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Active Living Conference

Join us for a one-day event promoting inclusive active living opportunities for all ages and abilities. With exciting speaker presentations, interactive recreation and sports, and valuable community resources, this conference is a must-attend for college and university students, educators, coaches, and community organizations.

There’s something for everyBody!™ →

Welcome to the 23rd Active Living Conference! Join us for this one-day event focused on promoting access, awareness, and adapted activities for all ages and abilities. With a rich history spanning 25 years and over 4,800 attendees, this conference is a must-attend for college and university students, educators, coaches, community organizations, and families interested in inclusive active living opportunities.

Experience captivating speaker presentations, interactive recreation and sports, and connect with community resources. This event offers a unique platform to learn, network, and contribute to the advancement of inclusive active living. Dress comfortably for rotational activities.

The conference is renowned for its ability to ignite passion and create a vibrant community dedicated to fostering inclusivity and enhancing well-being. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in inclusive fitness and wellness, immerse themselves in transformative adapted activities, and discover valuable resources that support active living for all.

  • The Active Living Conference
    Friday, November 3, 2023
    10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough

    This popular one day event attracts students, classes, schools, leadership programs, educators, coaches, families and volunteers and now includes:

    • Guest Speakers & Awards
    • Various Community Exhibitors
    • Interactive Sports and Recreation
    • Networking Opportunities and Resources
    • Innovative Projects and Research
    • Certification for Participation

    FREE Parking (first come, first served) + Accessible Parking (parking along Danforth avenue is available)
    FREE Wifi, Service Animal Area, Closed Captioning, Accessible Venue, ASL Interpreters

Get Involved!

  • The Conference

    Join us for a full-day event that has captured the attention of college and university students, educators, coaches, community organizations, and families alike. This highly anticipated gathering aims to expand awareness of inclusive and healthy active living opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. Immerse yourself in engaging speaker presentations, interactive recreation and sports sessions, and access valuable community resources. Don’t forget to come dressed in comfortable gym attire to fully enjoy the dynamic rotational activities on offer.

    Delegate Registration $50 + Tax
    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and network! Delegate registrations are completed through Eventbrite. Click below to get registered.

    Register

  • Exhibitors

    Connecting students and community organizations to products, services, and education for those interested in inclusion, mobility, sport, education, careers, and healthy active living. Attendees will explore vendors showcasing the latest products and services, enjoy panel presentations from practitioners and athletes, and participate in inclusive activity sessions. The conference invites guests to learn about sports for all abilities, network, and visit exhibits focused on career, education, and innovation.

    Exhibitor Registration – $50 + Tax
    Calling all organizations and non-profits, connect with passionate attendees – secure your vendor spot today! Exhibitors registrations are completed through Eventbrite. Click below.


    Register

     

  • Innovation Fair

    The Active Living Conference would like to invite college and university students from across Ontario to take part in the Innovation Fair: to design and create innovative ideas that promote play, participation, and healthy active living opportunities for people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to be an innovator and be recognized by peers, guests, and community advocates for your leadership.

    Innovation Fair Registration – Free
    Students, don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas, projects, or research related to inclusive active living and gain valuable exposure. Register today on Eventbrite to be a part of the Innovation Fair!

    Register

     

  • Conference Schedule

    Discover the exciting lineup of events and activities at the Active Living Conference. From engaging workshops to inspiring keynote speeches, the schedule is designed to offer a rich and diverse experience for attendees, fostering learning, connection, and empowerment.

    • 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Check-in/Registration
    • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Speaker Series
    • 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
      Not included in registration, BBQ/Café available. Or purchase in advance online with your registration.
    • 1:00 – 3:45 p.m. Interactive activity sessions and dedicated time to explore vendors

  • Guest Speakers

    Prepare to be inspired by our lineup of esteemed guest speakers at the Active Living Conference. These influential voices in the fields of inclusive fitness, wellness, and community engagement will share their expertise and insights, leaving a lasting impact on attendees. From renowned experts to passionate advocates, our guest speakers will ignite your passion for creating a more inclusive and active world. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these captivating thought leaders and be motivated to make a difference in your own community.

    Speakers 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    • Jeff Tiessen – Master of Ceremonies
    • Darda Sales
    • Megan Williamson
    • Meghan Hines
    • Andrea Nelson
    • Nancy Huynh

     

  • Awards

    Join us as we honor and celebrate the exceptional achievements of accessibility leaders and innovators at the Active Living Conference Awards. This prestigious event recognizes those who have made significant contributions to creating awareness and fostering barrier-free living for individuals of all abilities. Be inspired by the remarkable work of these visionaries who are driving positive change and making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

    • Community Leadership Award
      For supporting and empowering non-profit organizations and causes within the disability community.
    • Innovation in Adaptive Sport
      For increasing sport and recreation initiatives for kids of all abilities.
    • Innovation for Accessibility in Sport
      For advancing accessible environments through leadership and innovation.
    • Lifetime Achievement for Innovation and Accessibility
      For dedication to creating accessible opportunities for people of all abilities.

     

  • Innovation Fair

    • Admission is Free.
    • All innovation fair registrants receive a certificate of recognition.
    • Deadline to register: October 23, 2023

    The Active Living Conference would like to invite college and university students from across Ontario to take part in the Innovation Fair: to design and create innovative ideas that promote play, participation, and healthy active living opportunities for people with disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to network with industry experts who are presently redefining our world. This is a great opportunity to be an innovator and be recognized by peers, guests, and community advocates for your leadership.

    As a attendee, you’ll experience innovators who inspire us to do our part to create a better world, to cultivate new ideas and find innovative solutions.

    Register

  • Food and Beverage

    As a delegate attending the Active Living Conference, you have the choice to either bring your own lunch for the day or purchase it from our Cafe or BBQ. Please note that lunch is not included in the registration.

    BBQ – $10, add to your selection when registering here.

    • Menu – coming soon.

  • About Variety Village

    Variety Village is a registered charity that empowers individuals of all ages and abilities by providing accessible, safe, inclusive and adapted fitness and sports programming. Located in a 168,000-square-foot sports and fitness centre in the heart of southwest Scarborough we provide integrated sports, fitness, and life skills and learning programs that impact lives and strengthen communities. There are over 6,000 fitness club members and over 30,000 clients and their families that avail themselves of these programs. For more information, visit our website at www.varietyvillage.ca

  • For more information, contact us!

    Archie Allison (pronouns: he/him)
    Director, Access & Awareness
    Variety – the Children’s Charity (Ontario), Variety Village
    (416) 699-7167 extension 236
    aallison@varietyontario.ca

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our community partners for their invaluable support in making the Active Living Conference a success. Their collaboration has been instrumental in creating an inclusive event focused on promoting active living opportunities for all. We are truly thankful for their dedication to building a healthier and more inclusive society.

CASP | City of Toronto | Holland Bloorview | Parasport Ontario | Special Olympics Ontario | TASC