REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!Making WavesLiteracy & Learning Symposium 2025
April 29 – May 1, 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton, West Edmonton
On April 29 – May 1, 2025, the Literacy & Learning Symposium will start a ripple effect for making waves across Alberta…
Get ready to make a splash! Our theme for the 2025 Symposium is "Making Waves," and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you. This year, we're all about creating a lasting impact, inspiring fresh ideas, and breaking new ground. We're thrilled to unveil our dynamic logo that captures the energy and innovation of what’s to come:
See What’s Happening at Symposium 2025!
Hosted by the CLN Board and Staff, we’re excited to bring together up to 300 attendees from across Alberta for this professional development event. This year's theme is “Making Waves”, and we look forward to sharing this experience with you.
See how we’re bringing the Community Adult Learning Program’s system together to dive deep into new ideas and gain new skills to strengthen the programs that change adult Albertan’s lives every day.
At-a-Glance Agenda
| Time | Tuesday, April 29 | Wednesday, April 30 | Thursday, May 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 8:00-9:00 Breakfast & Registration | 8:00-9:00 | |
| Travel to Symposium | 9:00-9:45 CALPx Talks | 9:00-10:15 Breakout Sessions (Track D – 8 sessions) | |
10:00-12:00 | 9:45-10:45 Wavemakers Cove Refreshment Break | 10:15-11:00 Wavemakers Cove Refreshment Break | |
| 10:45-12:00 Breakout Sessions (Track A – 8 sessions) | 11:00-11:15 11:15-12:00 | ||
| PM | 12:00-1:00 Lunch | 12:00-1:00 12:45-1:15 | 12:00-12:15 Closing Ceremony 12:15-1:00 Lunch |
| 1:00-1:45 Opening Ceremony | 1:30-2:45 Breakout Sessions (Track B – 8 sessions) | Travel Home | |
| 1:45-2:30 Opening Keynote | 2:45-3:15 Break | ||
| 2:30-3:30 Wavemakers Cove Refreshment Break | 3:15-4:30 Breakout Sessions (Track C – 8 sessions) | ||
| 3:30-4:30 Feature CALP Staff | Free Time | ||
| 5:00-6:30 Symposium Beach Party |
Sessions
Check out our dynamic line-up up of breakout sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
Selecting your Sessions:
Be sure to consider each session’s “Purpose,” “Learning Objectives,” “Primary Session Threads,” and “Intended Audience”
to help you select the best fit for your needs.
Breakout Sessions At-a-Glance
Wednesday, April 30
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM |
|
| 1:30 - 2:45PM (75-Minute Sessions) | |
| 1:30 - 4:30 PM (150-Minute Sessions - 2 Parts) | |
| 3:15 - 4:30 PM (75-Minute Sessions) |
Thursday, May 1
Main Stage Features
Join us for our Main Stage Features happening on all 3 days!
- Opening & Closing Ceremonies - Join us for the Opening and Closing of our event!
- Feature Adult Learners
- Feature CALP Staff
- CALPx Talks - In the spirit of TED Talks, on our main stage we have curated our own independently organized event called, “CALPx Talks”. This session will feature three, 15-minute speakers on thought-provoking topics.
- Regional Undercurrents
Keynotes on the Main Stage
Imagine walking away with actionable insights and new possibilities with inspiring keynote presentations by Jody Urquhart and Brandi Heather!
OPENING KEYNOTE | APRIL 29, 2025This Would Be Funny... If It Wasn’t Happening To Me!
How To Navigate Future Waves of Change With Enthusiasm & Vigor
How To Navigate Future Waves of Change With Enthusiasm & Vigor
JODY URQUHART
Sometimes, life just gets in the way. Do you ever think, “Why can’t things just go my way for a change?”
This hilarious and provocative keynote speech shows community and adult learning professionals how to buoyantly face stress and navigate the future.
Discover how most meaningful way to make waves is by challenging situations and people with new ideas, innovation, and conviction.
Increase your comfort and confidence in the face of stress and change. Through stand-up comedy, audience interaction and analogy, we will appreciate that all change starts with you.
Jody is a motivational speaker and participates in over 60 events yearly. She has a unique speaking style; she does not stand on a stage or use PowerPoint. Instead, she interacts with the audience using comedy and interaction around meaningful insights. Imagine your audience shedding self doubt and cynicism with every punchline.
CLOSING KEYNOTE | MAY 1, 2025
Wave Makers Wanted
How Play Changes Lives and Builds Resilience
Wave Makers Wanted
How Play Changes Lives and Builds Resilience
BRANDI HEATHER
Your work creates waves—powerful and life-changing, often in ways you don’t see. But even waves need strength and momentum to keep moving.
Jump in and explore how our natural drive to play can create ripples of resilience, creativity, and connection for you and the people you work with every day.
Networking
Join us for meaningful networking opportunities
Join us for meaningful networking opportunities
“Wavemakers Cove” Refreshment Breaks
Come discover the "Wavemakers Cove”…
Launch into the room and find your space to connect during this refreshment break. Whether you prefer lively group interactions or intimate conversations, there's something for everyone – human library, creative expression, mini tradeshow and more. Explore, engage, and make your own waves in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Symposium Beach Party:
Dive into one of the year’s top networking events at the Symposium! This beach-themed social is your chance to make waves with fellow attendees. Catch up with colleagues, connect with new faces, and enjoy light snacks and refreshments in a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to make a splash with us!
Literacy & Learning Symposium 2025 Fees$175/personMember Registration Now Open
This is your opportunity to connect, grow, and join a vibrant community committed to ‘making waves’ in the world of literacy and foundational learning.
Members, please ensure you are logged in when viewing this page to access registration.
Registration Guidelines
Refund Policy: The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
No refunds will be issued for withdrawals. Substitutions are allowed only until the registration deadline.
To ensure your registration is processed smoothly and efficiently, please review the following guidelines:
- The registration fee is $175 per person. You may choose to attend from one day up to three days.
- A separate registration form is required for each individual participant. Registrations are non-transferable (you cannot share your registration with others).
- Carefully review the training schedule to ensure your preferred sessions do not overlap.
- If you select a session offered in multiple parts (e.g., a 2-part session), you must attend both parts. Partial attendance is not allowed.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and many sessions have limited space. To secure your preferred sessions, register early. We encourage you to take advantage of the full range of sessions available
- Breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered Symposium attendees only at the DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton Hotel. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. and lunch is served at noon.
- If you need to substitute a participant due to unforeseen circumstances, please notify Pat Halewich by email at pdevents@calp.ca as soon as possible. Substitutions must be made on or before the registration deadline (April 9, 2025).