Forward Thinking Speaker Series
The Forward Thinking Speaker Series reflects EPL’s rich history of taking risks, trying new things and redefining the modern library. EPL invites thought-leaders from a variety of industries to share their insights, ideas, experiences and viewpoints. Its purpose is to help build better organizations, neighborhoods and communities.
Featured Speakers
The much-anticipated 2026 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Season Pass will go on sale Wednesday, January 14 starting at 10 a.m.Â
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Secure your tickets to all four events for just $125. The following speakers will share their insights, experiences and viewpoints as part of this ongoing series.
- Thinking Out Loud Together: Civil Discourse in Action with Randy Boyagoda
Tuesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. - Westbury Theatre
- An Evening with Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung
Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- Elbows Up: How Canada Can Disenshittify Its Tech, Reclaim Its Sovereignty, and Launch a New Tech Sector Into a Stable Orbit with Cory Doctorow
Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m. - Horowitz Theatre
- A Conversation with Chantal Hébert
Monday, October 26 at 7 p.m. - Horowitz Theatre
The Season Pass includes general admission seating for all four Forward Thinking Speaker Series events in 2026. Season Pass holders will receive event tickets one month prior to the event.Â
Season Passes are non-refundable.Â
This Year's Speakers
Civil Discourse in Action with Randy Boyagoda
An Evening with Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung
Elbows Up with Cory Doctorow
A Conversation with Chantal Hébert
Past Speakers
2024 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2023 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2022 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2021 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2024 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2023 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2022 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
2021 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
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We have tested a variety of ticketing models at our events, including giving all tickets away for free. Unfortunately, this is not the best practice for us or our customers due to high no-show rates. We often had hundreds of customers missing out on tickets only to have a significant number of no-shows at the event. We have learned that a small cost holds our customers accountable to use their ticket while still making it a very affordable event.
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You can transfer your ticket to a friend or family member if you can't attend an event. EPL does not offer refunds for tickets purchased to Forward Thinking Speaker Series events.Â
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In an effort to create a barrier-free experience, if you have a disability or impairment that will impact your participation in our event please email us at events@epl.ca at least one week ahead of time to allow us to find solutions to best support you.
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The General Admission season pass is $125 and gives you a tickets to all four Forward Thinking Speaker Series events in 2026.Â
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In order to ensure the best experience for all customers, we do not allow latecomers into Speaker Series events after 7:10 p.m. Please be in your seats before this time.