Shaping the Future

Call For Presenters

We are excited to invite you to submit a proposal to present at Shaping the Future 2026 an annual gathering of educators, health and wellness champions, researchers, and community leaders passionate about creating healthy school communities across Alberta and beyond.

 

Jump to:  Session Types | Apply | Equity & Honararia | FAQ

This year, Ever Active Schools asks all presenters to explore transformational thinking through three guiding questions: What if? What then? What next? 

All sessions should address or explore the following questions:

  • What if? (What possibilities or innovative ideas are you bringing forward?)
  • What then? (What are the implications, actions, or strategies that followed?)
  • What next? (How can this learning or approach grow, evolve, or scale?)

There are two types of sessions you can submit

CONCURRENT SESSION PROPOSALS (50 MINUTES)

We welcome submissions that are interactive, research-informed, equity-centred, and grounded in practice. Session Details:

  • 50 minutes total (presentation + questions)
  • All rooms will include “Take Away Boards” for participants to reflect and share insights. Please leave space at the end of your session to encourage contributions.
  • Presenters are encouraged to include opportunities for hands-on learning, discussion, or co-creation.

WORKSHOP SESSION PROPOSALS (90 MINUTES)

Workshop sessions at Shaping the Future 2026 offer a unique opportunity for participants to go beyond introductory learning and dive deeply into a specific topic, skillset, or process. These sessions are experiential by design, inviting attendees to actively engage through hands-on activities, reflection, discussion, and co-creation. Workshops are not lecture-based; they are immersive, participatory, and designed to foster deeper understanding and personal or professional growth.

Workshops are integrated into the main conference schedule and presented in a 90 minute format. They are ideal for topics that benefit from:

  • Extended time to unpack complex ideas or frameworks
  • Active skill-building or practice-based learning
  • Group collaboration or peer-to-peer learning
  • Meaningful dialogue and critical reflection
  • Creation of tangible takeaways or implementation plans

Presenters facilitating workshops are expected to design for high levels of interaction, allowing participants to move from knowledge acquisition to real-world application. These sessions are best suited for presenters who want to go deeper with their audience and create a lasting impact.

If you have a session idea that would benefit from more time and immersive structure, consider submitting it as a workshop instead of a concurrent session.

TO APPLY

  • Complete the online submission form below
  • Email a brief (maximum 2 minute or under) video introduction outlining your session and its relevance. (Alternative formats available upon request) to events@everactive.org
  • Clearly outline how your session addresses the guiding questions: What if? What then? What next?

We encourage submissions from diverse voices, especially those rooted in lived experience, Indigenous and cultural knowledge, and community-based practice.

EQUITY & HONORARIA

Ever Active Schools is committed to equity and inclusion. We are exploring options to provide speaker honoraria for those representing equity-owed populations. Our team will connect with individuals directly to support this process where applicable. Please indicate when applying that you require more support.

Presenter Frequently Asked Questions

We are looking for dynamic, engaging sessions that support the creation of healthy school communities. Sessions can be practical, research-based, or story-driven, and should respond to the guiding questions:

  • What if?
  • What then?
  • What next?

These questions help ground your content in innovation, implementation, and future growth.

Concurrent sessions are 50 minutes, while Workshop sessions are 90 minutes. This includes presentation time, activities, and participant Q&A. We encourage interactive and engaging delivery.

Each session room will include a “Take Away Board” for attendees to post what they’ve learned or are taking with them. Please allocate 2–3 minutes at the end of your session to encourage audience contributions.

As part of your submission, include a brief video (max. 2 minutes) introducing yourself, your session topic, and how it aligns with the guiding questions.

  • This helps our review team get a sense of your session’s tone and impact.
  • Alternative submission formats (e.g., audio, written summary) are available upon request to ensure accessibility.

Yes, we are accepting separate proposals for half-day and full-day workshops. Please email events@everactive.org to discuss this opportunity.

Presenters will be offered as a “thank you” for presenting a significant discount on the conference registration fee in recognition of their contribution. Specific discount details will be shared once the program is confirmed, but you can expect a significant reduction (e.g., 20%). Presenters are not required to register for the conference, but it is recommended.

In addition:

  • One presenter per accepted session will receive this discount. Additional presenters may attend at regular cost or apply for further discount (space permitting).
  • We are also exploring the ability to offer honoraria for presenters who identify as part of equity-owed populations (e.g., Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with disabilities). Please indicate this confidentially in your application by email if applicable, and a team member will connect with you.

Generally, presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging. However, limited supports may be available in specific cases, especially for those travelling from remote or equity-owed contexts. Please contact us if this applies to you.

Submissions are due by October 1, 2026.

Please email events@everactive.org for more details or support during your application.

Check Out:  Shaping the Future 2026 Registration | Call For Exhibitors