Seating Chart
We’ll be gathering in the Centennial Ballroom at the Union Club, set up cabaret-style with 14 round tables of 10 for a total of 140 guests. The tables are spread evenly through the ballroom so everyone has a good view of the stage and screen.
At the front of the room you’ll find the panel risers, AV cart, and screen, with space for our graphic facilitator’s easels to capture the conversation in real time. Registration is right at the entrance, and the McKenzie Lounge next door will be home to our delicious lunch buffet. The layout is designed to feel open and welcoming, while making sure every seat is part of the action.
The seating is 1st come, 1st pick- it’s a very comfortable room, so it just depends on if you want to be closer to a window or a bathroom : ) If you’re particular about your seating, come early. Doors will be open by 8:15AM- as we are starting at 9am.
We have put aside the table 13 at the back for our speakers.
Schedule
(might change a little)
Menopolooza 2025 Schedule
Day One: Saturday, Sept 27
Theme: Science, Myths & Answers
9:00 AM – Welcome & Opening
Hosted by MC Jackie Dewey- Jackie brings humour and warmth to set the tone for the weekend.
9:15 AM – Keynote- Dr. Tracy Wayne (Rodgers) OBGYN, researcher, and passionate advocate for women’s health. Dr. Rodgers has over 20 years of clinical experience and brings humour, clarity and compassion to conversations about midlife health.
10:15-10:30 AM – Break
10:30 AM- 12PM – The World Café
A large-scale, interactive conversation gathering data on the lived experiences of menopause. Graphic recording will visually capture the themes in real time.
Really, what is a “World Café”?
Think of this as the world’s smartest coffee break - but with tablecloths, markers, and a lot more laughter. In a World Café, we gather around our tables to explore big, juicy questions together. The conversations flow, ideas cross-pollinate, and by the end, you’ll feel both inspired and connected. We’re doing this because menopause is bigger than any one doctor’s talk or one person’s story- it’s a collective experience, and when we share our insights, solutions, and struggles, real wisdom emerges. Bonus: it’s actually fun.
Sample topics might include:
-What myths about menopause have you bumped up against — and what truths have you discovered instead?
-How does menopause show up in your work, relationships, or community — and what support would make the biggest difference?
-What practices (from science or from lived wisdom) actually help you feel good in your body right now?
-If society truly valued women in midlife, what would healthcare, workplaces, and culture look like?
12:00-1 PM – Lunch Buffet
1PM Grounding with Lindsay May + invitation to plan
1:15- 2:15 PM – Talks:
Tara Findlay, RMT
Tara Findlay is a BCRMT, perimenopause educator and advocate, and co-creator of The Comprehensive Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause for RMTs. Tara teaches on the musculoskeletal syndrome of perimenopause, and what she calls “the neuro-transition of perimenopause,” or, as she likes to put it, “This is your brain on perimenopause. Any questions?”
Susannah Stewart, Registered Physiotherapist : Pelvic Health
Leaks, Lube + Libido
Susannah is cliterally obsessed with pelvic health! A physiotherapist since 2004 and pelvic health specialist since 2018, she helps people of all genders stop peeing their pants, enjoy better sex, and feel safer in their bodies (and no, it’s not all about Kegels!). With a trauma-informed, mind-body approach that blends yoga and nervous system practices, Susannah brings expertise, humour, and a lot of real talk to the stage.
2:15-3:15PM Panel:
The Science of Menopause WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!
Topics include hormones, myths, sleep, weight, heart health, bone density, and sexual wellness.
Moderated by: Kelly Coulter
Panelists:
Dr. Taylor Thurston- Naturopathic Dr.
Tara Findlay RMT
Susannah Stewart (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist)
3:15 PM – 3:30: Wrap up with Dr. Tracy and Closing for Day One
Day Two — Sunday, Sept 28
Theme: Action, Empowerment & Wholehearted Living
9:00 AM – Welcome Back and Grounding
9:15-10:15 AM: "Menopause, You’re Not Doing It Wrong"
Bryn Meadows: Registered counsellor, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, and Menopolooza founder. Bryn brings humour, research, and heart to self-compassion in midlife.
10:15-10:30 AM – Break
10:30AM-12pm: "Under the Covers" Sex & Body Panel
An authentic and honest, interactive conversation about sex, intimacy, and body changes in midlife. Participants are guided to create rituals of empowerment for this life stage.
Lindsay May: "Creating a Personal Ritual for Menopause"
Lindsay is a somatic practitioner, spiritual mentor and the visionary creator of Sage Era—a sacred body of work guiding women through the alchemical threshold of perimenopause and menopause. With deep reverence for the body as a living temple and the womb as a source of untapped wisdom, Lindsay brings a bold and soul-led perspective to the conversation around midlife.
Sarah Jane Smith: "Inviting Grief to the Table”
Sarah Jane (She/Her) is a Grief Ritual Facilitator, Self-Compassion Practitioner and Coach. She leads grief-tending retreats, 1:1 coaching containers, plus group programs. As a childless not by choice widow, Sarah Jane knows grief and what true grief support feels like. She believes that all transitions come with grief that needs to be tended and recognized.
Audrey Panter: “"Sexual wellness uncovered"
Audrey is on a mission to break the silence around menopause and sexual health. As the founder of Island Passion, where self-love and sexual wellness are recognized as essential parts of self-care, she empowers women to embrace pleasure, comfort and connection. With a bold, unapologetic approach, Audrey dives headfirst into the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and intimacy.
12:00-1 PM – Lunch Buffet
1-1:15 PM: Welcome back and grounding with Lindsay, with an invitation to plan
Talks: 1:15-2:15pm
Jenn Farrell- Practical strategies for exercise, strength, and joy in movement during menopause.
Jenn (She/Her) is the powerhouse behind Witness the Fitness (WTF) — and yes, the name tells you everything you need to know about her hilarious, badass approach to wellness. Jenn is a personal trainer, fitness instructor and aerobics enthusiast, and weight-lifting evangelist specializing in making strength training fun, accessible, and empowering for everyone, especially beginners.
Erin Roman RD:
Erin has a passion and particular interest for supporting women’s health and digestive health concerns, supporting an embodiment of the physiological ways our body can use food to fuel us and support us. Erin appreciates a biopsychosocial approach to wellness exploring how nutrition intersects our mental and emotional wellbeing as well as our cultural and social connections
Dr. Taylor Thurston: Naturopathic Doctor & Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
Dr. Thurston lives at the intersection of hormones, mental health, and calling out wellness nonsense. A Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and naturopathic doctor, she’s made it her mission to help women feel seen, supported, and actually informed—without guilt, restriction, or giving up what makes life enjoyable.
2:15- 3:15PM – Panel: Taking Action for Your Health
Moderated by Kelly Coulter
Practical, research based strategies for navigating healthcare, advocating for yourself, and building your wellness team.
Panelists:
Jenn Farrell
Dr. Tracy Wayne (Rodgers)
Erin Roman RD
3:15-3:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Farewell Ritual
Menus
(might change a little)
Sample Menu: Day One
Luncheon buffets Include fresh baked artisan breads and butter, pickle platter, seasonal vegetables with herb dip, fresh brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee, and a selection of black, herbal and fruit teas
Heritage Green Salad (GF/VEG)
Mixed greens, shaved local seasonal vegetables, crumbled Island goat cheese, toasted sunflower seeds and dried
cranberries, served with assorted dressings and vinaigrettes
Sicilian Pasta Salad (VEG)
Italian seashell pasta, Kalamata olives, oven roasted tomatoes, capers, Genovese basil, arugula and creamy Feta
and garlic emulsion
Romaine Hearts
Baby gem Romaine hearts, house Caesar dressing, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, crispy capers, lemon, toasted
brioche croutons
Harvest Bowl (GF/VEG)
Roasted sweet potatoes, shredded kale, Brussel sprouts, brown rice, dried cranberries, slivered toasted almonds,
shredded Parmesan and apple cider and honey vinaigrette
Sides:
Gathering of Seasonal Vegetables (GF/VGN)
Chef’s selection of in-season offerings roasted to perfection and finished with extra virgin olive oil, garden fresh
herbs, sea salt and cracked pepper
Rice Pilaf (GF/VGN)
Steamed Jasmine rice pilaf, garden fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil
Mains:
Island Farmhouse Chicken Marbella (GF/DF)
Free range chicken breast, Spanish green olives, prunes, white wine, lemon and capers
Coastal British Columbia Salmon (GF)
Turmeric cream sauce, lemon, slivered scallions, dill
Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Mousse (GF)
White chocolate cremeux, hazelnut sponge and salted caramel
Sample Menu: Day Two
Heritage Green Salad (GF/VEG)
Mixed greens, shaved local seasonal vegetables, crumbled Island goat cheese, toasted sunflower seeds and dried cranberries, served with assorted dressings and vinaigrettes
Steakhouse Wedge (GF)
Iceberg lettuce wedges, crumbled bacon, Spanish onions, vine ripened tomatoes and buttermilk blue cheese dressing
Tomato Caprese (GF/VEG)
Vine ripened tomatoes, Bella Casara bocconcini, arugula, extra virgin olive oil, lemon vinegar, balsamic reduction and cracked pepper
Garden Beetroots (GF/VEG)
Lightly pickled Saanich beetroots, crumbled Island goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, wild arugula, citrus segments and sherry shallot vinaigrette
Sides
Gathering of Seasonal Vegetables (GF/VGN)
Chef’s selection of in-season offerings roasted to perfection and finished with extra virgin olive oil, garden fresh herbs, sea salt and cracked pepper
Roasted Red Chieftain Potatoes (GF/VGN)
Locally grown red skinned potatoes, oven roasted and finished with rooftop rosemary, sea salt and cracked pepper
Mains
Carved Alberta AAA Beef Sirloin (GF/DF)
Foraged mushrooms, red wine jus and horseradish condiment
Traditional House Made Lasagna- Vegetarian
Dessert
Honey Crème Brûlée (GF)
Babes’ fireweed blossom honey, Chantilly cream, poached pear and mint
**** If you have dietary restrictions or special requests, please email brynmeadows@me.com NO LATER than September 15, 2025- The chef will make special meals for our guests as needed!!****
PS- We thought we would be able to have coffee and tea throughout the days, but that’s not possible- there will be water on the tables throughout the conference, coffee and tea are available through lunch and you are welcome to bring a travel mug of coffee with you.