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?

New workshops in Vancouver include Zumba, Spin Class, Posture Improvement, Prevention of Lower Back Pain, Pre-Natal Fitness, Pre-Natal Aquafit, Grouse Grind, Kayaking, Run For The Cure...the list goes on! And of course, we’ve got your favourites: Nia, Belly Dancing, Bellyfit, African Dancing, MASH-UP, Pole Dancing, Laughter Yoga...

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 either The Pacific Palisades or MIXX Co (unless they are outdoor activities). 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 to get to each class and it takes 5 minutes (including traffic lights) to walk between the venues. This weekend 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 (?), this weekend 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... or not!)

Why do some workshops cost more money?

Most workshop leaders are volunteering their time, but for a small honourarium, 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 25, but could be as few as 6 or as many as 50. 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. (But then you’d still have OVER 40 workshops to choose from.)

What if I’m pregnant?

Of the over 40 workshops to choose from, there is a ‘sedate’ (or sitting) workshop offered at almost every time slot. We also have two PRE-NATAL specific workshops conducted by Fit4Two. 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 happens at the Welcome Reception on Friday night?

After yoga class to get you ‘into’ the weekend, the Welcome Reception will be a nice and sweet, entertaining and enjoyable start to the weekend. You can look forward to a glass of wine (or other beverage), a Silent Auction (lots of great goodies : bring your cash or cheque book) to benefit Dress For Success and Beauty Night Society, workshop leader performances and a welcome address by our MC, best-selling author, Gina Mollicone-Long (www.goddessconcepts.com), including a run-down of ‘business items’ to prepare you for the weekend. This is NOT to be confused with ‘dinner’. We recommend that you make some plans (reservation for dinner on Robson?) with your friends to grab a bite at around 7:30pm.

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!

every WOMAN is pleased to support Beauty Night Society and Dress For Success. We will be holding 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@everywomanintheworld.com 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!)

We are pleased to welcome special guest speaker, Olympic diver, coach, judge (and wife and mother), (and just back from Beijing), Bev Boys, to share her stories at the DIVE IN! Celebration of Movement Dinner. Truly, ‘every WOMAN’, Bev speaks from the heart on her experiences during which she has worn so many different hats. You can also look forward to a performance by Jacky Essombe and the Makalas (www.jackyessombe.com) and our special musical guest, Tracey Classen (www.myspace.com/traceyclassen)

How does the Run For The Cure fit into the every WOMAN weekend?

If you are already registered for The Run For The Cure, we will deduct $40 off your every WOMAN registration so that you can participate in both The every WOMAN in the World Conference AND The Run For The Cure. It is not a coincidence that the events are scheduled on the same weekend; we wanted women who are taking time away from their partners and families to be able to coordinate a full weekend to themselves. Yes, you can do it all! And why wouldn’t you!?

When is The every WOMAN in the World Conference : Whistler?

It’s looking like the weekend of May 23, 2009, but we are still confirming details with Tourism Whistler. every WOMAN – Whistler 2008 was held at The Delta Whistler Village Suites and The Telus Whistler Conference Centre. It brought over 200 women and we worked in partnership with Whistler Wellness Week. Stay tuned for more details.

Tell me more about the Celebration of Movement - Evening 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 (Whistler-style: which means dress up or dress down depending on what makes you feel comfortable, you'll see a lot of sundresses with sweaters or pants with nice tops, and some people will be dressed for go-go dancing after the dinner) 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: The dinner is included in the You Can Do It All package but not the Keep It Simple package. Drinks are not included.

Why does the every WOMAN in the World Conference 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.