Wellness is an all-encompassing category that touches on so many aspects of our every day life. From the food we eat to how we manage stress, to the inner workings of our bodies to ways to get those bodies moving, the pursuit of well-being is shared by everyone, though our paths are divergent.
For over a quarter-century, The Wellness Show has Vancouverites a full weekend of programming and one-stop access to information, products, and experiences all aimed at improving our bodies, minds, and spirits. This year, the Wellness Show takes place on February 17 and 18 at Canada Place.
Photo courtesy The Wellness Show
Attendees will have the opportunity to roam the exhibit hall and engage with a host of experts who can answer questions about any aspect of wellness, like aging, hormones, nutrition, or stress. There's a family zone, meditation sessions, a tea lounge,
Additionally, the show has a dynamic schedule of live programming on multiple stages, including well-known Vancouver chefs demonstrating healthy recipes, and panels and presentations tailored to women, families, or focused on fitness.
You can find the full 2018 schedule online, however we've pulled out a few highlights that definitely stand out. And, if you factor in the 250+ exhibitors you can find (as we'll detail below), really this list is about the nearly 300 cool things you can check out at the Wellness Show.
Try your hand at Table Tennis
Did you know that Table Tennis is the second most popular racquet spot in the world? It's also very popular right now as a sport and recreation. Give it a try at the Wellness Show, where they'll have four regular tables, one junior table, and one mini table for the little ones, as well as professional players and coaches on hand to talk about table tennis.
Live cooking demo from sushi master Hidekazu Tojo
Chef Tojo (Photo courtesy The Wellness Show)
Executive Chef Hidekazu Tojo, Executive Chef/Owner of Tojo’s Restaurant is considered the godfather of modern North American sushi, and a meticulous practicer of the culinary art. Here's your chance to see Tojo present a recipe live and in person.
Saturday, 1 pm, Celebrity Cooking Stage
Learn about cooking with Aquafaba
Did you know that you can do all sorts of magical cookery with the water leftover from a can of chickpeas? Vancouver blogger Rebecca Coleman wrote the book on this bean water, called Aquafaba; her cookbook Aquafabulous was released in 2017. She'll demo two recipes, Mushroom Bourguignon (Vegan & Gluten Free) and Chocolate Aquafaba Mousse.
Saturday, 5:30 pm, Celebrity Cooking Stage
Nesters Market Organic Marketplace
The Nesters Market Organic Section highlights some of the quality organic and natural products carried in Nesters Market stores. Head here for free samples and demos, and for the chance to talk to their staff about their store.
"Top Ways to Reduce Stress"
Health and wellness Expert Kristen Harper will lead this presentation on ways you can manage and reduce the stress in your life. Find out why stress is so bad for you, and some techniques to get things in check.
Saturday, 4 pm, Living Well Seminar Stage
"How to Create Authentic Happiness" seminar
Musician Serge Mazerand, author of "7 Keys to Serenity – Creating Harmony Within," will speak on the journey to authentic happiness. Mazerand inspires his audiences to understand that it is not something that we pursue on the outside, but that we create from within.
Sunday, 4 pm, Living Well Seminar Stage
All about Matcha
Matcha green tea/Shutterstock
Not all matcha is created equal. Join Calli O’Brien, renowned matcha expert, for a talk on the history and bright future of this "Superfood." The seminar includes a matcha sample for tasting.
Sunday, 5 pm, Living Well Seminar Stage
Live demo from Nightingale's Head Chef
Head Chef Phil Scarfone of Vancouver's acclaimed Nightingale--David Hawksworth's second restaurant--will be live on stage presenting a recipe. This is a great chance to learn about making food right from one of the city's most talented chefs.
Sunday, 1 pm, Celebrity Cooking Stage
Cooking with Jackfruit
What the heck is jackfruit, why is it such a staple for plant-based eaters, and how do I use it at home? If you've asked yourself these questions, you'll want to catch The Arbor's Head Chef Robert Clarke's demo of a vegan Philly Jackfruit sandwich.
Sunday, 4 pm, Celebrity Cooking Stage
Women Empowering Women panel
A powerful panel with Tosca Reno (Best selling author & health expert), Lori Joyce (CEO at Betterwith Foods), and Aeryon Ashlie (Fitness expert & Coach) will find conversations on health issues such as relationships, life balance, and how they found the courage to walk their own path.
Saturday, 2 pm, The Women & Wellness Seminar Stage
Traditional Medicinals Teas
Join Brian White (National Sales Manager for Canada with Traditional Medicinals Inc.) as he discusses the health benefits of Traditional Medicinal Teas for Stress, Relaxation, Digestive, Laxative, Detox, Cold/Flu/Seasonal, and Herbal-Traditional Medicinal Tea – Plant Power for a better you.
Saturday, 3 pm, Healthy Families Stage
250+ exhibitors
Photo courtesy The Wellness Show
More than 250 exhibitors will be displaying products and information related to nutrition, health, wellness, natural beauty, anti-aging, health and wellness. They cover all aspects of wellness in the home and family, as well as mental well-being, green living, pet health, and you can find exhibitors focused on complementary, traditional, and alternative health therapies, too.
The Wellness Show runs Saturday, February 17 from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, February 18, from 10 am to 6 pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre - 999 Canada Place (Under the sails – Halls B & C). Tickets are $12.50 to $20 (admission is free for kids 12 and under) and are available online and at the door (cash only).
