and has released two blue albums, Let Them Talk and Didn’t It Rain.
“Our national convention is all about fun and community,” said David Silverman, president of American Atheists. “We’re all looking forward to the fantastic speakers and other programming, but we’re even more excited to welcome hundreds of atheists from all across the country and from right here in Oklahoma City to show just how vibrant the atheist community is.”
Besides Laurie, the national convention will host more than two dozen speakers including science advocate and skeptic Yvette “The Sci-Babe” d’Entremont, managing editor of Snopes.com Brooke Binkowski, founder of The Thinking Atheist Seth Andrews, comedians Leighann Lord and Andy Wood, a screening of Bill Nye: Science Guy followed by a discussion with the filmmakers, and many more.
On Sunday, American Atheists will host a volunteer service event to pack 30,000 meals for local people in need. After the service project, anyone who volunteers or donates will be invited to an exclusive after-party featuring drinks, dancing, snacks, and some special guests.
- 3:00pm – Registration Opens
- 7:30pm – Pub Quiz (Separately ticketed event, $10)
- 8:30pm – Cards Against Humanity and Game Night (Separately ticketed event, $20)
Anyone who has arrived Thursday is welcome to join us for the 8:30pm game night. The custom American Atheists Cards Against Humanity set will only be available to those who purchase a ticket. All proceeds from the Cards Against Humanity card sales will be donated to a local charity.
FRIDAY, MARCH 30
- 8:00am – Registration Opens
- 10:00am – Opening Remarks and Welcome
- 10:30am – Mary Johnson
- 11:15am – Yvette d’Entremont, “The SciBabe”
- 12:00pm – Lunch Break (boxed lunches available)
- 12:00pm – Members Meeting and Working Lunch
- 1:30pm – Natasha Stoynoff
- 2:15pm – Jim Helton
- 3:00pm – Hugh Laurie (Keynote Address)
- 4:00pm – Afternoon Break
- 4:30pm – Gavin Grimm
- 5:15pm – Shirley Rivera
- 6:00pm – Evening Break
- 6:30pm – VIP Reception (separately ticketed event, $250)
- 6:30pm – Friday Awards Dinner (separately ticketed event, $60)
- 9:00pm – Comedy Show (separately ticketed event, $25)
SATURDAY, MARCH 31
- 9:30am – Opening Remarks
- 9:45am – Mohammad Alkhadra
- 10:30am – Andre Salais
- 11:15am – Nick Fish
- 12:00pm – Lunch Break (boxed lunches available)
- 12:00pm – Local Activism Working Lunch
- 1:30pm – Anthony Magnabosco
- 2:15pm – Kim Abell
- 3:00pm – David Silverman
- 4:00pm – Bill Nye: Science Guy Movie Screening with panel discussion from director David Alvarado and social media producer Tracey Moody, moderated by Pamela Whissel
- 6:30pm – Evening Break
- 7:00pm – Saturday Dinner
- 9:00pm – Dance party, featuring DJ, drinks, photobooth, and more (open to all attendees!)
SUNDAY, APRIL 1
- 9:30am – Opening Remarks
- 9:45am – Rev. Barry Lynn
- 10:30am – Brooke Binkowski
- 11:15am – Inna Shevchenko
- 12:00pm – Alison Gill
- 1:00pm – Volunteer Service Project and Lunch
- 3:00pm – Thank You Event and Party for Project Volunteers
Note: The closing “Thank You” event will be open to anyone who donates to or volunteers at our volunteer service project. The closing party will feature musical performances, speakers, light refreshments, and a cash bar.
Full details and more information on speakers: