diff --git a/plugins/talks.py b/plugins/talks.py
index 2026602..d3950e5 100644
--- a/plugins/talks.py
+++ b/plugins/talks.py
@@ -307,8 +307,10 @@ class TalksGenerator(generators.Generator):
                 if os.path.isdir(outdir):
                     shutil.rmtree(outdir)
                 shutil.copytree(self.talks[talkname]['resources'], outdir)
-        with open(os.path.join(self.output_path, TALK_ICS), 'w') as buf:
-            buf.write(talks_to_ics().encode('utf8'))
+        with io.open(os.path.join(self.output_path, TALK_ICS),
+                     'w',
+                     encoding='utf8') as buf:
+            buf.write(talks_to_ics())
 
 
 def add_talks_option_defaults(pelican):