When: Thursday, February 19th, 2026 (Doors open at 6:00pm, talks start at 7:00pm)
Where: Dickens (1000 9th Ave SW MAP)
Tickets: $15 plus fees – tickets
Join us at Dickens. Order yourself a drink or two (and you can order yourself dinner) while you sit back and listen to us talk nerdy to you. Dickens allows our patrons to order food from their full menu, and of course, the full bar. Street parking is available in the area (free after 6pm) as well as pay lots nearby. Dickens is also located two blocks from the downtown West-Kerby C-train station.
Presentations (not in order)
Talk #1
Title: Safety & Efficacy: a history of clinical trial regulation
Presenter: Mari Boesen
Talk teaser: Spoiler alert – there is a reason why people no longer smoke “Asthma Cigarettes”
About: Mari has a background in Medical Imaging Research with a BSc in Physics (University of Victoria) and an MSc in Physics (University of Calgary). Now she’s a project manager for all things clinical trials at the University of Calgary.
Talk #2
Title: Research into Historic Architectural Finishes
Presenter: Evan Oxland, Architectural Conservator
Talk teaser: This talk is on the subject of Architectural Finishes Research generally, and uses applied research and results from 2nd and 3rd Phase Ukrainian-Canadian Homesteads in Alberta as a case-study to demonstrate it in action.
About: Evan is an architectural conservator and stonemason with over 20 years of practise. He has an MSc in Historic Preservation, and an MA in History of Designed Landscapes and has worked and studied in 4 different continents – particularly significant/fancy places like the parliament buildings to fascinating vernacular buildings in Alberta.
Talk #3
Title: Who Were The Luddites?
Presenter: Zac Trolley, Engineer
Talk teaser: We’ve all heard the term Luddite before, but where did it come from, and why did they hate technology so much?
About: Zac Trolley is a professional engineer with dual degrees in electrical engineering and professional ethics. He fascinated with how seemingly minor decisions can shape our future, and how learning from the past can give us insight into making the right decisions today.
Dickens is a wheelchair accessible venue. If you require to use the elevator please notify us by email before the event so we can arrange for it to be used. Or you can call Dickens directly upon arrival at 403-233-7550.
This is an 18+ event.
REFUND NOTICE: We have always tried to accommodate refunds as requested but it’s not always possible to accommodate last minute requests. To that end going forward, refunds will only be issued by us 48 hours before the event and the Eventbrite fees have to be paid still. After that if tickets are not needed, the purchaser is responsible for finding a buyer.