Call For Presenters

Shaping The Future

Do you have ideas, strategies, research, stories, or practices that are helping shape healthier futures for children and youth in schools and communities?

Shaping the Future 2027 is seeking engaging presenters to share practical, research-informed, and inspiring learning experiences at our conference taking place January 28–29, 2027, in Edmonton, Alberta.

We invite educators, school leaders, researchers, health professionals, community organizations, students, and community members with lived experience to submit proposals that challenge thinking, spark action, and support healthier school communities.

CONFERENCE LEARNING STREAMS

All submissions must align with one of our four conference streams:

Thriving Minds: Mental Health & Well-Being, Belonging & Student Well-Being

Topics may include:

  • Anxiety and stress in youth
  • School avoidance and absenteeism
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Emotional regulation
  • Resilience
  • Belonging and identity
  • Student connection
  • Educator mental health & well-being
  • Burnout prevention

Topics may include:

  • Risky play
  • Land-Based Learning
  • Outdoor learning
  • Recess
  • Active Play
  • Physical literacy
  • Play-based learning
  • Nature connection

Topics may include:

  • AI in education
  • Digital citizenship
  • Ethical AI use
  • Media literacy
  • Student digital wellness
  • Attention and learning
  • Protecting relationships in technology-rich environments

Topics may include:

  • Culturally responsive practice
  • Indigenous education
  • Accessibility
  • Student voice
  • Inclusive leadership
  • Creating spaces of belonging

SESSION FORMATS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (50 MINUTES)

Concurrent sessions provide opportunities to share practical strategies, research, innovative practices, and lessons learned.

We encourage sessions that are:

  • Interactive and engaging
  • Grounded in research and/or practice
  • Action-oriented and practical
  • Inclusive and equity-informed
  • Relevant to multiple roles and sectors

Session timing includes presentation, discussion, and participant questions. Presenters are encouraged to incorporate opportunities for reflection, discussion, collaboration, or active participation.

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS (90 MINUTES)

Workshops offer participants deeper learning experiences and are intentionally designed to be immersive, hands-on, and highly participatory.

Workshop sessions should prioritize:

  • Experiential learning and participant engagement
  • Skill building and practice-based learning
  • Reflection and dialogue
  • Collaboration and co-creation
  • Real-world application and implementation planning

Workshops are ideal for topics that require more time to explore frameworks, practice strategies, build tools, or support deeper conversation.

Please note: Workshops should not simply be longer presentations. Successful workshop proposals clearly demonstrate how participants will actively engage throughout the experience.

Selected workshop presenters may also be invited to deliver a featured 20-minute keynote presentation as part of the main conference program.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Strong proposals typically:

  • Share practical tools, strategies, or approaches participants can apply immediately
  • Include diverse perspectives and voices
  • Connect research to practice
  • Encourage participant interaction and engagement
  • Support healthier, more inclusive school communities

We strongly encourage submissions from presenters representing diverse identities, lived experiences, Indigenous and cultural knowledge, and community-based practice.

PRESENTER INFORMATION

Presenter Registration

Accepted presenters will receive a discounted conference registration rate as a thank you for their contribution. Additional details will be shared upon acceptance.

Presenters are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, accommodation, parking, and related expenses unless otherwise discussed in advance with the conference team.

Ever Active is committed to creating equitable opportunities for participation. Limited support may be available in specific circumstances. Please indicate within your application if additional supports or accommodations are required.

To submit a proposal:

  1. Complete the online presenter submission form
  2. Select your preferred session format (Concurrent Session or Workshop)
  3. Identify which conference stream your session aligns with
  4. Share clear learning outcomes and participant takeaways
  5. Submit before the deadline

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026

Questions about presenting, accessibility supports, or session fit can be directed to:

We look forward to learning with you and building healthier futures together.

Take Me To: Shaping The Future 2027

Scroll to Top