The Atheist Foundation of Australia has announced that the next Global Atheist Convention ‘A Celebration of Reason’ will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13 – 15 April 2012. The convention will feature headline speakers Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. The convention “Is a great opportunity to bring forth new enlightenment in the face of growing irrationality, fundamentalism and superstitious thinking around the world. Atheism has provided the perfect foundation in which people can come together to celebrate science, reason and secular values in today’s society. With the planet in a state of organised chaos and the menace of religious extremism threatening everyone’s quality of life, this 2012 event will once again provide rational discussion and debate about what can be done to address the issues facing the globe. “Said Atheist Foundation President David Nicholls.
The 2010 Global Atheist Convention gave local, interstate and international attendees the opportunity to hear first-rate speakers from a range of fields including science, philosophy, politics and education, the 2012 convention promises to deliver the same.
The Atheist Foundation has succeeded in obtaining financial support from the Victorian Government for the convention.
It’s time we all cast off the superstitions of religion and move forward to bring justice and equality into this World. This can never happen while ever religions are allowed to poison the minds of people, inciting hate, fear and bigotry as they invariably do. We must learn from history and move forward into more enlightened times.

well well
it didnt take long to get govt funding

""The Atheist Foundation has succeeded in obtaining financial support from the Victorian Government for the convention.''

what next tax free status?

you lot got ya high priests/prophets
your holy texts..written by the new god heads

you sound just like a new religeon
i really dont see faithlessness as much more that the claytons religeon

the religeon you adopt
when you dont like the spirit of other beliefs

religous zealots
by any other name
you just gut out god

next you will be palmsinging and demanding alms

ps how much it cost?

OUG: according to the FAQ on http://atheistconvention.org.au :

Is the Victorian Government funding part of the Global Atheist Convention because of atheism?

No. The funding from the Victorian Government has nothing to do with religion or otherwise. It is a commercial arrangement, which benefits the AFA and the state of Victoria. If it were a science, basket weaving or toy manufacturer’s convention and fulfilled the necessary criteria for funding, it would also receive it.

Yes, I must admit to being a little skeptical about these sort of conferences, and wonder what the organisers of an Atheism conference expect to get out of it?

Is it a money making venture?

I am not a religious person, but I wouldn't go to such a conference because I believe commonsense will prevail in this world eventually, and religion will die a slow death.

Well I for one will be going to the Convention.
Why? because the speakers are impressive and
frankly I'd like to hear Richard Dawkins (and the
others) speak. I'd like to make up my own mind
about them. I expect brilliant arguments and I'll be
most disappointed if I don't get them. Dawkins, especially,
I imagine will come "roaring forth in the full vigour of
his poerful arguments," as he did in his book, "The God
Delusion." I'm not expecting to be converted - simply to
be entertained. And I know I will be!

Suzeonline: the AFA is a not for profit, the organisers are volunteers and the convention is aimed to cover costs. Putting on a convention of such a size costs a lot of money.

I'm looking forward to it. The last one was great, it was really good to hear some great speakers and this next years line up is awesome :) I met some wonderful people in an amazing atmosphere and can't wait for the next.

Truly a celebration of reason :)