The Richmond Forum Unveils Powerful Lineup for Its 40th Season
The Richmond Forum, America’s largest nonprofit speakers series, has announced its timely and wide-ranging 2025–2026 lineup that marks the organization’s 40th season of world-class conversations in Richmond. From global leadership and political reform to cultural impact and existential wonder, this milestone 40th season offers something for every curious mind.
The season opens on November 22, 2025, with a full-circle moment as legendary journalist Ted Koppel returns to the stage he inaugurated in The Forum’s first season. In “40 Years: Moments That Mattered,” Koppel will reflect on the global events that defined the modern era — from Tiananmen Square to 9/11 — and how they were covered, remembered, and understood. In conversation with Amna Nawaz, co-anchor of “PBS NewsHour” and a former intern on Koppel’s “Nightline,” this special evening will examine how journalism shapes our collective memory and why trusted reporting still matters.
On January 17, 2026, former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin will deliver a timely address on the future of Europe. At just 34, Marin led her country through the pandemic and dramatically shifted Finland’s foreign policy with a landmark NATO bid. In “Europe’s Next Generation,” she will offer insights on navigating geopolitical uncertainty, generational change, and the values that could shape a stronger, more unified Europe — lessons with resonance far beyond the continent.
The conversation turns domestic on February 21, 2026, as Joe Manchin, Andrew Yang, and Justin Amash take the stage for “The Two-Party Problem.” With political polarization at a boiling point, these three leaders from across the political spectrum will explore whether the traditional red-versus-blue model can still serve a complex and diverse society. From alternative voting systems to the rise of independents, this panel will challenge the foundations of American democracy and propose new ways forward.
On March 21, 2026, acclaimed actress, entrepreneur, and cultural force Tracee Ellis Ross joins The Forum for “On Identity, Impact, & Joy.” With beloved performances in “Black-ish” and “Girlfriends” and a passion for redefining representation, Ross will share how she blends creativity, identity, and entrepreneurship to pursue change. With warmth and humor, she’ll explore the values of unapologetic joy and living boldly in a world that too often asks us to shrink.
The season concludes on April 18, 2026, with bestselling author (“The Fault in Our Stars,” “Everything is Tuberculosis”) and curious mind John Green. In “Perpetually Curious,” Green will tug at the threads of our wonderfully strange world, asking big questions about human nature, history, science, and storytelling. Known for blending wit with wonder, Green’s unique lens will inspire audiences to fall in love with the complexities of the human experience, even the ones we deem a bit strange.
“For our 40th season, we’re not just looking back at how far we’ve come, we’re looking boldly ahead,” Heather Crislip, executive director of The Richmond Forum, said. “We designed this season to reflect the complex moment we’re living in and to give our audience the tools and insights to shape what comes next. It’s not just a speakers series; it’s a launchpad for discourse and ideas.”
“This season’s speakers challenge us to think bigger, lead with curiosity, and keep asking the questions that move us forward.”
Online subscriptions are available now for $145, offering full streaming access to all five programs. Subscribers can also upgrade to in-person seating at Richmond’s historic Altria Theater on a program-by-program basis — no waitlist or lottery required.
Current subscribers have until May 27, 2025, to renew their seats and request upgrades. Once the renewal period is over, new subscribers will be able to request theater subscriptions, pending availability.
For nearly four decades, The Richmond Forum has connected the Richmond community to global leaders, cultural icons, and transformative thinkers — from Nobel laureates and astronauts to artists and U.S. presidents. With over 6,000 attendees per program, in person and online, The Forum remains one of the city’s most vibrant stages for civic learning, public discourse, and shared discovery.
The Richmond Forum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization. Proceeds from each season support the expansion of speech and debate programs in Richmond-area public schools.
