Shaping the Future
A national gathering to inspire, connect, and equip educators and partners in creating healthy, thriving schools and communities.
By partnering with Shaping the Future, your organization becomes part of meaningful conversations and practical learning that supports healthier futures for children and youth.
Inviting educators, school leaders, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members with lived experience to submit proposals that challenge thinking and spark action.
Exhibiting at Shaping the Future provides opportunities to showcase resources, programs, products, and services to an engaged audience looking for practical solutions and innovative ideas.
AVAILABLE NOW: EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Shaping the Future 2027
Shaping the Future is Ever Active’s annual conference that brings together educators, researchers, health and wellness professionals, and community change-makers to collaboratively advance the future of healthy schools and communities. Now in its 17th year, the event features dynamic learning, meaningful connection, and practical inspiration to support thriving students and communities.
January 28th - January 29th, 2027
The Westin Edmonton Treaty 6 Territory
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
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Save Your Spot At Shaping the Future 2027
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Two-Day Conference Access
Thursday, January 28, 2026, from 9:00 am until Friday, January 29, 2026, at 3:30 pm. Please note this schedule differs from previous years, and the main conference begins earlier and does not run into Saturday.
Sessions
4+ Keynote speakers
12+ workshop sessions
12+ concurrent sessions
Active Learning
Move beyond your seat with active presentations and nature-based sessions
MarketPLAYce
Dedicated exhibitor time and extensive in-person networking opportunities
App
Conference app access for agenda building, session information and networking
Giveaways
Conference giveaways and curated on-site experiences
Daily Wellness
Smudges with Elders, morning yoga, wellness sessions and more
Meals
Thursday Breakfast, Lunch and snacks provided. Friday Breakfast, Lunch and snacks provided.
Full Agenda Available Now!
See what's happening in our Workshop and Concurrent blocks.
Sessions will address one of FIVE content streams:
Human-Centred Technology: AI, Phones & Digital Well-Being
Exploring topics such as AI in education, ethical technology use, digital citizenship, media literacy, student digital wellness, attention and learning, and protecting relationships in technology-rich environments.
Inclusive Futures: Equity, Identity & Every Student Belonging
Exploring topics such as culturally responsive practice, Indigenous education, accessibility, student voice, inclusive leadership, and creating spaces of belonging.
Play, Movement, & Nature: Rebuilding Healthy Childhoods
Exploring topics such as active play, physical literacy, outdoor learning, risky play, recess, land-based learning, play-based learning, and nature connection.
Thriving Minds: Mental Health & Well-Being, Belonging & Student Well-Being
Exploring topics such as student and educator well-being, anxiety and stress, resilience, belonging, emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, connection, and burnout prevention.
Leadership
For system leaders
Our Keynote Speakers
COURT RUSTEMEYER
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“Every educator begins their career as an explorer.”
Court Rustemeyer has spent nearly 20 years helping students and educators rediscover curiosity, connection, and purpose through experiential learning. An award-winning educator, National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, and author of the best-selling book Mentorship in theWild, Court teaches junior high outdoor education with the Calgary Board of Education.
His work has taken learning far beyond the classroom, from expeditions with students across Western Canada to learning alongside scientists, educators, and explorers in Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic. Court has been recognized with the City of Calgary Environmental Educator Award and EECOM’s Outstanding Educator in Environmental Education Award.
He also serves as President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council and Director of the Prairies for the Outdoor Council of Canada. At the heart of Court’s work is a simple belief: curiosity, connection, and meaningful experiences can transform the way we learn, lead, and grow.
Dr. Jess Whitley
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Dr. Jess Whitley (she/her) is a Professor of Inclusive Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. She holds a University Research Chair in partnership with Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre, on the intersection of Inclusion, Mental Health & School Attendance. Jess’ community-based research focuses on learning from students, families, educators and communities to ultimately develop more inclusive school environments.
André Côté
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André (he/him) has worked in a variety of roles at the intersection of policy, higher education and tech. As mission-driven consultant, offering strategic advice, research and other services to a range of clients. As senior advisor to Ontario’s deputy premier and minister of advanced education and skills development, and for digital government services. As chief operating & strategy officer with NEXT Canada, a national non-profit incubator for entrepreneurs and start-ups. As ed tech innovator, developing the Dive: Student Aid digital case learning model with TMU’s Leadership Lab and other partners. And as a director on the Board of eCampus Ontario.
He’s published many papers, reports and articles, including in other past roles with IMFG, a cities-focused research institute at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy; and with the Public Policy Forum.André is a graduate of the Munk School’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) program and Queen’s University, and grew up in Ottawa.
Carolyn Roberts
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Award-winning author, speaker, and Indigenous academic Carolyn Roberts brings warmth, brilliance, and an inspiring presence to every space she enters. St̓át̓imc and Stó:lō woman from the Thevarge family of N’Quatqua and the Kelly family from Ch’iyáqtel, Carolyn is also a proud member of the Squamish Nation. Her debut book, Re-Storying Education, has been celebrated widely earning both the Nautilus Gold Award and Whistler Writers Festival Book of the Year. Carolyn launched her picture book, Tess’s Red Dress: Honouring Love & Family, was on the best sellers list for two months straight right out of the gate.
Currently a faculty lecturer in UBC’s Teacher Education and NITEP programs, Carolyn draws on more than twenty years of experience as an educator and administrator in K–12 public schools, First Nation band schools, and post-secondary institutions. Her work lights a path toward decolonizing education and uplifting Indigenous brilliance, making her a deeply engaging and sought-after voice in the field.
Accommodations
We have a preferred room block onsite at The Westin Edmonton. To access the conference rate of $169.00 + taxes per night, use the booking link. The last day to access the conference rate is Friday, January 8, 2027.
Hotel Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your reservation for no charge until 72 hours prior to the arrival date. Should cancellation be received within 72 hours, one (1) night room and taxes will be charged to the credit card on file. An early Departure fee of $75 applies if you check out early without advising the front desk of a departure date change upon check-in.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE WESTIN EDMONTON
Join The Research Roundtable
Join us for the Shaping the Future Research Roundtable — a collaborative space where research, practice, and lived experience come together to advance school well-being. This event brings together teachers, school leaders, researchers, school-serving organizations, students, policymakers, and interdisciplinary teams to share ideas, explore evidence-informed practices, and build meaningful partnerships. Whether you are conducting research, applying evidence in practice, or looking to strengthen school health initiatives in your community, this event offers opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate.
presentation opportunities
We welcome presentations that showcase research, practice, partnerships, and innovative approaches to school well-being.
Presentation Formats include:
Poster Presentations – for showcasing research projects, findings, or applied practice in a visual format with space for discussion
5-Minute Presentations – short, focused talks highlighting key aspects of a research project or applied practice.
What to expect
- Interactive discussions on current issues and emerging trends in school well-being
- Practical examples of research in action across classrooms, schools, and communities
- Opportunities to connect researchers with educators and partners for future collaboration
- Networking with professionals committed to improving outcomes for children and youth
Register now to be a part of the Research Roundtable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Inquries and Questions
Where and when is Shaping the Future 2026?
Shaping the Future 2027 will take place from January 28, 2027, to January 29, 2027, in Edmonton, Alberta at the Westin.
Is there any support available to help me attend?
If you need financial support from your school administration, we have put together a customizable Letter of Support for your convenience. Click here to download.
Ever Active does not currently offer financial support outside of funded project work. We will update this list with funding opportunities that may be available through outside organizations and/or conference partners.
- The ATA Educational Trust offers bursaries and grants to Alberta teachers and educational researchers. Learn more.
Is there any more information?
Our full conference agenda will be available in the fall!
On-site parking at the Westin is available for a fee of $38.00 daily. If you are looking for other parking around the Westin, you can check out our Parking Options here.
Additional Registration Details
Dietary & Accessibility: Ever Active is committed to an inclusive environment. You will be able to indicate specific dietary requirements (GF, Vegan, Allergies) and accessibility needs during the checkout process.
Group Registration: Groups of 5-10 are eligible for a discounted conference rate. Please register using the provided registration link. If your group needs assistance with registration, or if you have a group of 10 or more, contact us at
Registration Cancellation Policy: All cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Registration details may be modified until January 15, 2027, after January 15, 2027, no cancellations with a refund will be accepted.
Contact for assistance in modifying or cancelling your registration. Please note that Ticket Tailor’s fees are non-refundable and are not included in the $50 cancellation fee.
