Conventional wisdom (San Antonio, Nov. 13-15)
Here’s what you need to know about lodging, schedule, meals, etc.
Join the Freedom From Religion Foundation in San Antonio for its 43rd annual convention from Nov. 13–15 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio. (For information on the guest speakers, see page 23.)
General schedule
The official starting time of the convention, at the Hyatt Regency (123 Losoya), is 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, continuing through Saturday night. FFRF’s membership and State Representatives meetings will take place Sunday morning, ending by noon. Registration will open by 10:30 a.m.
An early-bird workshop by Andrew L. Seidel, director of strategic response, will take place at 11 a.m. and noon.
Plan to come early and/or stay late if you want to sightsee in this exotic locale. The hotel is less than five minutes from the Alamo and many other attractions. The convention schedule, as always, includes irreverent music, FFRF merchandise sales, complimentary snacks and beverages on Friday and Saturday afternoons and a Friday night dessert reception.
Return the handy registration form on the right or sign up at ffrf.org/convention2020.
Registration
Registration for the convention is only $60 per FFRF member, $65 for a companion accompanying a member, $115 for nonmembers (or you can save money by becoming a member for $40). High school students or younger are free and the college student rate is $10.
Make your room reservations directly (see info box on this page). This convention is limited to 900 guests, so we encourage you to register early and book your hotel rooms as soon as possible. Sorry, no refunds after the Oct. 31 pre-registration deadline.
Private receptions
On Friday afternoon from 4–4:45 p.m., there is a private VIP Book Signing /FFRF Fundraiser with Gloria Steinem.
Those who signed up for Steinem’s private reception will receive her most recent book, The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off! Thoughts on Life, Love, and Rebellion, signed by the author during the reception.
To cap off the Friday schedule, for those who signed up, there will be a VIP Dessert Reception/FFRF Fundraiser with Margaret Atwood, which takes place after her public conversation with Katherine Stewart.
Those attendees will receive Atwood’s most recent book, The Testaments, signed by the author during the reception.
Meals
Friday Dinner Reception ($60)
Hearty reception with beef steamship with horseradish cream, au jus and mini rolls; pulled BBQ pork slider with pickled onions on sesame roll; ranch spiced chicken satay with tomato BBQ dip; crudité including carrots, cucumbers, jicama and cauliflower with poblano hummus and spinach dip; Southwest Caesar salad (charred corn, black beans and croutons with Ancho Caesar dressing); self-serve mac & cheese station (white cheddar mac & cheese tossed with green chiles, mushroom and caramelized onions). Cash bar. Veggie/vegan options.
Saturday Nonprayer Breakfast ($50)
Eggs, potato, bacon, and fruit cup service, with orange juice, coffee and tea. Vegetarian/vegan option available.
Saturday Dinner ($90)
Caesar salad (Heart of Romaine, aged Parmesan, smoked garlic ciabatta croutons with creamy Caesar dressing); seared chicken breast with jalapeno-spricot glaze, melted leek and bacon jam; mascarpone risotto, and mixed cauliflower; chocolate cappuccino cake with vanilla whipped cream; coffee and tea. (Vegetarian/vegan option: Roasted acorn squash stuffed with vegetable and herb quinoa, coriander spiced carrot puree, aged saba.) Cash bar.
Immediately following the Saturday dinner in the Regency Ballroom, the evening program will be presented. As space allows, limited seating for non-diners will be provided.
Please note that meal costs reflect the cost to FFRF; we do not mark up these prices.
