Terms and Conditions of Sale

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

By purchasing a ticket for Dissident Dialogues (the “Event”), organized by The Festival of Ideas (the “Organizer”), you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set out below.

1. Ticket Purchase and Validity

  • Final Sale: All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds, cancellations, or exchanges, except as outlined in the “Cancellation and Rescheduling” section below.

  • Non-Transferable: Tickets are strictly non-transferable. The name on the ticket must match the attendee’s valid photo ID presented at the door. Resale or attempted resale of tickets is grounds for seizure or cancellation without refund or other compensation.

  • Entry: A valid ticket (printed or digital) must be presented for admission. The Organizer reserves the right to deny entry if the ticket appears to be forged, damaged, or previously used.

  • ID Requirement: You will be asked to provide a valid photo ID upon entry. If the name on the ID does not match the name on the ticket, entry will be denied.

2. Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Refunds

  • Event Cancellation: If the Event is cancelled in its entirety due to the Organizer’s decision, a full refund of the face value of the ticket will be issued to the original method of payment.

  • Rescheduling: If the Event is rescheduled to a new date, your ticket will be automatically valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, you must submit a request for a refund within 10 days of the rescheduling announcement. Requests received after this 10-day period will not be honored.

  • Force Majeure: The Organizer is not liable for any delay or cancellation due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to weather, acts of God, war, strikes, or public health emergencies. In such cases, refunds will be determined at the sole discretion of the Organizer.

  • Speaker Changes: Due to the live nature of the Event, speakers and debate participants are subject to change without notice. Changes to the speaker lineup do not entitle the purchaser to a refund.

3. Event Conduct and Safety

  • Code of Conduct: As this is a debate event, respectful conduct is required. The Organizer reserves the right to remove any person who disrupts the proceedings (e.g., heckling, aggressive interruptions), constitutes a public safety risk, appears intoxicated, or violates these Terms.

  • Prohibited Items: The following items are strictly prohibited inside the venue: weapons of any kind, illegal substances, outside food and drink, and professional audio/video recording equipment (including cameras with detachable lenses).

  • Search Policy: You and your belongings may be subject to search upon entry. Refusal to consent to a search may result in denial of entry without refund.

4. Limitation of Liability

  • Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks and dangers incidental to attending the Event, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the Event, including the risk of personal injury or loss of property.

  • Release of Liability: You agree to release and hold harmless The Festival of Ideas, the Venue, and their respective agents, officers, and employees from any claims or liability arising from your attendance.

5. Media and Photography

  • By attending the Event, you grant the Organizer permission to capture your image, likeness, or voice in photographs, video, or audio recordings.

  • These materials may be used for marketing, promotional, or commercial purposes regarding The Festival of Ideas and future events without compensation to you.

6. Privacy Policy

  • Personal information collected during the ticket purchase process will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell your data to third parties.