Mark Green's Atheopaganism Blog

It was virtual, but it felt great.

84 registered attendees. 15 presenters. 8 moderators and other volunteers. One keynote speaker.

And a whole weekend of interactions, learning, socializing, fun and friendship.

It’s been a couple of weeks now, but I wanted to say something about the Atheopagan Web Weaving 2023 conference before it got too distant in memory.

Some thoughts:

First, the commonly-available technology is just amazing. It is incredible that for less than $100, we could host that many people, hold workshops in simultaneous breakout groups, share slide decks, host a common keynote speech…even host a burlesque lesson for this month’s Adult Salon! Say what you like about Zoom–it’s pretty incredible how fully-functioning and easy to use it is.

Next, this community. What wonderful people! I drifted into several of the socializing breakout rooms, just saying hi and sharing introductions, and I was once again struck by what a fine gang of folks we Atheopagans are. Really a pleasure to attach faces to names I had seen on Discord or Facebook, chat about life and our Atheopagan practices.

Finally, yes, it is true: in person is better. This is what we could logistically manage for this year. But next year, we’re doing the in-person Suntree Retreat again, in Colorado, USA, and there is talk of a European get-together, too! Stay tuned for more news; the Retreat will be Sept. 6-9, 2024.

I enjoy every opportunity I have to interact with fellow Atheopagans, be it on weekly Zoom mixers, online at the Web Weaving conference, or in person at the Suntree Retreat or gatherings of the Northern California Affinity Group. I hope and intend that we shall have more such opportunities going forward; as the Atheopagan Society develops its strategic plan for 2024-25, I’m sure there will be more to share about that.

Thanks to all the presenters, to stalwart volunteers like Mícheál, Rana, Jaala, Robin, Megan, Ian and Susan, and to everyone who attended and made it such a special weekend. You rock!