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{{Short description|Conference focused on skepticism, humanism, activism, and education}}
{{ou}}
{{Third-party|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox convention
{{Infobox convention
| name =[[File:Skepticon 7 Logo.png|frameless|centre|upright=1.2]]
| name =[[File:Skepticon 7 Logo.png|frameless|centre|upright=1.2]]
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| status = Active
| status = Active
| genre = [[skepticism]], [[atheism]], [[science]], [[education]], [[activism]], and [[freethought]]
| genre = [[skepticism]], [[atheism]], [[science]], [[education]], [[activism]], and [[freethought]]
| venue = Oasis Convention Center
| venue = Oasis Convention Center
| location = [[Springfield, MO]]
| location = [[St. Louis]]<br />[[Springfield, Missouri]]
| country = U.S.A.
| country = U.S.A.
| first = 2008
| first = 2008
| last = Current
| last = Current
| founder_name = JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane
| founder_name =
| organizer =
| organizer = Lauren Lane, Micah Weiss, Jeffrey Markus, and Floyd Zamarripa
| filing =
| filing =
| attendance = 1,500 (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://skepticon.org/press-release-kitten-billboard/ |title=Press Release: Kitten Billboard |author=Katie Hartman |work=Skepticon website |publisher=Skepticon |date=8 May 2012 |accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref>
| attendance = 1,500 (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://skepticon.org/press-release-kitten-billboard/ |title=Press Release: Kitten Billboard |author=Katie Hartman |work=Skepticon website |publisher=Skepticon |date=8 May 2012 |accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref>
| website = [http://skepticon.org skepticon.org]
| website = [http://skepticon.org skepticon.org]
}}
}}
⚫
'''Skepticon''' is one of the largest [[skepticism|skeptic]] and [[secular]] conventions held in the United States. It was co-founded by [[Missouri State University]] students Lauren Lane and JT Eberhard. Guest speakers are invited to discuss [[skepticism]], [[science]], [[education]], [[activism]], and other related topics. This free event is in part sponsored by organizations including [[American Atheists]] and the [[American Humanist Association]], among others.


⚫
'''Skepticon''' is a [[skepticism|skeptic]] and [[secular]] convention held in the [[United States]]. Guest speakers are invited to discuss [[skepticism]], [[science]], [[education]], [[activism]], and other related topics.
To explain the goals of the event organizer JT Eberhard wrote: “Skeptics conferences are an important part of the movement. They not only grant people access to the icons of the movement, they also arm those in attendance with information; the key weapon for the side of reason. They also provide a sense of community for a group of people who can often feel isolated in a largely religious population.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Reflections on Skepticon 3|url=http://www.secularstudents.org/node/3469|publisher=Secular Student Alliance|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Skepticon conference grew out of a speaking engagement organized by a student group on the campus of Missouri State University. The students invited two well-known atheist speakers, [[PZ Myers]] and [[Richard Carrier]], to campus to speak critically about belief in God. The event was considered particularly controversial because [[Springfield, Missouri]], is also the home to the [[Assemblies of God]] national headquarters and the campuses of several religious universities such as [[Evangel University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About Skepticon - A Brief History|url=http://www.skepticon.org/about.php|publisher=Skepticon|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>
The Skepticon conference grew out of a speaking engagement organized by a student group on the campus of Missouri State University. The students invited two well-known atheist speakers, [[PZ Myers]] and [[Richard Carrier]], to campus to speak critically about belief in God. The event was considered particularly controversial because [[Springfield, Missouri]], is home to the [[Assemblies of God]] national headquarters and the campuses of several religious universities, including [[Evangel University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About Skepticon – A Brief History|url=http://www.skepticon.org/about.php|publisher=Skepticon|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>


[[File:Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Hemant Mehta]] at Skepticon 7 in 2014]]
[[File:Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Hemant Mehta]] at Skepticon 7 in 2014]]
In the years that followed the conference was able to attract additional speakers who were willing to reduce or forgo their speakers' fee in order to keep the conference free for attendees. Donors help with the cost of event space and speakers' travel costs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Skepticon IV|url=http://unitedcor.org/omaha/page/skepticon-iv|publisher=Omaha COR|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>
In the years that followed, the conference was able to attract additional speakers willing to reduce or forgo their speakers' fees so as to keep the conference free for attendees. Donors help with the cost of event space and speakers' travel costs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Skepticon IV|url=http://unitedcor.org/omaha/page/skepticon-iv|publisher=Omaha COR|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>


In July 2010 Skepticon received the ‘’Best On Campus Event’’ award from the [[Center for Inquiry]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CFI On Campus Selects Five Group Award Winners|url=http://www.centerforinquiry.net/oncampus/blog/entry/cfi_on_campus_selects_five_group_award_winners/|work=The Course of Reason|publisher=Center for Inquiry|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>
In July 2010, Skepticon received the "Best On Campus Event" award from the [[Center for Inquiry]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CFI On Campus Selects Five Group Award Winners|url=http://www.centerforinquiry.net/oncampus/blog/entry/cfi_on_campus_selects_five_group_award_winners/|work=The Course of Reason|date=21 July 2010 |publisher=Center for Inquiry|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>


Shortly before Skepticon III in November 2010 critics questioned the naming of the convention, suggesting that the topics covered are focused more on Atheism than Skepticism.<ref>{{cite web|title=Are Atheists Delusional? Thoughts on Skepticon3|url=http://indieskeptics.com/2010/11/16/are-atheists-delusional-thoughts-on-skepticon3/|publisher=Indie Skeptics|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref> Event organizer JT Eberhard responded by saying "To say that skepticism applies to some truth claims but not to others, that dilutes skepticism".<ref>{{cite web|title=A response to Jeff Wagg|url=http://www.atheismresource.com/2010/a-response-to-jeff-wagg|accessdate=13 November 2011}}</ref>
Shortly before Skepticon III in November 2010, critics questioned the naming of the convention, suggesting that it focused more on atheism than skepticism.<ref>{{cite web|title=Are Atheists Delusional? Thoughts on Skepticon3|url=http://indieskeptics.com/2010/11/16/are-atheists-delusional-thoughts-on-skepticon3/|publisher=Indie Skeptics|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A response to Jeff Wagg|url=http://www.atheismresource.com/2010/a-response-to-jeff-wagg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122045952/http://www.atheismresource.com/2010/a-response-to-jeff-wagg|url-status=usurped|archive-date=November 22, 2010|accessdate=13 November 2011}}</ref>


At Skepticon IV (2011) the event featured a tour of a nearby [[creationist]] museum, two full days of lectures detailing science-related topics, and a performance by Atheist Evangelist Brother Sam Singleton. A local [[gelato]] shop owner took offense to Singleton’s performance and posted a sign in the store window which read "Skepticon is NOT welcomed to my Christian Business."<ref name="AP">{{cite web|title=Mo. shop owner apologizes to religious skeptics|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhClEXFDM-SUmh6hoQWiwqpKw3YA?docId=6085499955dd4fd5a28f9b0fe6433c69|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=24 November 2011}}</ref> The resulting internet reaction had a negative impact on the store’s user ratings on a number of consumer satisfaction websites.<ref name="AP" /> Three days later the shop owner posted an apology on the website [[Reddit]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A message to the skeptic community from the owner of Gelato Mio|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/mkw6h/a_message_to_the_skeptic_community_from_the_owner/?limit=500|publisher=Reddit|accessdate=24 November 2011}}</ref> Concern over whether the sign violated the [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] earned the incident the nickname “gelato-gate”.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business briefly refuses Skepticon|url=http://www.news-leader.com/article/20111122/NEWS01/111220345/0/NEWS01/?odyssey=nav{{!}}head|publisher=News-Leader|accessdate=24 November 2011}}</ref>
Skepticon IV (2011) featured a tour of a nearby [[creationist]] museum, two full days of lectures detailing science-related topics, and a performance by Atheist Evangelist Brother Sam Singleton. A local [[gelato]] shop owner took offense to Singleton's performance and posted a sign in the store window which read "Skepticon is NOT welcomed to my Christian Business."<ref name="AP">{{cite web|title=Mo. shop owner apologizes to religious skeptics|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhClEXFDM-SUmh6hoQWiwqpKw3YA?docId=6085499955dd4fd5a28f9b0fe6433c69|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=24 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The resulting internet reaction had a negative impact on the store's user ratings on a number of consumer satisfaction websites.<ref name="AP" /> Three days later the shop owner posted an apology on the website [[Reddit]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A message to the skeptic community from the owner of Gelato Mio|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/mkw6h/a_message_to_the_skeptic_community_from_the_owner/?limit=500|publisher=Reddit|accessdate=24 November 2011}}</ref> Concern over whether the sign violated the [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] earned the incident the nickname "gelato-gate."<ref>{{cite web|title=Business briefly refuses Skepticon|url=http://www.news-leader.com/article/20111122/NEWS01/111220345/0/NEWS01/?odyssey=nav%7Chead|publisher=News-Leader|accessdate=24 November 2011}}</ref>


In 2016 Skepticon banned Carrier for what organizer Lauren Lane described as "repeated boundary-pushing behavior." Later that year Carrier named Skepticon and Lane as defendants in a lawsuit for defamation, interference with his business, and emotional distress.<ref name="Carrier lawsuit">{{cite news|last1=Mehta|first1=Hemant|title=Dr. Richard Carrier Has Sued Several Atheists and Their Blogging Networks on Charges of Defamation|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/09/24/dr-richard-carrier-has-sued-several-atheists-and-their-blogging-networks-on-charges-of-defamation/|accessdate=16 July 2017|work=Friendly Atheist|date=24 September 2016}}</ref>
In 2016, Skepticon banned Carrier for what organizer Lauren Lane described as "repeated boundary-pushing behavior." Later that year, Carrier sued Skepticon and Lane for [[defamation]], [[tortious interference]], and [[emotional distress]].<ref name="Carrier lawsuit">{{cite news|last1=Mehta|first1=Hemant|title=Dr. Richard Carrier Has Sued Several Atheists and Their Blogging Networks on Charges of Defamation|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/09/24/dr-richard-carrier-has-sued-several-atheists-and-their-blogging-networks-on-charges-of-defamation/|accessdate=16 July 2017|work=Friendly Atheist|date=24 September 2016}}</ref>


==Atheism vs. Christianity debate==
==Atheism vs. Christianity debate==


Skepticon 2009 also featured a debate between Christian and atheist experts on the question “Does God Exist”. Participants included [[Richard Carrier]], [[Victor Stenger]], and JT Eberhard for the atheist perspective and professors Charlie Self, Zachary Manis, and Greg Ojakangas presenting the Christian position.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eberhard|first=JT|title=Skepticon Schedule|url=http://zerowing21.xanga.com/715716715/skepticon-schedule/|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>
Skepticon 2009 featured a debate between Christian and atheist experts on the question "Does God exist?" Participants included [[Richard Carrier]], [[Victor Stenger]], and JT Eberhard for the atheist perspective and professors Charlie Self, Zachary Manis, and Greg Ojakangas presenting the Christian position.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eberhard|first=JT|title=Skepticon Schedule|url=http://zerowing21.xanga.com/715716715/skepticon-schedule/|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref>


==Confrontation vs. accommodation debate==
==Confrontation vs. accommodation debate==
A repeating theme for the speakers at Skepticon 3 (2010) was a discussion of the merits of confrontation vs. accommodation. It also featured a debate between [[James Randi]], [[PZ Myers]], [[Richard Carrier]], and [[Amanda Marcotte]].
Skepticon III (2010) explored the merits of confrontation versus accommodation and featured a debate between [[James Randi]], [[PZ Myers]], [[Richard Carrier]], and [[Amanda Marcotte]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}}


==Locations, dates and speakers==
==Locations, dates and speakers==

{{update section|date=December 2023}}

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
Line 52: Line 57:
| style="white-space:nowrap" | November 20–22, 2009<ref name="History" /> || style=white-space:nowrap|Missouri State University ||400 || [[Dan Barker]], Richard Carrier, [[D. J. Grothe]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[Robert M. Price]], [[Victor Stenger]], [[Rebecca Watson]] ||JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane|| Promoted as ''Skepticon II''
| style="white-space:nowrap" | November 20–22, 2009<ref name="History" /> || style=white-space:nowrap|Missouri State University ||400 || [[Dan Barker]], Richard Carrier, [[D. J. Grothe]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[Robert M. Price]], [[Victor Stenger]], [[Rebecca Watson]] ||JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane|| Promoted as ''Skepticon II''
|-
|-
|November 19–21, 2010<ref name="History" /> || Springfield Expo Center || 1000 ||Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, [[Greta Christina]], JT Eberhard, [[David Fitzgerald (author)|David Fitzgerald]], D.J. Grothe, [[Amanda Marcotte]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[James Randi]], Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson ||JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane||style=white-space:nowrap| Confrontation v. Accommodation
|November 19–21, 2010<ref name="History" /> || Springfield Expo Center || 1000 ||Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, [[Greta Christina]], JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, D.J. Grothe, [[Amanda Marcotte]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[James Randi]], Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson ||JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane||style=white-space:nowrap| Confrontation v. Accommodation
|-
|-
|November 18–20, 2011 || [[Gillioz Theatre]] || 1100 ||Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, [[Julia Galef]], Spencer Greenberg, [[Jen McCreight]], [[Hemant Mehta]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[Darrel Ray]], [[Dave Silverman]], Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Rebecca Watson, [[Eliezer Yudkowsky]] ||Katie Hartman, Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Susi Bocks ||
|November 18–20, 2011 || [[Gillioz Theatre]] || 1100 ||Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, [[Julia Galef]], Spencer Greenberg, [[Jey McCreight]], [[Hemant Mehta]], PZ Myers, [[Joe Nickell]], [[Darrel Ray]], [[Dave Silverman]], Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Rebecca Watson, [[Eliezer Yudkowsky]] ||Katie Hartman, Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Susi Bocks ||
|-
|-
|November 9–11, 2012|| Springfield Expo Center || 1500 || [[Jessica Ahlquist]], Richard Carrier, [[Sean M. Carroll|Sean Carroll]], Greta Christina, James Croft, [[Matt Dillahunty]], JT Eberhard, Phil Ferguson, David Fitzgerald, Julia Galef, [[George Hrab]], [[Deborah Hyde]], Keith Jensen, Amanda Knief, [[Teresa MacBain]], Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, [[Jennifer Ouellette]], [[Tony Pinn]], Darrel Ray, Rebecca Watson || Jeffrey Markus (Executive Director), Katie Hartman (Fundraising Director), Lauren Lane (Chief Brand Officer), Micah Weiss (Program Director), Izzy Burke (Volunteer Relations), Floyd Zamarripa (Marketing Director) || Film Festival added<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=726822 | title=Skepticon Conference Returns to Springfield this Weekend | publisher=Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. | work=OzarksFirst | date=November 10, 2012 | accessdate=November 13, 2012 | author=Nolan, Aaron}}</ref>
|November 9–11, 2012|| Springfield Expo Center || 1500 || [[Jessica Ahlquist]], Richard Carrier, [[Sean M. Carroll|Sean Carroll]], Greta Christina, James Croft, [[Matt Dillahunty]], JT Eberhard, Phil Ferguson, David Fitzgerald, Julia Galef, [[George Hrab]], [[Deborah Hyde]], Keith Jensen, Amanda Knief, [[Teresa MacBain]], Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, [[Jennifer Ouellette]], [[Tony Pinn]], Darrel Ray, Rebecca Watson || Jeffrey Markus (Executive Director), Katie Hartman (Fundraising Director), Lauren Lane (Chief Brand Officer), Micah Weiss (Program Director), Izzy Burke (Volunteer Relations), Floyd Zamarripa (Marketing Director) || Film Festival added<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=726822 | title=Skepticon Conference Returns to Springfield this Weekend | publisher=Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. | work=OzarksFirst | date=November 10, 2012 | accessdate=November 13, 2012 | author=Nolan, Aaron}}</ref>
|-
|-
|November 15–17, 2013|| Springfield Expo Center || N/A || Seth Andrews, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, [[John Corvino]], Heina Dadabhoy, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, [[Debbie Goddard]], Rebecca Hensler, Amanda Knief, Keith Lowell-Jensen, [[Amanda Marcotte]], Monica R. Miller, PZ Myers, [[Aron Ra]], Shelley Segal, David Tamayo, Rebecca Watson || Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Micah Weiss, Floyd Zamarripa ||
|November 15–17, 2013|| Springfield Expo Center || N/A || Seth Andrews, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, [[John Corvino]], Heina Dadabhoy, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, [[Debbie Goddard]], [[Rebecca Hensler]], Amanda Knief, Keith Lowell-Jensen, [[Amanda Marcotte]], Monica R. Miller, PZ Myers, [[Aron Ra]], [[Shelley Segal]], David Tamayo, Rebecca Watson || Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Micah Weiss, Floyd Zamarripa ||
|-
|-
| November 21–23, 2014<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/faq/|title = Frequently Asked Questions and stuff|date = June 16, 2014|accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> || Oasis Con. Center || N/A || Daniel Biar, Ben Blanchard, Melanie Brewster, Greta Christina, Scott Clifton, Heina Dadahboy, Amy David Roth, Matt Dillahunty, JT Eberhard, David Gorski, Nicole Gugliucci, Peggy Mason, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, [[Cara Santa Maria]], [[Sheree Thomas|Sheree Renée Thomas]], Kayley Whalen<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/speakers/|title = Speakers|date = |accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> || Rebekah (finance), Blythe, Bart (website designer), Micah, Lauren Lane (co-founder), Rob Lehr (official videographer), Jeffrey Markus, Floyd Zamarripa
| November 21–23, 2014<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/faq/|title = Frequently Asked Questions and stuff|date = June 16, 2014|accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> || Oasis Con. Center || N/A || Daniel Biar, Ben Blanchard, Melanie Brewster, Greta Christina, Scott Clifton, Heina Dadahboy, Amy David Roth, Matt Dillahunty, JT Eberhard, David Gorski, Nicole Gugliucci, Peggy Mason, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, [[Cara Santa Maria]], [[Sheree Thomas|Sheree Renée Thomas]], Kayley Whalen<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/speakers/|title = Speakers|date = |accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> || Rebekah (finance), Blythe, Bart (website designer), Micah, Lauren Lane (co-founder), Rob Lehr (official videographer), Jeffrey Markus, Floyd Zamarripa
|| Sponsors: [[American Atheists]], [[American Humanist Association]] (AMA), [[Atheist Alliance International]] (AAI), Atheists on Air, Foundation Beyond Belief (FBB), Kansas City Atheist Coalition (KCAC), Polaris Financial Planning, Secular Woman<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/sponsors/|title = Our Sponsors|date = |accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>
|| Sponsors: [[American Atheists]], [[American Humanist Association]] (AMA), [[Atheist Alliance International]] (AAI), Atheists on Air, [[Foundation Beyond Belief]] (FBB), Kansas City Atheist Coalition (KCAC), Polaris Financial Planning, Secular Woman<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skepticon.org/sponsors/|title = Our Sponsors|date = |accessdate = 2014-07-27|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>
|-
|-
| November 13–15, 2015 || Oasis Con. Center || N/A ||Bo Bennett, [[Jamie DeWolf]], [[Fallon Fox]], [[Mary Anne Franks]], Hiba Krisht, [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], Nathanael Johnson, [[Sam Kean]], [[Destin Sandlin]], Kavin Senapathy, Muhammad Syed, Justin Vollmar, [[Stephanie Zvan]] |||||-
| November 13–15, 2015 || Oasis Con. Center || N/A ||Bo Bennett, [[Jamie DeWolf]], [[Fallon Fox]], [[Mary Anne Franks]], [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], Nathanael Johnson, [[Sam Kean]], Hiba Krisht, [[Niki Massey]], [[Destin Sandlin]], Kavin Senapathy, Muhammad Syed, Justin Vollmar, [[Stephanie Zvan]] |||||-
|-
|-
| November 11–13, 2016 || Oasis Con. Center || N/A ||Greta Christina, Bria Crutchfield, [[Jerry DeWitt]], Victor Harris Jr., Alix Jules, Margee Kerr, Jennifer Raff, Benny Vimes, Rebecca Watson||||
| November 11–13, 2016 || Oasis Con. Center || N/A ||Greta Christina, Bria Crutchfield, Heina Dadabhoy, [[Jerry DeWitt]], Victor Harris, Rebecca Hensler, Joshua Hyde, Alix Jules, Margee Kerr, [[Jennifer Raff]], Nola Olsen, Lauren Lane, Josiah Mannion, Benny Vimes, Rebecca Watson, Stephanie Zvan||||
|-

| November 10–12, 2017 || Oasis Con. Center || N/A ||Ross Blotcher, Nikki Jane, Randall Jenson, [[Leighann Lord]], [[Mika McKinnon]], Samantha Montano, Laura Thomas, [[Mandisa Thomas]], Jessica Xiao|| ||
|-
|-
| August 9–11, 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://skepticon.org/skepticon-11-save-the-date/|title = Hello St. Louis! What Are You Doing on August 9-11, 2019?|date = 31 October 2018|accessdate = 2018-11-04|website = Skepticon|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> || City Center Hotel, St. Louis, MO || N/A ||To be determined|| ||
| Dates || Location || Attendance || Speakers || Organizers || Notes


|}
|}
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{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==
<!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
* {{official website|skepticon.org}}
* {{official website|skepticon.org}}
* {{YouTube|playlist=PL6B24B0EA6730C25B| Videos of Skepticon speakers, Skepticon 4}}
* {{twitter|RealSkepticon}}
{{Skeptical conferences}}
{{Skeptical conferences}}


[[Category:Conventions in Missouri]]
[[Category:Conventions in Missouri]]
[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Atheism in the United States]]
[[Category:Skeptic conferences]]
[[Category:Skeptic conferences]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 2008]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 2008]]

Latest revision as of 06:28, 21 December 2024

For other uses, see Skepticon (disambiguation).
StatusActive
Genreskepticism, atheism, science, education, activism, and freethought
VenueOasis Convention Center
Location(s)St. Louis
Springfield, Missouri
CountryU.S.A.
Inaugurated2008
Most recentCurrent
Attendance1,500 (2012)[1]
Websiteskepticon.org

Skepticon is a skeptic and secular convention held in the United States. Guest speakers are invited to discuss skepticism, science, education, activism, and other related topics.

History

[edit]

The Skepticon conference grew out of a speaking engagement organized by a student group on the campus of Missouri State University. The students invited two well-known atheist speakers, PZ Myers and Richard Carrier, to campus to speak critically about belief in God. The event was considered particularly controversial because Springfield, Missouri, is home to the Assemblies of God national headquarters and the campuses of several religious universities, including Evangel University.[2]

Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7 in 2014

In the years that followed, the conference was able to attract additional speakers willing to reduce or forgo their speakers' fees so as to keep the conference free for attendees. Donors help with the cost of event space and speakers' travel costs.[3]

In July 2010, Skepticon received the "Best On Campus Event" award from the Center for Inquiry.[4]

Shortly before Skepticon III in November 2010, critics questioned the naming of the convention, suggesting that it focused more on atheism than skepticism.[5][6]

Skepticon IV (2011) featured a tour of a nearby creationist museum, two full days of lectures detailing science-related topics, and a performance by Atheist Evangelist Brother Sam Singleton. A local gelato shop owner took offense to Singleton's performance and posted a sign in the store window which read "Skepticon is NOT welcomed to my Christian Business."[7] The resulting internet reaction had a negative impact on the store's user ratings on a number of consumer satisfaction websites.[7] Three days later the shop owner posted an apology on the website Reddit.[8] Concern over whether the sign violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned the incident the nickname "gelato-gate."[9]

In 2016, Skepticon banned Carrier for what organizer Lauren Lane described as "repeated boundary-pushing behavior." Later that year, Carrier sued Skepticon and Lane for defamation, tortious interference, and emotional distress.[10]

Atheism vs. Christianity debate

[edit]

Skepticon 2009 featured a debate between Christian and atheist experts on the question "Does God exist?" Participants included Richard Carrier, Victor Stenger, and JT Eberhard for the atheist perspective and professors Charlie Self, Zachary Manis, and Greg Ojakangas presenting the Christian position.[11]

Confrontation vs. accommodation debate

[edit]

Skepticon III (2010) explored the merits of confrontation versus accommodation and featured a debate between James Randi, PZ Myers, Richard Carrier, and Amanda Marcotte.[citation needed]

Locations, dates and speakers

[edit]
Dates Location Attendance Speakers Organizers Notes
October 11, 2008[12] Missouri State University 250 Richard Carrier, PZ Myers JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane Called Skeptics
November 20–22, 2009[12] Missouri State University 400 Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, D. J. Grothe, PZ Myers, Joe Nickell, Robert M. Price, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane Promoted as Skepticon II
November 19–21, 2010[12] Springfield Expo Center 1000 Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, D.J. Grothe, Amanda Marcotte, PZ Myers, Joe Nickell, James Randi, Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson JT Eberhard, Lauren Lane Confrontation v. Accommodation
November 18–20, 2011 Gillioz Theatre 1100 Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, Julia Galef, Spencer Greenberg, Jey McCreight, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, Joe Nickell, Darrel Ray, Dave Silverman, Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, Rebecca Watson, Eliezer Yudkowsky Katie Hartman, Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Susi Bocks
November 9–11, 2012 Springfield Expo Center 1500 Jessica Ahlquist, Richard Carrier, Sean Carroll, Greta Christina, James Croft, Matt Dillahunty, JT Eberhard, Phil Ferguson, David Fitzgerald, Julia Galef, George Hrab, Deborah Hyde, Keith Jensen, Amanda Knief, Teresa MacBain, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, Jennifer Ouellette, Tony Pinn, Darrel Ray, Rebecca Watson Jeffrey Markus (Executive Director), Katie Hartman (Fundraising Director), Lauren Lane (Chief Brand Officer), Micah Weiss (Program Director), Izzy Burke (Volunteer Relations), Floyd Zamarripa (Marketing Director) Film Festival added[13]
November 15–17, 2013 Springfield Expo Center N/A Seth Andrews, Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, John Corvino, Heina Dadabhoy, JT Eberhard, David Fitzgerald, Debbie Goddard, Rebecca Hensler, Amanda Knief, Keith Lowell-Jensen, Amanda Marcotte, Monica R. Miller, PZ Myers, Aron Ra, Shelley Segal, David Tamayo, Rebecca Watson Jeffrey Markus, Lauren Lane, Micah Weiss, Floyd Zamarripa
November 21–23, 2014[14] Oasis Con. Center N/A Daniel Biar, Ben Blanchard, Melanie Brewster, Greta Christina, Scott Clifton, Heina Dadahboy, Amy David Roth, Matt Dillahunty, JT Eberhard, David Gorski, Nicole Gugliucci, Peggy Mason, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers, Cara Santa Maria, Sheree Renée Thomas, Kayley Whalen[15] Rebekah (finance), Blythe, Bart (website designer), Micah, Lauren Lane (co-founder), Rob Lehr (official videographer), Jeffrey Markus, Floyd Zamarripa Sponsors: American Atheists, American Humanist Association (AMA), Atheist Alliance International (AAI), Atheists on Air, Foundation Beyond Belief (FBB), Kansas City Atheist Coalition (KCAC), Polaris Financial Planning, Secular Woman[16]
November 13–15, 2015 Oasis Con. Center N/A Bo Bennett, Jamie DeWolf, Fallon Fox, Mary Anne Franks, Sikivu Hutchinson, Nathanael Johnson, Sam Kean, Hiba Krisht, Niki Massey, Destin Sandlin, Kavin Senapathy, Muhammad Syed, Justin Vollmar, Stephanie Zvan -
November 11–13, 2016 Oasis Con. Center N/A Greta Christina, Bria Crutchfield, Heina Dadabhoy, Jerry DeWitt, Victor Harris, Rebecca Hensler, Joshua Hyde, Alix Jules, Margee Kerr, Jennifer Raff, Nola Olsen, Lauren Lane, Josiah Mannion, Benny Vimes, Rebecca Watson, Stephanie Zvan
November 10–12, 2017 Oasis Con. Center N/A Ross Blotcher, Nikki Jane, Randall Jenson, Leighann Lord, Mika McKinnon, Samantha Montano, Laura Thomas, Mandisa Thomas, Jessica Xiao
August 9–11, 2019[17] City Center Hotel, St. Louis, MO N/A To be determined

References

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  1. ^ Katie Hartman (8 May 2012). "Press Release: Kitten Billboard". Skepticon website. Skepticon. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  2. ^ "About Skepticon – A Brief History". Skepticon. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ^ "Skepticon IV". Omaha COR. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  4. ^ "CFI On Campus Selects Five Group Award Winners". The Course of Reason. Center for Inquiry. 21 July 2010. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  5. ^ "Are Atheists Delusional? Thoughts on Skepticon3". Indie Skeptics. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  6. ^ "A response to Jeff Wagg". Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  7. ^ a b "Mo. shop owner apologizes to religious skeptics". Associated Press. Retrieved 24 November 2011.[dead link‍]
  8. ^ "A message to the skeptic community from the owner of Gelato Mio". Reddit. Retrieved 24 November 2011.
  9. ^ "Business briefly refuses Skepticon". News-Leader. Retrieved 24 November 2011.
  10. ^ Mehta, Hemant (24 September 2016). "Dr. Richard Carrier Has Sued Several Atheists and Their Blogging Networks on Charges of Defamation". Friendly Atheist. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  11. ^ Eberhard, JT. "Skepticon Schedule". Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  12. ^ a b c JT Eberhard (August 9, 2010). History of Skepticon and a Different Organizational Model :: SSA 2010 Annual (YouTube video). Secular Student Alliance.
  13. ^ Nolan, Aaron (November 10, 2012). "Skepticon Conference Returns to Springfield this Weekend". OzarksFirst. Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  14. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions and stuff". Skepticon. June 16, 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  15. ^ "Speakers". Skepticon. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  16. ^ "Our Sponsors". Skepticon. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  17. ^ "Hello St. Louis! What Are You Doing on August 9-11, 2019?". Skepticon. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-04.
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