Arthur C. Clarke Awards and the Clarke Conversation on Imagination

The Arthur C. Clarke Awards and the Clarke Conversation on Imagination is an evening celebrating creativity, innovation, and the role of imagination in shaping the future. Hosted by the Embassy of France and organized by the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, the program combines a cocktail reception, seated dinner, interactive awards presentation, and dessert.

The evening’s theme, “Unleash Imagination. Shape the Future,” brings together leaders from science, technology, literature, and the arts. The Clarke Conversation gives guests an opportunity to hear directly from the awardees through discussion, questions, and reflections on how imagination can drive progress across disciplines.

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Schedule: The cocktail reception begins at 5:00 p.m., dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., and the awards program begins at 7:15 p.m.

Lineup: The honorees include Hank and John Green, known as the Vlogbrothers, who are authors, educators, and entrepreneurs whose work promotes science, literature, and learning. Hank Green will accept the award in person. Bill Nye, a science educator, engineer, author, and television personality, is also being honored for making science accessible through curiosity and humor. Connie Willis, an acclaimed science fiction author and recipient of multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, completes the group of awardees.

Program: Guests will attend a reception, a seated dinner, the awards presentation, and a conversation about imagination featuring dialogue, questions, and reflections with the honorees.

Tickets: Students: $25; adults: $50; MODULE LEVEL: $350.

Attire: Traditional business attire is requested. Gentlemen are asked to wear jackets and ties.

Security: Guests should allow additional time for security check-in. Large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and bicycle helmets are not permitted on Embassy grounds, and security personnel may confiscate items they consider inappropriate.

Parking: There is no on-site parking. Metered parking is available on Reservoir Road for $2.30 per hour, with a four-hour maximum until 10:00 p.m. Garage parking is available at Georgetown MedStar Health through Entrance #2 at 2800 Reservoir Road NW, at approximately $25 for up to three hours.

Organizers: Arthur Clarke Foundation and the Embassy of France in the United States.

Venue: La Maison Française, Embassy of France in the U.S., 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007.