WikiConference North America/2026
WikiConference North America 2026 will take place in Edmonton from September 24–27, 2026.
This year's theme is "Building the Future of the Commons". It is about reimagining how we create and share free knowledge in a rapidly changing world. As technologies like AI reshape how information is produced and consumed, the Wikimedia movement has a unique opportunity to ensure the commons stay open, human, reliable, and inclusive.
This theme aims to spark conversations across communities, the tech world, and cultural and educational ecosystems. Together, we will explore the evolving relationship between Wikimedia and AI, highlight underrepresented voices in our communities, and deepen our work with GLAMU institutions.
One of the conference days will also focus on empowering contributors at every level: from newcomers making their first edits, to everyday contributors looking to develop or improve their skills, to experienced users with extended rights and the issues that are most relevant to them.
The organizers applied for and received a grant in the August 2025 Conference and Event Fund round.
This year, approximately 250 attendees are expected at the 4-day event, including scholarship recipients, guest speakers, and Wikimedia affiliates from across the region. The conference will feature workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, fostering connections among Wikimedians, educators, and cultural organizations.
Conference Details
[edit]Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Culture Crawl
- Opening Reception
Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Main Conference at the Lister Centre at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hashtag
- #WikiConferenceNA
Culture Crawl
[edit]The conference will kick off with a Culture Crawl on Thursday, September 24, 2026, offering attendees the chance to explore Edmonton’s cultural institutions and community partners through tours, exhibitions, and performances.
Main Conference
[edit]The main conference will take place over three days: Friday, September 25, Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026. These days will feature keynote talks, workshops, panel discussions, lightning talks, and community meetups focused on free knowledge, Wikimedia projects, and movement strategy.
Submissions
[edit]WikiConference North America is made up of presentations, panels, workshops, and roundtables led by the Wikimedia community and institutions of knowledge and technology.
Proposals are welcome in English, French, and Spanish. WCNA 2026 will be in-person only.
Call for proposals closed on May 18, 2026.
Submissions will be reviewed by a Programming Committee. Each proposal is evaluated on its likely impact and outcomes, expected community interest, and alignment with the theme or focus areas. Committee scores are averaged, and the top-rated submissions will be accepted based on schedule availability.
Program Tracks
[edit]The program is organized in 5 tracks:
- AI & Tech
- GLAMU (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Universities)
- New users and skills development
- Underrepresented communities
- Users with extended rights