​Speakers:

​Keynote: Bill Kauffman

​Charles Carman

​Chris Arnade

​Grant Martsolf

​Tessa Carman

​Brandon Daily

​Ruth and Peco Gaskovski

​Andy Hickman

​Join us! Reserve your spot today as space is very limited!

​We’ll tackle some of the most urgent and thought-provoking questions of today. Together, we’ll explore the far-reaching effects of technology, the promises and dangers of transhumanism, and the search for meaning in a world increasingly defined by machines.

​Our discussions will challenge how the Machine influences everything from the structure of families and our relationship with the environment to issues of personal freedom and social inequality, all while celebrating moments of creative rebellion. Well-known writers, thinkers, and activists will lead our conversations.

​Beyond the conversations, there’s so much more to look forward to—hiking, sing-alongs, potluck meals and lively debates over drinks. Our shared meals will be a time for toasts, laughter, and deep, informal chats that bring us closer and open up new perspectives.

​ We encourage families to join—this event is designed to welcome and  inspire all generations.

​You can learn more about a recent Doomer Optimism Gatherings in Margaretville, NY here and Ligonier, PA here. This will give you some sense of what the weekends are like.

​Themes:

​Rerum Novarum and a Christian critique of capitalism

​Regenerative agriculture and conservation

​The role of young fathers in the church

​Transhumanism and the family

​Localism, populism and the working class

​Automation, surveillance and the right to repair

​The future of publishing and the arts in the age of AI

​"In defense of piracy" in light of the AI revolution

​Kids and technology, where to draw the line of “good” and “bad” tech

​The importance of story

​The value of classical education in today’s society

​This event will be a bit different from a normal conference as it will take place at the Woodcrest Bruderhof Community. Woodcrest is home to about 300 people, families and singles, living in Christian community of goods. They make a living with a medical equipment business, run a small farm, staff an elementary/middle school, and operate a small clinic for community members and neighbors.

​The grounds are campus-like, with walking paths, dwellings, and office buildings. The community center with a deck and green, will serve as the nexus of the event. We welcome families to attend the conference, and find that having children around is a living example of the kind of lived community we would like to advocate for.

​Tickets

​Include:

• ​All panels and keynotes

• ​Light lunch and dinner Friday

• ​Breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday (which will also be potluck style, so bring something to share)

• ​Light breakfast Sunday

• ​The opportunity to be a panelist

​Early bird (before April 1) pricing: $275 adult/$550 family

​Regular pricing: $375 adult/$750 family

​There are discounted scholarship tickets available, just write to [email protected] to inquire

​Expectations

​Our events are vary casual. The talks are just the starting off point for discussion, but most of the real work is done in the conversations, meals, singing and fellowship.

​You can expect an open mic night, spirited debates, chasing fireflies, playing with children, dancing, meals together and a great sense of conviviality among guests. Past attendees at Doomer Optimism events report leaving feeling a real sense of community and real relationships formed. We hope this event will be no different!

​Schedule

​
Friday July 10, 2026

​12 – 1:30 pm arrivals, registration, informal lunch

​1:45 pm - 4 pm Panels

​4 - 4:30 pm: Break

​4:30 - 6 pm: Panel/keynote

​6:30 pm - onwards: welcome dinner, followed by open mic

​Saturday July 11, 2025

​8 am - 9 am: Light breakfast and coffee

​9 am - 10:30 am: Keynote

​11 am - 12:30 pm: Panel

​1230 pm - 2 pm: Lunch

​2 pm - 4 pm: Panel

​4 - 4:30: Break

​4:30 - 6 pm: Panel/keynote

​6 - 7 pm: Happy hour and mini debates

​7 pm - onwards: Potluck dinner and campfire

​Sunday July 12, 2026

​10 am: Worship service with Bruderhof community and farewell breakfast.

​Schedule subject to change, though start and end times are set.

​Accommodations

​There are many hotel, AirBnB, and camping options near to the Woodcrest community. We will have group courtesy discounts available for attendees at a local hotel (details forthcoming).