When Words Collide 2026 - Registration
WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026
Join us for a weekend of author events, learning, sharing of stories and networking opportunities.
August 14-16, 2026
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Downtown Calgary
Festival Pass
(includes 3 full days of panels, presentations, writing, social events, author events, blue pencils and pitch sessions.)
Arrivals & Optional Evening Welcome Event - Thursday, August 13, 2026
Early Bird Pricing (until August 31, 2025)
Adult: $80
Senior: (65+) $70
Youth (9-17): $70
Children under 9: Free (registration still required)
2025 Pricing: (September 1-December 31, 2025)
Adult: $105
Senior: (65+) $95
Youth (8-17): $95
Children under 9: Free (registration still required)
2026 Pricing (January 1 until tickets are told out, or August 13, 2026)
Adult: $130
Senior: (65+) $120
Youth (8-17): $120
Children under 9: Free (registration still required
Group Rates Available - contact us for details.
Featured Guests:
Kevin McDonald | Terry Brooks (virtual)
Special Guests:
Andrew Buckley | Amanda Leduc | Craig Dilouie | Gemma Files | Lily Chu | Bianca Marais | Danny Ramadan and more!
Special Guest - Agents:
Mira Landry - Corvisiero Agency
Carly Watters - PS Literary Agency
CeCe Lyra - Wendy Sherman Associates
For more information about When Words Collide, go to: whenwordscollide.org
Optional Festival Add-Ons:
Saturday Night Showcase - Theme, Hollywood Cringe.
From the best dressed to the epic fashion disasters, join us on a red carpet like no other, where Met Gala meets When Words Collide. Come dressed to impress, take a turn on the carpet in front of the paparazzi and hecklers alike. Then join us for dinner and a show.
Kevin McDonald of The Kids in the Hall brings his hilarious, offbeat rock opera back to Calgary. Kevin McDonald Superstar is a wild ride through comedy, music, and true confessions — from the early days of Kids in the Hall to personal mishaps and the '90s comedy scene that shaped it all. Featuring McDonald and members of the "original" ensemble, this unforgettable show blends music, storytelling, and nonstop laughs. One night only — don’t miss it!
Festival Swag Bag: $50
worth more than $80, includes program, notebook & pen, t-shirt, War of the Words Anthology, pins and other little knick-knacks.
Festival T-Shirt: $25
Festival Program: $5
War of the Words Volume Three: $15
Additional Information
Refund Policy
Festival Weekend Passes, Saturday Night Showcase Tickets, and Master Class Passes are refundable. Unable to attend, full refunds will be granted until January 31, 2026. 50% refunds after January 31, 2026 and before August 1, 2026. Sorry, no refunds after August 1, 2026.
Subsidies
Subsidies are available through the J. Michael Fay Subsidy Program. Let us know how we can help.
Communications
Emails and digital newsletters are the primary means of communication with conference attendees. By registering for When Words Collide, you agree to receive conference-related updates and information via email and digital newsletters. We send these thoughtfully and with respect for your time and attention.
Presenters/Panelist
All selected presenters and panelists will receive a festival pass and an honourarium. Applications for presenters/panelists will open in late 2025. More details to come.
Featured Authors and Special Guests are selected and invited by the planning committee by recommendation from attendees, agents, publishers and individuals. If you're interested in being a future Featured Author or Special Guest please submit an expression of interest and publicity details for consideration to Robin at [email protected]
