Media Release from Atheist Foundation of Australia, co-presenters with Atheist Alliance International of the Global Atheist Convention, Melbourne:

Global Atheist Convention - Sold out!

30 January, 10

Tickets for The Rise of Atheism, 2010 Global Atheist Convention are now sold out! The Convention, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 12 - 14 March 2010, has attracted substantial Australian and international interest and tickets have sold out more than five weeks before the Convention starts.

David Nicholls, President of the Atheist Foundation of Australia said "We are thrilled with the support for the Convention, from the presenters, the attendees and the many people who have volunteered their time and expertise. With over 2,500 attendees, the Global Atheist Convention will be the largest gathering of freethinkers in Australia's history, and may be the largest atheist convention ever! The Convention will be a celebration of global atheism, a wonderful opportunity to hear the thoughts of scientists, philosophers, writers, comedians and many others, and a statement to political leaders of our concern about the negative effects of religion on society."

Even though tickets have sold out we are still receiving a substantial number of enquiries about sales and we are sorry that many people who would like to attend will miss out on this unique event. Given the strong interest in the Global Atheist Convention we are investigating filming options for a DVD of the event and hope one will be on sale shortly after the Convention" Nicholls continued.

Stuart Bechman, President of Atheist Alliance International, co-host of the Global Atheist Convention added, "The response to The Rise of Atheism Convention has been absolutely fantastic! This will be the largest convention AAI has been involved with and we're excited that atheism and secularism are so well supported in Australia. With such a high level of interest we will have to consider returning to Australia for future conventions."

Presenters at the Global Atheist Convention include Richard Dawkins, Peter Singer, Phillip Adams, PZ Myers, AC Grayling, Taslima Nasrin, Catherine Deveny, Dan Barker, Robyn Williams, Julian Morrow, Craig Reucassel, Maggie Millar, Lyn Allison, Tanya Levin, Leslie Cannold, Jane Caro and many more!

For further information on the Global Atheist Convention visit www.atheistconvention.org.au.

We'll see you in Melbourne!