AynRandCon is an annual conference where the best young minds come together to explore Ayn Rand’s ideas.
Ready for an intellectual adventure? AynRandCon-USA 2025 is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Objectivism, where you’ll connect with like-minded individuals, engage in profound philosophical discussions, and participate in an intimate gathering that fosters growth and a shared passion for Objectivism, including:
- A chance to explore life-changing ideas in an atmosphere of growth and camaraderie
- Unparalleled access to approachable, enthusiastic lecturers for meaningful conversations about the concrete applications of Objectivism
- Opportunities to easily connect with others who share fundamental values and apply Objectivist ideas every day in their lives
Designed for students of Objectivism ready to take the next step on their journey, AynRandCon-USA will give you a chance to:
Meet the Experts
Dr. Ben Bayer
Fellow and Director of Content,
Ayn Rand Institute
Dr. Bayer is a fellow and director of content at the Ayn Rand Institute. He teaches at ARU and gives talks and interviews for ARI. He writes and edits for ARI’s online publication, New Ideal. Dr. Bayer's writing focuses primarily on the application of philosophy to contemporary cultural and political controversies.
Dr. Gena Gorlin
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin; Licensed Psychologist and Founder Coach
Dr. Gorlin has published numerous academic and popular articles on her research examining the moral psychology of self-creation. She writes an influential Substack newsletter titled The Psychology of Ambition and is writing a book with Penguin on the same topic.
Dr. Michael Mazza
Associate Fellow,
Ayn Rand Institute
Dr. Mazza is an associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. He teaches at ARU. Dr. Mazza has a PhD in philosophy and writes on Rand’s philosophy, including its application to science and technology.
Dr. Gregory Salmieri
Senior Scholar of Philosophy,
Salem Center
Dr. Salmieri is the co-editor of A Companion to Ayn Rand (2016), Foundations of a Free Society (2019), and Aristotle and Ayn Rand (forthcoming). He has published and lectured on many aspects of Objectivism and on Aristotle’s ethics and epistemology.
Tal Tsfany
President and CEO,
Ayn Rand Institute
Mr. Tsfany is president and CEO of the Ayn Rand Institute. Previously, he was an entrepreneur, investor, and executive in the software world in Israel and the United States. Mr. Isfany runs the Happiness Team and the Hero Mastermind programs guiding participants to rationally pursue their values. He has also published a young adult book titled Sophie.
Steven Warden
Researcher,
Salem Center
Mr. Warden is a former junior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute and currently works for the Salem Center at the University of Texas at Austin. His work focuses on themes in moral and political individualism and Objectivism
Venue
SPONSOR STUDENTS
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Registration
FAQ
We designed the content to appeal to young people who have read at least one of Ayn Rand’s novels and want to study Objectivism in depth. Attendees should be familiar with Ayn Rand’s fiction and have an interest in her nonfiction works.
Yes! In addition to taking questions during their sessions, AynRandCon speakers are happy to make themselves available for discussion whenever there is a break in the conference programming. We encourage you to interact with speakers during breaks, receptions, and meals.
Day passes will not be sold and you should plan to attend both Saturday and Sunday programming. To ensure scholarship funds are put to full use, we require attendees receiving a scholarship to attend all lectures and events included in their scholarship package.
The registration fee will be refunded for cancellations made by February 14, 2025. Please contact us at events@aynrand.org if you are no longer able to attend the conference.
Student pricing is available for full-time students of any age with a valid student ID, including current and new students enrolled as graded students in ARI’s ARU. Attendance at student events may be required to receive the discounted student pricing. Exceptions may be granted for unique circumstances (e.g., one is returning to school after an absence but not yet a current student). Contact us if you have a question about your eligibility.
The main way to interact with attendees before the conference is to join the AynRandCon-USA WhatsApp group. There, you can meet other attendees and chat about plans for the conference.
Post a message on the AynRandCon-USA WhatsApp group to connect with other attendees concerning rooms and travel.
The conference includes a Friday night reception with light fare, Saturday and Sunday buffet lunches, and a social event on Saturday evening that will include drinks and heavy appetizers. Please contact us at events@aynrand.org if you have further questions about meals.
The conference will be photographed and filmed and has a “smart“ or ”smart casual” dress code, which means casual but presentable and neat. If you have questions, contact us at events@aynrand.org.
No private audio or video recording is allowed. ARI may record conference events and make them available later through our YouTube channel and other outlets. However, you are encouraged to take photos and post on X (#AynRandCon)! We only ask that you refrain from using flash photography during the talks so as not to disturb the speakers and other attendees.
We will not be livestreaming AynRandCon-USA 2025.
We are excited to welcome you to AynRandCon-USA at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. Directions to the hotel can be found here. If you have any questions or need further assistance with your travel arrangements, please email events@aynrand.org.
AT&T Hotel and Conference Center
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX 78705
512-404-1900
Parking Information: Valet and self-parking are available at the hotel for an additional fee. For more information, please contact the hotel directly at 512-404-1900.
Send us an email at events@aynrand.org and we’ll be happy to help.
