I'm broke at the moment, so going to conferences is out of the question. (Although I did just read a letter today claiming that an exclusive club of the world's most influential people had selected me to share their secet to unlimited success with. But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.)
As to your teasing question (don't ask me a question if you don't want me to take it seriously), of course all parents influence their children. I just said mine didn't push anything on me. Obviously, if they hadn't been atheists I likely wouldn't have been either, nor my brother similarly an agnostic. On the other hand, they were also both revolutionary socialists, but only I took to that. My brother is apolitical and a self-described cynic.
I did RSVP Eric for the solstice party, but haven't received the details yet. I hope he didn't forget.