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Events

The Independent Institute hosts numerous events to encourage discussion and understanding of key issues in current affairs, public policy and political economy. Most are held at Independent’s conference center in Oakland, California. At each event, distinguished and well-known scholars, policy experts and others speak at length about important issues and answer questions from the audience.


Recent Events
From Crisis to Opportunity
COVID Lockdowns and Educational Freedom

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Washington, D.C.
Join us for this important event on the legacy of the COVID lockdowns and the future of educational freedom in the West. Hosted by Senator Rand Paul, Dr. Scott Atlas and education expert and author James Tooley will bring their wisdom and expertise to this crucial topic.
Celebration of the Life of David J. Theroux
The Legacy and Future of Liberty

Thursday, January 12, 2023
Oakland, CA
On April 23, 2022 Independent Institute Founder and President David J. Theroux passed away. On January 12, 2023, family, friends, and associates gathered to celebrate and be inspired by his life, including tributes by Benjamin Powell and son Paul Theroux, an overview of David’s life by his wife Mary, and stirring messages from Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and George Gilder. The evening concluded with a look ahead to a future bright with opportunity.
Beyond Homeless: Finding Hope
World Premiere of the New Documentary

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, San Francisco, California
Beyond Homeless: Finding Hope is the Independent Institute's award-winning, 38-minute documentary that contrasts the current tragic conditions of San Francisco’s unhoused with a successful community-wide solution called Haven for Hope of Bexar County, located in San Antonio, TX. The film is also the companion to an in-depth Independent Policy Report, Beyond Homeless: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes, Transformative Solutions. The film is followed by panel of experts featured in the film to discuss the root causes of homelessness and how to mobilize communities to enact solutions.
New Way to Care: Market-Based Health and Social Protections
U.S. Rep Pete Sessions and John C. Goodman

Thursday, December 16, 2021
Independent Institute Conference Center, Oakland, CA
In this far-reaching and compelling Independent Conversation, U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions interviews the innovative economist and author Dr. John C. Goodman (Senior Fellow, Independent Institute; President, Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research), in a conversation hosted by Dr. Graham H. Walker (Executive Director, Independent Institute). They discuss Dr. Goodman's widely acclaimed book, New Way to Care: Social Protections that Put Families First, on the need to create a market-based social safety net for all Americans.


  • Catalyst
  • Beyond Homeless
  • MyGovCost.org
  • FDAReview.org
  • OnPower.org
  • elindependent.org