How do the Walrus Talks work?
The Walrus Talks create conversations. Every event features a group of speakers who have seven minutes each to tackle an aspect of our chosen topic. We choose these speakers to reflect a range of experiences and viewpoints, but they have one thing in common: the desire for real conversation about issues that affect the future of Canada. The Walrus Talks will leave you thinking “I’ve never thought of it that way!”
How do you pick topics for the Walrus Talks?
The Walrus has an educational mandate to create forums for conversations about Canada and its place in the world. A Walrus Talks topic must be relevant, timely, and broad enough to allow a number of perspectives. We work with our national and local partners, our advisory council, and many others to decide what topics to take on.
Why seven minutes?
Our speakers are some of the brightest and best thinkers in the country. Our seven-minute format ensures that every speaker speaks to the heart of his or her expertise. Each Walrus Talk showcases highly focused ideas in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. In an hour of ideas from leading voices, Walrus Talks audiences are treated to a wide-ranging master class on our topic.
Is there a Q&A with the speakers following The Walrus Talks?
No, and that’s deliberate. Because of the pace of these events, our guests prefer a deconstructed Q&A in the post-talk reception. Every Walrus Talks is followed by a reception for speakers and attendees, and there is always food, drink, and great conversation. This is where you’ll have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with our speakers. These lively receptions are the beginning of conversations that continue long after the Walrus Talks evening ends.
I’m a journalist. Can I get a media pass to cover the event?
Absolutely. Email events@thewalrus.ca if you’re interested in covering any of our events, or interviewing our speakers.
How can I be notified about Walrus Talks in my city?
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and sign up for our Events Newsletter.
I wasn’t able to attend the last Walrus Talks. Can I watch it anyway?
We record all of our Walrus Talks for your viewing pleasure. Visit us on YouTube to catch up on our recent events and re-watch your favourite speakers on demand.
How do I attend Facebook Live events?
All our Facebook Live events will exist on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewalrus/
We will be creating a Facebook event page for each live event so that people can get reminders for it, but on the day of the event, the actual live stream will appear on our main Facebook page (not at the Facebook event URL—it’s a limitation of broadcasting from Zoom).
You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch our events; we will also embed the live streams here on our website, available right off our front page while the event is live and then as a video that you can rewatch after the live event has ended.
Where is The Walrus Talks heading next? I want to buy tickets!
All of our upcoming events are listed at thewalrus.ca/the-walrus-talks, where you can find information about locations, tickets, speakers, and more.
How does sponsorship of The Walrus Talks work?
Each Walrus Talks is supported by sponsors and partners who share our interest in creating vital conversation. Those partners include governments, institutions, corporate entities, non-profits, and more. The Walrus selects and books all of the on-stage talent who appear at the Talks, and our sponsors support that work. For information on sponsorship, please email events@thewalrus.ca.
I have more questions about The Walrus Talks. Who can I contact?
Email us at events@thewalrus.ca. We’re happy to answer questions, hear feedback, and tell you more about our events.
