every WOMAN™ Events

FAQ

What exactly is the every WOMAN Conference?

The every WOMAN Conference is an annual Whistler conference getaway inviting all women to share in the experience of learning new activities and skills by participating in back-to-back introductory mind and movement workshops.

The concept of the every WOMAN weekend is to celebrate and learn from each other's unique differences by providing a healthy and comfortable setting for women to share their expertise with other women and inspire individual growth, reflection, support and motivation.

The mission of every WOMAN is to provide the opportunity for 'every woman' to access her passions and pursuits. By providing a non-judgmental forum for 'every woman' to inspire each other, the event is meant to catalyze self-reflection and encourage action for every woman to fulfill her life's dreams.

As the conference has evolved, we have come to realize that our focus is really to inspire women through physical fitness and activity. You know when you go on a hike or a ski or a bike ride or a run with one of your best friends, it is always so satisfying to grab a tea or coffee or beer after, and just take a load off. After that physical exertion in the outdoors, you feel like you can take on the world! This is our idea - be active, learn new things and thus become better equipped to take on all of life's challenges.

What is the purpose of the weekend?

every WOMAN is an opportunity to try a whole bunch of activities all in one weekend. Held in a comfortable setting with understanding women (of all shapes and sizes) (who also can’t touch their toes), you will be able to learn new things, laugh at yourself and feel the benefits of physical activity. The result? You will feel refreshed, motivated and inspired, but not because someone told you to do something, but because you did it on your own: you will have challenged yourself and had time to reflect on your own world, which will speak endlessly to taking you back home in a playful, light way to face life’s day-to-day challenges. In summary, the purpose of the weekend is to have fun (but to reap the physical benefits in the same process).

What workshops are being featured, what’s the agenda?

Each event has its own schedule - click Workshops under the Location name.  Whistler 2011 has over 60 workshops to choose from.  We've got some powerhouse speakers this year....here is the Workshop Schedule and here are the Workshop Leaders.

How long are the workshops? Where are they going to be held? How will I know where to go? Will I be rushed?

Most workshops are 45 minutes in duration and most will be held at the host venue.  You will be given a neck card upon arrival with your agenda outlining your activities/workshops and where they will be conducted. You will have about 15 minutes in between workshops to go to the bathroom, grab a cup of tea, socialize or enjoy the every WOMAN Interactive Marketplace featuring Intuitive Readings, Tarot Readings, Jewellry, Thai Massage and lots more! The event is not about dawdling, but it is also not about stress - so don’t worry, take your time. Yes, workshops will start and finish on time, but who cares (?), the experience is about you, so make sure you keep your focus and do what is going to work for you. (ie: Skip a workshop if you want, go for coffee, sit on a park bench... take a nap...or not!)

Why do some workshops cost more money?

Most workshop leaders are volunteering their time, however, there are some contracted activities and some which require extra cost/transportation, so every WOMAN and sponsorship have to charge a bit, even though they are still heavily subsidized.

How many people to a class? How can I be guaranteed that a workshop won’t be cancelled?

Usually between 12 and 40 (depends on the event), but could be as few as 6 or as many as 100. Nothing in life is guaranteed and ‘life happens’, but we won’t cancel a workshop unless it is totally an extenuating (but reasonable) circumstance. If we have 5 or less people and the workshop leader would prefer not to take the time, then we would probably cancel it.

What if I’m pregnant?

Of all the workshops to choose from, there is a ‘sedate’ (or sitting) workshop offered at almost every time slot. Because we care about you and your baby, you will be asked to complete a special pregnancy waiver that you will need to get completed by your doctor in advance of the workshops.

What if I’m out of shape!?

The classes are mostly all-levels or intro, so don’t worry. You will be surrounded by understanding women who don’t care if you can touch your toes or not. The point is to try new activities and you will be inspired as a result. You can do it! And you deserve it. every WOMAN will be the kickstart you need to get onto a continued fitness program!  If you have not exercised in more than a month and/or if you are overweight, we DO recommend taking it easy.  YOU know your own body and you need to be responsible for it.  There are loads of wellness workshops (no activity) as well, so choose your schedule wisely, alternating between passive and active workshops.  But you have to start somewhere!  So get going!

Tell me more about the Dinner.

Dinner on Saturday night is always a great time to relax, socialize, eat delicious food (after a very active day) and have fun. Get dressed up (out of your sweaty clothes!) and enjoy the evening. We always have an excellent guest speaker and the event is usually sold out due to limited space, so sign-up early! Note: Drinks are not included.

Does every WOMAN support any charities?

At our annual gala event in Whistler, every WOMAN is pleased to support Beauty Night Society and Dress For Success - Vancouver. We always hold a Silent Auction (proceeds to BN and DFS) at our Welcome Reception on Friday night and would love if you donated a product or service. E-mail info@everywoman.ca  with the name of the item, company name, website address, phone number and VALUE of the item. We will be in touch for further instructions. (And THANK YOU!)

Why does every WOMAN support Beauty Night Society and Dress For Success?

Beauty Night Society is like a mini-every WOMAN that happens every week in the downtown lower east side of Vancouver. Beauty Night helps women feel good about themselves by offering (mostly) sex trade workers, drug and alcohol addicts and street folks an opportunity to get their hair cut, put on make-up, get a hand or neck massage, attend a yoga class or martial arts class, etc. Beauty Night is always looking for volunteers (women who can teach classes or do hair or donate make-up/cosmetics) to help these women build some confidence and get them off the street. We sponsor a woman or two every year (you don't/won't usually know who she is unless you ask) to come up to Every Woman, and you can believe that it is a huge treat!

Dress For Success is for women who for whatever reason need some help getting back into the workforce. They teach whomever needs the help to learn how to dress appropriately for the right job, how to write a resume and conduct an interview. Dress For Success has helped woman world wide. We think that Dress For Success is the bridge between the ladies who go to Beauty Night Society (if you've ever been down to the Lower East side, it is like a war zone of addiction down there and most people don't ever get out...) and 'you and me' (one who can afford to attend every WOMAN). Dress For Success and Beauty Night are very much 'no questions asked', if you are seeking help, they will help you, and we think that that's how all women should be supporting each other. Maybe you need help, maybe you don't, but if you join every WOMAN, we know that you will learn something new, and it will be something that you remember to help you in your life.

I have an idea for a workshop, can I share?

Of course! This is about sharing and working together, and growing and learning. What is your expertise? What can you share with the group? Please e-mail info@everywoman.ca with your ideas.