The American Humanist Association’s 77th Annual Conference runs May 17–20 at Flamingo Las Vegas, bringing together national speakers, award presentations, and discussions on science, activism, and the nontheist community.
The American Humanist Association’s 77th Annual Conference is underway at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from May 17 to May 20. The event brings together secular thought leaders and activists from across the country, with a program focused on science, activism, and the nontheist community. The AHA describes the conference as a national gathering for "humanist action," continuing its long-standing work to advance humanist values and civil rights for nontheists.
This year, science writer Jennifer Ouellette will be honored as the 2018 Humanist of the Year. Ouellette is known for books like Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self and The Calculus Diaries: How Math Can Help You Lose Weight, Win in Vegas, and Survive a Zombie Apocalypse. Her writing connects scientific ideas with the public, making her a fitting recipient in a city where probability and chance are part of daily life.
Conference highlights at Flamingo Las Vegas
The four-day schedule includes speakers, panels, and award banquets. Attendees will hear from Ijeoma Oluo, David Suzuki, Gavin Grimm, Ana Kasparian, and the creative team behind Betty Bowers, Deven Green and Andrew Bradley. Other speakers include former Nevada State Senator Lori Lipman-Brown, Rob Boston from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Dr. Anthony Pinn, Toni Van Pelt of the National Organization for Women, entertainer Roy Zimmerman, human rights advocate Madhvi Potluri, and writer-performer Thea Deley.
Las Vegas’ reputation as a convention city is reflected in the range of topics and speakers, with sessions covering science communication, civil rights, and the future of humanism. The AHA coordinated the full roster and schedule in advance, sharing updates through its digital channels. The complete list of speakers and sessions is available through official conference sources.
Spotlight on humanism and Las Vegas
Founded in 1941 and based in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association works to connect people who value science, ethics, and compassion. The organization has spent over 80 years advocating for the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans, focusing on both philosophical and civil rights issues. As described in its Humanism 101 overview, the AHA’s mission includes defending the rights of nonreligious individuals and promoting ethical living without supernatural beliefs.
The Las Vegas setting adds a distinct backdrop to the conference, where questions of chance, identity, and community are part of the city’s character. Award banquets and speaker sessions are designed to encourage both celebration and critical discussion, in line with the AHA’s goal of supporting informed, meaningful lives. The annual conference is a key opportunity for the organization to bring together its national membership and highlight ongoing advocacy.
Las Vegas convention scene and community impact
Hosting the American Humanist Association adds to Las Vegas’ track record as a destination for a wide range of conventions, from entertainment expos to advocacy events. The city’s ability to support gatherings with different missions keeps its hospitality sector active. In August 2026, Caesars Palace hosted a four-day event that redirected surplus food to local families, as reported earlier, showing how conventions can have both economic and social effects in Southern Nevada.
The AHA conference at Flamingo Las Vegas brings together national figures in science, activism, and the arts. As Las Vegas continues to attract organizations with a range of goals, its convention venues are adapting to both the spectacle and substance of modern events. The AHA’s choice to hold its conference on the Strip shows that Las Vegas is more than an entertainment hub—it’s also a place for national conversations about issues that matter to many Americans. While major wire services have not issued separate reports on the conference outcomes, the event marks a notable moment for the humanist movement and the broader secular community.
