45th Annual Chesterton Conference
The Outline of Sanity
Ave Maria, Florida
A Gathering of Minds & Hearts
For forty-five years, the Annual Chesterton Conference has brought together lovers of GK Chesterton’s incomparable wit, wisdom, and faith. This is our flagship event, three days of spirited conversation, acclaimed speakers, joyful fellowship, and the pursuit of truth in the spirit of the great defender.
This year’s theme, “The Outline of Sanity”, draws from Chesterton’s prophetic vision of a world restored by localism, subsidiarity, and the radical sanity of orthodox Christianity, ideas more urgent today than ever.
Intellectual Discussion
Deep engagement with Chestertonian thought, apologetics, and the great questions of philosophy and faith.
Spiritual Enrichment
Daily Mass, prayer, and opportunities for spiritual reflection woven throughout the conference.
Fellowship & Community
Connect with fellow Chestertonians from around the world who share your love of truth, beauty, and joy.
Featured Speakers
Scholars, priests, authors, and apologists gathered to illuminate the genius of GK Chesterton and its relevance to our time.
Dr. Dale Ahlquist
President, Chesterton Society
Nancy Brown
Biographer of Frances Chesterton
Joseph Pearce
Professor and Best-Selling Author
Susan Hanssen
University of Dallas
Dale Ahlquist opens by “Outlining Sanity” for us, presenting Chesterton’s vision for a saner
world.
Dr. Susan Hanssen presents “Chesterton, Merrie England, and America250,” examining how Chesterton’s love of home can instruct us in forming a proper attitude of patriotism.
David Beresford shares some “Common Sense from Canada.“
Fr. Michael Rennier explores the spiritual wisdom in becoming like little children and Chesterton’s Babies and Distributism in his talk, “Chestertonian Poetics.“
Mark Johnson presents the finest education imaginable, fostered through love of reading, in “A Novel Education.“
Joe Grabowski invites us to ponder whether we are starving for want of wonder in his talk, “That Insanely Frivolous Thing We Call Sanity: Wasting Time to Wonder.“
Dan Kerr looks at the “Sanctity of Dirt,’ the beautiful plan of nature that
God has provided in the earth for mankind to have life, and to have it abundantly.
Tim Streiff inquires into “The Theology of the Land,” and reveals how the most fruitful crops farms produce are farmers themselves!
Nancy Brown speaks about the “Conversion of Frances Chesterton” on the 100th anniversary of that grace-filled event.
Joseph Pearce reflects on “Seeing America Through English Eyes“—both his own and G.K. Chesterton’s.
Landon Loftin considers Chesterton’s place in the history of philosophy. Was he “An Edwardian Socrates“?
Plus: GKC as Fashion Expert! What Catholic Social Teaching says about medicine! And whatever the Troubadours decide to talk about!
Additional speakers to be announced. Check back for updates.
Schedule Highlights
2:00 PM
Registration Opens
Confessions available · Vendors open
4:30 PM
Rosary
Spiritual5:00 PM
Opening Mass
Mass6:30 PM
Dinner
Meals7:30 PM
Opening Plenary Sessions
Dale Ahlquist · Susan Hanssen
9:30 PM
Night Prayer
Spiritual9:45 PM
Afterglow
Social7:30 AM
Daily Mass
Mass8:30 AM
Breakfast
Meals9:30 AM
Morning Sessions
David Beresford · Father Michael Rennier
12:00 PM
Lunch and Afternoon Break
Meals3:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions
Joe Grabowski · Mark Johnson · Daniel Kerr · Timothy Streiff
5:30 PM
Dinner
Meals7:00 PM
Evening Sessions
Nancy Brown · The Troubadours
9:30 PM
Night Prayer
Spiritual9:45 PM
Afterglow
Social8:30 AM
Breakfast
Meals9:30 AM
Morning Sessions
Landon Loftin · Joseph Pearce
12:00 PM
Lunch
Meals1:00 PM
Breakout Sessions #1
(A) Emily de Rotstein · (B) Dr. James Breen
2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions #2
(A) Grettelyn Darkey · (B) Ask Dale Ahlquist
3:00 PM
Confessions Available
Spiritual5:00 PM
Rosary
Spiritual5:30 PM
Closing Mass
Mass7:00 PM
Closing Banquet
Meals9:30 PM
Afterglow
SocialThe saints, the most exalted of human figures, were also the most local.
G.K. Chesterton
Experience the Community
More than a conference, a gathering of the Chesterton family from around the world, united by laughter, learning, and love of truth.
Join us in Ave Maria for three unforgettable days.
Register NowConference Location
Ave Maria University
The summit will be hosted in the heart of Ave Maria with its magnificent church and charming town square.
This unique environment provides the perfect backdrop for prayer, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.
Ave Maria University
5050 Ave Maria Blvd
Ave Maria, FL 34142
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about registration, accommodations, schedule, and travel. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly.
Members can receive an exclusive discount. Special rates are also available for Clergy, Religious, Students (ages 12–18), Undergraduates, and Faculty and Students from the Chesterton Schools Network.
The nearest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, approximately 30 minutes from the conference venue. RSW is well served by most major airlines, with direct flights available from many U.S. cities. We recommend booking your flights early, as summer travel to Southwest Florida can be popular. If you are flying from a smaller regional airport, Fort Myers is typically an easy connection through hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, or Chicago.
There is no official shuttle service between the airport and the conference venue. We recommend using ride-share apps such as Uber or Lyft, which are readily available at RSW airport and typically cost between $30–45 for the trip. Car rentals are also a great option, with all major rental agencies available at the airport, and there is plenty of free parking on campus. If you are coordinating with other attendees, the conference forums are a great place to arrange shared rides from the airport.
We are unable to issue refunds for any conference item, including registration fees, meal packages, and special event tickets. For more information or if you have special circumstances you would like to discuss, please contact the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton toll free at 1-800-343-2425.
For more information or assistance, contact the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton toll free at 1-800-343-2425.
See you at the conference!