ShedFest West ’26
Edmonton, Alberta
April 27-29, 2026
Welcome to the ShedFest West Info and Registration Page
ShedFest West is the first-ever gathering of Men’s Sheds from across Western Canada. It brings together Shedders, Shed leaders, and Provincial Associations for a few energizing days of connection, sharing, and learning.
Whether you’re part of a long-established Shed or just getting started, ShedFest West is a chance to step away from day-to-day operations, learn from one another, and head home with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and practical tools you can put to work right away.
Who Can Attend
ShedFest West is open to Men’s Sheds Canada (MSC) member Sheds from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
If your Shed is not yet a member, we invite you to join – at no cost – and be connected to a national network, practical resources, funding opportunities, and learning events such as webinars, training sessions, and ShedFest.
Not sure if your Shed is a MSC member? Email Brian.S@mensshedscanada.org. Apply for Membership here.
Why Attend ShedFest West
What You Get
MSC is covering key costs to make participation easy and affordable.
The Program: What to Expect
Monday, April 27th
Arrival and Welcome
| 4:00 – 5:30 pm | Registration and Badge Pickup |
| 5:30 – 6:30 pm | Buffet Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:30 pm | Video Studio Open – Where you can share snapshots, reflections, stories or experiences from ShedFest |
| 7:30 – 8:30 pm | Welcome Reception (Opening remarks 7:30 pm sharp) |
Tuesday, April 28th — Conference Day 1
7:30 – 8:30 am Registration, Breakfast and Networking
Registration and Badge Pickup
Breakfast
Video Studio open
8:45 – 9:30 am Opening Plenary Session (To be live-streamed and recorded)
Opening Remarks
Greetings from Special Guests
Recognition of Sponsors and Partners
Conference Overview
9:30 – 10:10 am Keynote Address: David Irvine (To be live streamed and recorded)
WALKING TOGETHER SIDE BY SIDE: Rediscovering Purpose, Authenticity, and Connection
In every man’s life, there comes a point when the question shifts—from what do I do to who am I becoming? In this keynote address, David Irvine invites men to explore a new way of living – rooted not in performance or roles, but in authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection. Drawing from his own involvement with and commitment to the Men’s Shed movement, David shares how genuine peer support and community can heal isolation, rebuild strength, and offer new ways of seeing ourselves and each other. This is a conversation about walking side by side through the transitions of life with grace, honesty, courage, and renewed strength.
A world-renowned speaker, author, and trusted leadership advisor with more than forty years of experience as a family therapist, workshop facilitator, lecturer, and adviser to executives, David has dedicated his life to helping leaders create more fully human organizations – by leading the authentic way. With advanced degrees in human development, science and social work, David takes a unique approach to leadership development that helps leaders amplify their impact by discovering and deepening their authentic presence.A board member and active contributor to the Cochrane Men’s Shed, David is also the bestselling author of seven books, with over 300,000 copies sold worldwide. His most recent books are The Other Everest: Navigating The Pathway To Authentic Leadership and Caring Is Everything: Getting To The Heart Of Humanity, Leadership, and Life. He also hosts the podcast Being Human, Together with his daughter, Hayley. For more, visit www.davidirvine.com
10:10 – 10:30 am Break
Coffee and Networking
Video Studio Open
Breakout Sessions
There will be three (3) Breakout Sessions at ShedFest West. At registration, you will be asked to choose the topic for each Session that will be of the greatest interest and value to you and your Shed.
All Breakout Sessions are designed to be interactive and hands-on. These won’t be lectures — they’re opportunities to share ideas, learn from one another, and participate in practical, peer-to-peer conversations. Each session will include take-home notes, tools, and/or resources so you can bring what you’ve learned back to your Shed and put it into action.
10:30 – 11:45 am Breakout Session Round 1
| Choose One (1) |
| Bridging Generations: Mentoring, Connection, and the Power of the Shed (To be live-streamed and recorded) This session explores the transformative potential of engaging younger men and boys and moving beyond the simple transfer of skills, to the sharing of experience and wisdom, and building of meaningful in-person connection and relationships. |
| Safe, Smooth, and Structured: Operations, Training, & Safety This session will explore practical and proven approaches to day-to-day operations, training, and creating a safe, well-organized, and comfortable environment for members. Shedders will share tips, examples, and best practices to help your Shed operate smoothly, safely, and confidently. |
| Beyond the Shed Door – Dynamic Communications and Outreach To grow and thrive, a Shed must actively invite, engage, and sustain a diverse membership. This session explores strategies designed to reach and welcome men from all backgrounds, including the unique needs of rural and remote communities |
Noon – 12:45 pm Lunch and Networking
Buffet Lunch
Video Studio Open
Shedder Showcase and Exhibitor Booths Open
1:00 – 2:10 pm Breakout Session Round 2
| Choose One (1) |
| Leading Together – the Power of Shared Leadership (To be live-streamed and recorded) Retirement, relocation, health changes, loss of friends/income/community are major transitions that can reshape our identity. This session explores how Shed leaders support men through these turning points – including a new Veterans Transition Initiative for men moving from military to civilian life. Keynote speaker David Irvine and Shedders share practical insights and real stories about how leading from behind, empowering peers, and fostering shared responsibility creates stronger, more resilient Sheds where leadership is a collective effort—not a one-person role. |
| Building Blocks for a Strong Shed: Governance, Growth, and Inclusion This deep dive into the nuts and bolts of effective Shed management will cover the essentials of governance, including incorporation, roles and responsibilities, succession planning, and policy development. |
| Steering Through the Storm: Shed Support Through Life’s Toughest Transitions This session explores how Sheds offer a space where men don’t have to face loss and burdens alone. Whether the ache of grief, the exhaustion of caregiving, or the daunting task of end-of-life planning, Sheds can be an effective part of a man’s survival kit during life’s most challenging chapters. |
2:10 – 2:30 pm Break
Coffee Break
Video Studio Open
2:30 – 3:30 pm PANEL: Provincial Voices – Growing the Shed Movement (To be live streamed and recorded)
Leaders from the Provincial Associations share insights, strategies, and experiences from their regions. This interactive panel explores what’s working well, lessons learned, and opportunities for growth, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how the Shed movement is evolving across Canada. Q&A to follow.
3:30 – 4:00 pm Day 1 Wrap Up
Closing Announcements
Special Recognition
Prize Draws
4:00 – 5:30 pm Free Time
Hospitality Suite
Video Studio Open
Shedder Showcase and Exhibitor Booths Open
5:30 – 8:00 pm Evening Program
Dinner
Shed Talent Show: Shedders take the stage for a relaxed, fun evening of performances and creativity.
Wednesday, April 29th — Conference Day 2
8:00 – 8:45 am Breakfast and Networking
Breakfast
Video studio open
9:00 – 10:00 am PANEL: Health by Stealth – The Workshop as a Wellness Centre (To be live streamed and recorded)
Men’s Sheds offer a safe and supportive space where men can learn, share, and heal in the company of men – a powerful remedy for the effects of social isolation, depression, illness, or chronic disease, but also a powerful influence for prevention and health promotion. From subtle peer support to organized health initiatives, this session will explore effective approaches, ideas, and experiences of how Sheds are keeping the “stealth” in health, while helping men survive and thrive.
10:10 – 10:30 am Break
Coffee and Networking
Video Studio Open
10:30 – 11:45 am Breakout Session Round 3
| Choose One (1) |
| The Power of Proof – Men’s Shed Research Projects and Directions (To be live-streamed and recorded) This session will explore the latest Canadian Men’s Shed Research, featuring insights from the first National Shed Survey and associated case studies. New research initiatives for 2026 will also be shared, and discussions will explore Sheds’ participation in research and how they can use studies and evidence in their local communities to increase awareness, secure funding, and ensure long-term sustainability. |
| Funding Your Shed: Grants, Donations, Sponsorships, and more This session will explore fund development strategies to support Shed growth and sustainability, including grants, sponsorships, donations, earned revenue, and special events. Learn how some Sheds are successfully diversifying and increasing their income, and obtain valuable tips, tools, and resources to help your Shed on its path to financial resilience. |
| Men’s Sheds: Building Community through Collaboration and Innovation This session will explore how Sheds are partnering with local organizations, initiating innovative projects, and benefitting communities, while also benefitting Shedders. |
Noon – 12:45 pm Lunch and Networking
Buffet Lunch
Video Studio Open
Shedder Showcase and Exhibitor Booths Open
1:00 – 1:45 pm PANEL: Health by Stealth – International Perspectives (To be live streamed and recorded)
Featuring international guests, this panel explores global opportunities for Sheds, including twinning programs, an International Shed Passport, and the development of a global Shed alliance to advance the movement. Attendees will hear how Sheds around the world are connecting, collaborating, and growing — and what Canadian Sheds can gain from these international links. Q&A to follow.
1:45 – 2:00 pm Break
Coffee Break
Video Studio Open
2:00 – 3:30 pm ShedFest Finale: The 60-Second Snapshot (To be live streamed and recorded)
One minute. One mic. Unlimited inspiration. Experience the high-energy pulse of the Shed movement in our rapid-fire finale. Hosted by two Shedder emcees with a roving mic, this session gives every participant exactly 60 seconds to share a highlight —be it a community impact story, a funding success, or a new partnership. When the timer hits zero, the mic moves on. It’s fast, focused, and the ultimate showcase of everything that makes Mens Shed a growing and thriving global movement!
3:30 – 4:00 pm ShedFest West Wrap Up
Closing Remarks
Special Recognition
Prize Draws
Travel and Accommodation Subsidy Program
We recognize that attending ShedFest West involves significant travel for many Western Canadian Sheds. To reduce barriers and support equitable participation, MSC is pleased to offer travel subsidies and accommodation support PER PERSON for eligible participants. The same travel allowance applies whether you fly or carpool or drive on your own.
Our objective is to keep things simple, efficient, and fair, and to make sure you are reimbursed when you arrive at the conference.
Distance-based “Travel Zones” (Per Person Subsidy for Return Travel)
- Zone A: In/near Edmonton — $0 (no accommodation)
- Zone B: Up to 100 km (outside Edmonton) — $50
- Zone C: 101–350 km (e.g. Central & Northern Alberta incl. Calgary) — $100
- Zone D: 351–500 km (e.g. Lethbridge, Eastern BC, Meadow Lake SK) — $150
- Zone E: 501–750 km (e.g. Okanagan, Central BC, Saskatoon) — $200
- Zone F: 751–1,000 km (e.g. Mackenzie, Vanderhoof) — $250
- Zone G: 1,001–1,500 km (e.g. Vancouver, Winnipeg, Prince Rupert) — $300
- Zone H: Vancouver Island — $400 (Recognizing added ferry costs and travel time)
Accommodation Support
- Zones D–H: Eligible for three (3) nights of paid accommodation if driving to/from Edmonton
- Zones B–C: Eligible for two (2) nights of paid accommodation
- Accommodation will be booked as double occupancy
- A limited number of single rooms will be available, with a $75 surcharge
Registration
With space limited for this first regional event, a big thank you to the Manitoba, Alberta, and B.C. Men’s Shed Associations, and to committee members Jan Fennema (BC), Riley Tookey (AB), and Colin McNairny (MB) for helping identify Shedders who can play leadership roles, lead sessions, contribute to — and benefit from — the ShedFest West experience.
We will open up registration to all Western Shedders (first come, first served) on Tuesday March 17.Â