🕌 Imperial Session 2025 Recap: Reflections from Al Shamal Shriners

📍 Location: Atlanta, Georgia

📅 Date: June 28 – July 4, 2025

✍️ By: Trevor Eliott, Assistant Rabban & Delegate

📘 Table of Contents

1. Reflections from the Road – Trevor Eliott

2. Our Delegation: Representing Al Shamal

3. Big Picture Takeaways

4. What Passed and What Failed: Legislative Updates

5. Patient Ambassadors Who Moved Us All

6. Meet Your New Imperial Leadership Team

7. Big News from Shriners Children’s

8. Sports, Storytelling & Brand Impact

9. Unexpected Highlights and Key Connections

10. Alberta: What We Can Take Home

11. Upcoming Imperial Sessions

12. Final Words – Let’s Carry It Forward

1. Reflections from the Road – Assistant Rabban Trevor Eliott

The 2025 Imperial Session in Atlanta was more than a conference—it was a mirror. A mirror that reflected not just who we are as a fraternity, but where we are headed. It was also, at times, a microscope—magnifying our challenges in painful clarity—and a telescope, allowing us to glimpse the extraordinary possibilities ahead if we have the courage to align our values with our actions.

As Assistant Rabban of Al Shamal, I came to Atlanta with an open mind and a full heart. I left with both renewed. While much of the session was procedural and legislative, it was the personal stories, hallway conversations, and hallway resilience that defined the week for me. What follows are not just updates from the floor, but insights I hope will help guide our Temple as we prepare for a new chapter.

Those parting words from Imperial Sir Brad Koehn echoed like a bell tolling for transformation. Over and over again, I heard people say “we need to tell our story better.” But it’s more than that. We need to live our story more consistently. If we are truly a brotherhood with a purpose, then every parade, post, and patient interaction must reinforce that identity.

What this means for us in Alberta is simple: We must be brave enough to align our operations and culture with our mission. That requires leadership, transparency, and heart.

The EMVP Framework in Action

Throughout the week, I was quietly affirmed in seeing the EMVP Framework—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—reflected in major initiatives and conversations. These were not my sessions, yet they echoed my heart:

• Energy: From Nobles like the new Imperial Outer Guard to patient ambassadors with Olympic dreams, there was a vitality in the air that said: “We’re still here—and still powerful.”

• Mentorship: The transitions in the Divan and the thoughtful exchange between seasoned and newer leaders was a reminder that we grow best in community. We need more mentorship, not less.

• Visibility: From NASCAR to NCAA Volleyball, our branding is stronger than ever. But we must now make it local. Each temple, club, and Noble is a lighthouse.

• Purpose: Every child’s story, every vote on the floor—these were not political acts. They were moral acts. We are at our best when we serve with purpose, not ego.

  
  

Legislation Is Strategy in Action

Some Nobles may have felt disheartened by the defeated financial resolutions. But the truth is: those votes were not rejections of responsibility. They were signals that our Nobility wants a more thoughtful, sustainable plan. That’s leadership.

The financial deficit budget, paired with the formation of a financial strategy committee by Imperial Sir Brad Koehn, shows that we are not ignoring the storm—we’re plotting a course through it.

Al Shamal should do the same. We must pair fiscal realism with bold vision. Our Oil Kings sponsorship and kids baseball camp aren’t just nice projects—they are aligned expressions of purpose, visibility, and growth. Let’s double down on what works.

Carlotta and Brandon: Reminders of Mission

The emotional high point of the session came with the introduction of our 2025–26 International Patient Ambassadors: Brandon O. and Carlotta C. Their stories reminded us that our work changes lives. Full stop.

Brandon, who faced paralysis from Acute Flaccid Myelitis, and Carlotta, born with cerebral palsy and now training for the Paralympics, were living proof that Shriners Children’s is not just a place of treatment—but transformation.

Their bravery calls us to more than just fundraising. It calls us to tell better stories, build better programs, and be better men.

Politics vs. Purpose: Jurisdictional Debates

Two major pieces of legislation regarding territorial jurisdiction (Bermuda and New York City boroughs) sparked long, passionate debates. The votes were defeated—but the tension remains.

The takeaway for me is this: we need more collaboration and less turf war. Growth doesn’t come from carving up land. It comes from meeting men where they are, physically and spiritually.

In Alberta, let’s stay focused on people—not boundaries.

Canadian Temples: Quiet Strength

Though few in number, Canadian Temples made their presence felt. Al Shamal, Rameses, Gizeh, and others quietly represented the north with integrity, humility, and purpose. In hallway conversations, we were often acknowledged as leaders in cross-border collaboration and community outreach.

Let’s take that as a mandate—not a compliment.

Looking Ahead with Courage

As we prepare for Barry’s year as Potentate in 2026 and mine in 2027, I am more convinced than ever that our path forward must be intentional. It cannot be reactive. That’s why I am committed to working on:

• A full EMVP-based revival plan for our temple.

• Enhancing our mentorship culture—especially for younger Nobles and family involvement.

• Bringing fun, relevance, and modern visibility to every Shrine event.

• Deepening our connection with Shriners Children’s—through story, support, and service.

If this week taught me anything, it’s that we are not as far from greatness as we think. We just need to act on what we already know.

Final Thought: A Message to Our Nobility

Rick Shumilak, Dale Vrsalovich, and Trevor Eliott share a laugh over coffee at the annual Canadian Breakfast—celebrating cross-border friendship and fraternal pride. 🍁🥞

Dear Nobles of Al Shamal,

Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Atlanta. I took the responsibility seriously. Every handshake, every note I took, every vote I cast—I carried you with me.

This is not just a report. It’s a challenge. To rise. To grow. To make every parade, BBQ, and meeting a place where the heartbeat of the Shrine can be heard clearly.

Let us be louder in our love, stronger in our service, and bolder in our belief that Freemasonry, through the Shrine, still matters.

Yours in Faith, Fraternity, and Purpose,

Trevor Eliott

Assistant Rabban,

Al Shamal Shriners

Delegate to Imperial Session 2025

2. Our Delegation: Representing Al Shamal

Al Shamal Potentate Justin Balbuena and Assistant Rabban Trevor Eliott take in the sights and spirit of the 2025 Imperial Session—representing Northern Alberta with pride. 🎩

Al Shamal Shriners was proudly represented by:

• Illustrious Sir Justin Balbuena

• Assistant Rabban Trevor Eliott (Delegate)

• Recorder Rick Shumilak (Colorado Corporation)

Joining us were our ladies:

• Lady Julia (with Trevor)

• Lady Bev (with Rick)

  
  

  

  Ladies Bev Shumilak and Julia Eliott share smiles and sisterhood at the 2025 First Lady’s Luncheon—celebrating friendship, elegance, and the heart of our Shrine families. 💐👒✨

  
  

While Lady Maricel was unable to attend this year, our team engaged in every aspect of the session—from legislation to patient presentations to networking events. Alberta was well represented.

3. Big Picture Takeaways

Here’s what stood out this year:

✅ Canadian Collaboration Matters – Our cross-border reputation is growing.

📣 EMVP Principles Were Echoed – Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, Purpose is quietly spreading.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Engagement is the Future – Especially in sports, outreach, and events.

💬 Unity & Transparency Are Non-Negotiable – Especially with finances and jurisdiction.

❤️ The Mission Still Moves Us – The patient stories stole the show, as they always should.

4. What Passed and What Failed: Legislative Updates

🛑 Failed Resolutions

• §205.1: Would have gradually eliminated travel reimbursements for voting reps (rejected).

• §211.5: Proposed increasing the Per Capita Tax from $50 to $70 USD (rejected).

✅ Passed Resolutions

• §323.11: Expanded flexibility for dues suspensions.

• §330.4 & §330.6: Streamlined internal investigation processes.

• §331.2: Reduced red tape for bylaw amendments.

💸 A deficit budget was passed. A financial sustainability committee has been struck by Imperial Sir Brad T. Koehn to address long-term challenges.

5. Patient Ambassadors Who Moved Us All

2025–26 International Patient Ambassadors Carlotta and Brandon meet Al Shamal Assistant Rabban Trevor Eliott—uniting courage, compassion, and the mission that binds us all. ❤️🎩🌍

Two extraordinary young people were introduced as the 2025–26 International Patient Ambassadors:

🌟 Brandon (USA) – Diagnosed with AFM, regained mobility through cutting-edge care at Greenville and Philadelphia.

🌊 Carlotta (Mexico) – Living with cerebral palsy, now a Paralympic swimming hopeful.

Their courage, faith, humour, and gratitude reminded us what this fraternity is really about.

6. Meet Your New Imperial Leadership Team

• Imperial Potentate: Brad T. Koehn (Arab)

• Chief Rabban: Larry J. Lieb (Moslem)

• Assistant Rabban: Mark Hartz (Boumi)

• High Priest & Prophet: Matt Sturlaugson (El Zagal)

• Oriental Guide: Marty Bartlett (Alzafar)

• Treasurer: Scott A. Schuster (Murat)

• Recorder: Jim Cain (Al Menah)

• Additional Appointees:

  • First Ceremonial Master: Tim Forbis

  • Second Ceremonial Master: Ron DeVoll

  • Marshal: David Hamm

  • Captain of the Guard: Dale Vrsalovich

  • Outer Guard: Rick Holloway

    
    

7. Big News from Shriners Children’s

🧪 New Research Institute – To be located in Atlanta, focusing on rare pediatric conditions.🌍 Global Access via Emergency Transportation Fund – Vital for international families (including Canada!).🇨🇦 Cross-border cooperation continues to be a hallmark of our healthcare system.

8. Sports, Storytelling & Brand Impact

Shriners International’s marketing through sports is paying off:

🏀 Charleston Classic – 1B+ media impressions, national ESPN coverage.

🥎 Clearwater Invitational (Softball) – 3M+ viewers, top 16 NCAA teams.

🏐 NEW: Showdown at the Net (Volleyball) – Launching Sept 2025 in Texas.

🏁 Shriners Children’s 500 NASCAR Cup Race – 3.5M+ broadcast viewers. More watched than PGA or NBA that weekend.

🎯 Al Shamal Takeaway: Watch parties, media tie-ins, and local storytelling could amplify our brand at home.

9. Unexpected Highlights and Key Connections

• Al Shamal’s cross-border credibility continues to grow.

• 🧵 EMVP was quietly echoed in many membership sustainability discussions.

• 🌐 New bonds were formed with Nobles across the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Europe, and Latin America—highlighted by plans for a 2027 fraternal journey to visit the Emirat Shriners’ Spring Ceremonial in Germany, followed by a river cruise down the Danube.

  
  

10. Alberta: What We Can Take Home

Delegates and Ladies from Al Shamal and Al Azhar enjoying a memorable dinner with 2025–26 Grand Master of Alberta, MW Bro. Chuck Rose—fellowship, fraternity, and the future of Freemasonry in good hands. 🥂🎩

Here are 4 takeaways I hope we carry into our own temple:

1️⃣ Unity through Purpose – Avoid unnecessary division. Celebrate what works.

2️⃣ Visibility with Meaning – Every event is a platform. Own it.

3️⃣ Youth & Female Engagement – Kids Camp and Oil Kings are strong starts—keep going.

4️⃣ Hospitality & Honour – Be proud of the fez. Always explain it with love.

11. Upcoming Imperial Sessions

📍 2026: Tampa, FL – July 12–16

📍 2027: Philadelphia, PA – June 27–July 1

📍 2028: Pittsburgh, PA – July 9–13

📍 2029: Omaha, NE – July 1–5

Let’s plan ahead. Let’s show up strong.

12. Final Words – Let’s Carry It Forward

This year’s session left no doubt: the Shrine is evolving. While the world changes around us, our mission—serving children with love and care—remains our anchor.

Let us return home not just with notes and souvenirs, but with renewed fire:

• To lead boldly.

• To serve joyfully.

• To show the world what the fez truly stands for.

  
  

They call me Mr. Fancy Fez—but this isn’t about titles or tassels. It’s about purpose, people, and pride in the work we do together. Let's carry this spirit into every parade, every clinic, and every conversation back home in Alberta.

In the words of Imperial Sir Brad T. Koehn:

“We are not just a fraternity with a hospital — we are a brotherhood with a purpose.”

That quote echoed for me all week.

Let’s carry the mission forward—proudly, publicly, and purposefully. Let’s lead with energy. Mentor the next. Be visible. Live our purpose.

Fraternally,

Trevor Eliott - Mr Fancy Fez

Assistant Rabban

Al Shamal Shriners

Delegate to Imperial Session 2025