K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The 2026 Shilo Symposium is far more than a career convention, said Christine Helgard, employment counsellor and community development manager at the CFB Shilo Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), on Oct. 9.
The free community event, being held Oct. 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., is the third annual bringing together of just less than 60 invited vendors, organizations, and educators to share career opportunities, wellness supports, and veteran resources for military families, service members, and the greater community, Helgason said.
Shilo has offered career fairs since 2005, but pivoted in 2024 due to increased necessities. The event has developed exponentially to include educators providing virtual reality demonstrations and portable classrooms, static military displays with live drones, ammunition presentations with opportunities to handle rocket launchers, health care providing flu shots, trade contractors, employers, even furry-friends resources and therapies.
Helgason said more than 150 attendees and 55 vendors participated last year. To have a seat at the table, each vendor is screened for essential pillars before being invited to the symposium. This ensures the most suitable resources are available for networking and service acquisition.
The three pillars include: Building Careers by creating real opportunities to grow, work, and thrive; Supporting Wellness because strength starts with support and well-being matters; and Honouring Service by standing with those who serve and showing support where it matters most.
The Shilo Symposium is not meant to duplicate the Brandon career fair held each year, she said, but to centralize, in one location, organizations that support military families and community while providing cultural exposure.
“We’re seeing a lot of new families moving to Shilo, more getting posted in, and some are very new to the military.”
The event doesn’t attract “tire kickers,” she said, explaining that over the past couple of years participants have attended with a focused priority, whether as a vendor or an attendee.
“They are intentional, with specific needs being met at the event,” the employment counsellor said, adding that everyone, including CAF members, families, veterans, and civilians, is welcome in the participating audience.
The event will be held at the MFRC at CFB Shilo, and those attending from outside the Base are reminded that government-issued identification is required at the gate.
