Events

Attendees are asked to arrive at the venue between 4.30pm and 5.30pm for registration.

Let the games begin! Tony Ortega will formally open the HowdyCon 2026 festivities with a short speech followed by bottomless pizza for all guests.

Dinner will be provided and is included within the cost of your ticket. Drinks sold separately.

Join us to hear from a panel of leading ex-Scientologists as they discuss the unique challenges people face after leaving the Church and how they came to find their voice again after deciding to speak out about their experiences. Speakers: Alex Barnes-Ross, Claire Headley, Phil Jones, Patty Moher and Chris Shelton  

Guests are asked to arrive at the venue at 12pm. Check in, take a seat and get ready for day two of HowdyCon 2026.

The Church of Scientology represents one of the most destructive cultic organizations that ever existed. The sheer volume of manipulation and control tactics set it head and shoulders above most other high control groups. Recovery from this is not easy and often not straightforward. In this talk, Chris will discuss some of the obstacles that […]

What does it actually mean to grow up without choice, and what happens when you finally get it? This talk goes past the dramatic “escape” moment and into the reality that follows, where freedom is messy, identity is a work in progress, and even basic decisions can feel overwhelming. Drawing from personal experience and our […]

Since its inception, the Church of Scientology has faced fierce criticism from journalists, critics and former members. In this session journalist Tony Ortega and ex-Scientologist Alex Barnes-Ross will discuss the importance of holding Scientology to account and how survivors are using the power of their voices to drive legislative change. Speakers: Alex Barnes-Ross and Tony Ortega  

A buffet-style lunch will be provided and is included in the cost of your ticket (excluding drinks)

Hosted by Tony Ortega, we will be recording an episode of the Group Therapy podcast live with the usual bunch of jokers and degraders Alex Barnes-Ross, Claire Headley, Phil Jones, Patty Moher, The Enigmatic Pan and Lynette ‘Observer Waggoner’

The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation provides a vital lifeline for those leaving Scientology and has helped many people across the world establish new, independent lives outside of the organization. In this session, President Claire Headley and Executive Director Phil Jones will share how the Foundation changes lives and why its work is so important. […]

As we bring HowdyCon 2026 to a close, Tony Ortega will announce the winners of the silent auction in support of the Michael J .Rinder Aftermath Foundation and make closing remarks before we move venues for the after party.