ShedFest West ’26

Edmonton, Alberta
April 27-29, 2026

Table Of Contents
  1. Welcome to the ShedFest West Info and Registration Page
  2. Who Can Attend
  3. Why Attend ShedFest West
  4. What You Get
  5. The Program: What to Expect
  6. Travel and Accommodation Subsidy Program
  7. Registration

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

Learn What Works: Hear directly from other Sheds about practical, on-the-ground approaches — from governance and fundraising to innovative programs, partnerships, and well-being initiatives.
Share Your Story: Every Shed has something to contribute. ShedFest creates space to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned — formally and informally.
Be Inspired: Keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions are designed to spark new ideas and showcase the real impact Sheds are having on Shedders and in communities.
Strengthen the Movement: Connect with local Sheds, Provincial Associations, and Men’s Sheds Canada to explore the future of the movement — growth, sustainability, and working better together.
Build Real Connections: Shared meals, breaks, and social time are central to the experience — and to building lasting relationships.
We’re Helping Make It Possible: Travel and accommodation subsidies are available to reduce financial barriers and support participation from across the region.

What You Get

MSC is covering key costs to make participation easy and affordable.

Conference Registration: 
Covered in full — attend all keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions at no costem
Travel Subsidy: 
Distance-based reimbursement per person whether you drive alone, carpool, or fly
Shuttle: 
Shuttle to and from airport for those who are flying
Accommodation: 
2–3 nights in double occupancy (single rooms available with $75 surcharge)
Meals: 
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included during the conference
Prize Draws: 
Exciting giveaways and prizes throughout the event

The Program: What to Expect

ShedFest West offers a rich, interactive program with a mix of breakout sessions, plenary panels, and hands-on activities.

1. Breakout Sessions

In these focused, interactive sessions, Shedders lead discussions, share practical tips, and explore topics their Sheds are experienced in. Each session is hands-on and designed for real-world takeaways. At registration, you will be able to select three breakout sessions from the list of topics below to customize your experience and focus on what’s most valuable for you and your Shed. 

Session 1 (Choose one)
  • Shed Leadership & Peer Power
  • Honouring Service: Veterans in the Shed
  • Governance Matters: Roles, Responsibilities, & Succession Planning
  • Bringing People In: Outreach and Communications that Work
  • Health by Stealth 
Session 2  (Choose one)
  • Life in Transition: Thriving Through Change
  • Bridging Generations, Boosting Wellbeing
  • Safe, Smooth, and Structured: Operations, Training & Safety
  • Canada’s  First National Shed Survey and other Research Initiatives
  • Supporting Life’s Tough Moments: Grief, Loss, & Caregiving
Session 3  (Choose one)
  • Innovation in Action: Partnerships & Collaboration
  • Managing Sustainability: Financial, Social, and Environmental
  • Funding Your Shed: Fundraising, Grants, Sponsorships, and more
  • Impactful Projects: Making Community Work Count
  • End-of-Life Planning: Conversations That Matter

2. Plenary Sessions and other Conference Highlights
  • Keynote Presentation (TBA) — an inspiring opening to set the tone for the event
  • A Minute A Shed — a fast-paced, “roving-mic” session where participants share one-minute snapshots from their Sheds, including wins, projects, partnerships, or innovative ideas
  • Provincial Voices Panel— leaders from Provincial Associations share insights, strategies, and lessons learned from their regions
  • Global Perspectives Panel — international guests discuss global Shed opportunities, twinning programs, and collaboration with Canadian Sheds
  • Artistic Performance, and International Speaker (TBA)
  • Shed Exhibits and Trade Show — explore resources, tools, and innovative Shed projects
  • Video Studio  — record and share your Shed stories in the studio

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

Coming Soon. Please check back here to register online. 

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