The mission of Second Wind is to improve attendees’ physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness. Conference organizers strive to provide seniors with a truly enjoyable, meaningful and memorable day. Those thinking of attending are invited to explore the Second Wind website. Descriptions of conference speakers and presentation topics as well as a list of exhibitors are posted around the beginning of April.

Second Wind is a project of the Edmonton Retired Teachers’ Association (ERTA) and supported by several additional ARTA branches in the surrounding area. The conference is held at the CLCC owing to its central location, free parking, covered drop-off area, ease of accessibility and size of rooms for presentations and exhibits. As well, its staff create a wonderful luncheon and offer excellent service. Presenters, exhibitors and attendees have thanked us every year for holding the conference at this locale.

While most attendees are retired teachers, any adult interested in improving their physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness are welcome to register.

The registration fee covers assorted expenses, including the cost of speakers, room rentals, AV, coffee breaks and a scrumptious lunch that includes pyrogies and snacks at the wine down.

Please Note: For 2024, we are able to offer Second Wind with no fee increase. As well, grants from the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) and local ARTA branches as well as sponsorship from ARTA-partnered businesses have helped reduce conference fees by about $35.00 per person.

Yes. The Early Bird fee is only $95.00 (deadline July 31).

Yes. On this website’s Homepage, CLICK on the "Register Now" arrow and OPEN the fillable Registration Form (posted mid-April). Using the email link on that same page, attach your form and send in your e-transfer registration fee.

Depending on pre-conference registration numbers, a limited number might be able to register at Second Wind for the regular fee of $120.00.

Please Note: Registration is limited, and this website will indicate on its Homepage whether the conference registration has closed.

No. All committee members are volunteers (mostly retired teachers) who generously donate their time and talents.

Each year, the health and wellness conference strives to recover all costs. If attendance numbers are strong and revenues exceed expenses, monies go towards keeping future conference fees low.

The organizing committee strive to put together a variety of presentations and displays that will engage and inform conference attendees. Typically, names of potential presenters and exhibitors are suggested by Second Wind attendees and brainstormed by committee members. Prospects are contacted and informed about our conference’s participants and theme (for 2024, the theme is "Shifting Gears"). Prospective speakers describe their envisioned hour-long presentations and potential exhibitors describe the nature of their displays, and those deemed best fitting the needs and interests of conference attendees are chosen.

Names can be suggested by attendees using the "Conference Evaluation Form" or emailing the Conference Chair: chair.secondwind@telus.net

Starting at 8 a.m., attendees park (for free), pick up their registration package and enjoy "Hava Java". Attendees have time to mingle with friends old and new, enjoy a hot coffee and a muffin, and plan their day. The conference’s official welcome begins at 9:00 a.m. followed by the keynote speaker at 9:15 a.m.