New Zealand Skeptics Conference
2019
Christchurch
29th Nov – 1st Dec
Christchurch 29th Nov – 1st Dec
Join us for a fun and informative event of skeptical thinking and activity. The weekend will include talks by guests, panel discussions, and a live recording of the Skeptics Guide to the Universe Podcast!
The main event will be held at Christchurch’s stunning Great Hall, an award-winning heritage landmark building, part of The Arts Centre, right in the heart of the CBD.
Events kick off on the Friday evening with a conference welcome. It’s a fun social gathering for all attendees, designed to ‘break the ice’, and lead into the activities on the following days. Venue to be confirmed soon.
Saturday night features an exquisite Gala Dinner and entertainment, giving you the opportunity to spend time with our speakers and other attendees, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
In addition to the conference itself, the SGU will be recording a second private podcast session on Friday afternoon, from 4pm – 6pm, before the evening gathering. Tickets for the private podcast recording MUST be purchased separately – link available soon.
Tickets are now available for the full weekend, or single days if you’re unable to attend the whole weekend.
See more below
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Awesome Speakers!
Great local speakers AND, direct from the USA, all the hosts of the high-profile, long-running Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe podcast – featuring individual talks by Dr. Steven Novella, and Cara Santa Maria, as well as psychic-debunker and guerrilla skeptic Susan Gerbic, and world-renowned mentalist Mark Edward and all our other great speakers.
Conference M.C. Siouxsie Wiles – microbiologist and science communicator
Siouxsie Wiles is a microbiologist and science communicator based in New Zealand, and is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Her specialist areas are infectious diseases and bioluminescence.
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe
The team behind one of the leading Skeptically-oriented podcasts is coming to Christchurch! The ‘SGU’ is a weekly show that has been running since 2005, talking about the latest scientific news and debunking woo in all its forms – including pseudoscience, the paranormal, conspiracy theories and alt-med.
Steven Novella – clinical neurologist
Steven Novella M.D. is an American clinical neurologist and assistant professor at Yale University School of Medicine. He is best known for his involvement in the skeptical movement, and the The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe podcast.
Susan Gerbic – guerrilla skeptic
Susan is the co-founder of the Monterey County Skeptics hailing from Salinas, California. She contributes regularly to the Skeptical Inquirer (CSICOP) and the Skepticality podcast, and also is the Fearless Leader of the Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia project.
Cara Santa Maria – journalist & science communicator
Cara Santa Maria is a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award winning journalist, science communicator, television personality, producer, podcaster, and co-host of The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe
David Wiltshire – professor of theoretical physics
David Wiltshire is a professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Canterbury, and is known for his work in many aspects of gravity, black holes, cosmology, and the problem of dark energy.
Jacinta Cording – lecturer in forensic psychology
Jacinta lectures in Forensic Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury.
Maree Hackett – professor, faculty of medicine, unsw, sydney
Maree leads a program of public health and health services research, with a particular interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Mark Edward – professional mentalist, skeptical activist, psychic entertainer
Mark Edward is a professional mentalist who specialises in magic of the mind. Once named the Greatest Psychic in the World, Mark is a skeptical activist and psychic entertainer. He lectures extensively, and was featured in a positive way on Penn & Teller’s Bullshit!
More speakers soon!
Check back later to see who will be speaking! We'll be adding more details as soon as we confirm new speakers.
Friday Night Gathering at a haunted house!
Our pre-conference Friday Night Gathering will be a great way for all to kick-off the conference weekend. The venue is at Riccarton House, a unique New Zealand heritage site, located off Kahu Road, Riccarton. The house is reputed to be haunted!
SGU Private Recording Session
The SGU will also be recording a super-special private podcast session on Friday 29 November, from 4pm to 6pm, just prior to the Friday Night Gathering – conference opening. Links to this SGU event will be available online soon!
Conference Venue
The Great Hall
Early bird pricing until the end of September
Full Weekend Concession
Early Bird- A great deal for those who are retired, studying or unwaged.
- Access to Friday Night Gathering, Saturday and Sunday.
Full Weekend Access
Early Bird- A full weekend of fun, including Friday night’s entertainment.
- Access to Friday Night Gathering, Saturday and Sunday.
Gala Dinner
Saturday NightSpend an evening with your fellow skeptics and our speakers.
- Access to the Gala Dinner only.
Single Day
Saturday or SundayEither day, we’re looking forward to seeing you!
- Access to Friday Night Gathering, and either Saturday or Sunday.
The conference starts in
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