Island Studies Journal (ISJ) is a scholarly journal dedicated to the inter-disciplinary study of our “world of islands.” Published twice a year (May and November), the first issue appeared in May 2006. Editor-in-chief is Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies, based at the Institute of Island Studies, UPEI. The international Editorial Board is made up of island studies scholars from over 50 universities and institutions.

The three-day symposium, called “Poetry as a Way of Knowing,” brought together international poets and scholars from different disciplines and countries. Over 35 presenters from the United Kingdom, Tasmania, Japan, United States, and throughout Canada explored the role of poetry in research. They discussed the art of poetry as a literary genre and inquiry practice during academic sessions, presentations, poetry readings, and informal discussions.

“We are excited that the symposium builds partnerships and brings together local and international poets, scholars, and the community at large, in a vibrant gathering and celebration of poetic voices,” says UPEI education professor Suzanne Thomas. She co-chaired the symposium with Ardra Cole of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto.

In May 2009, Island business-owners had the opportunity to discuss practical business management approaches in difficult economic times at a symposium presented by ProfitLearn PEI.

LAUNCH - A Symposium for Growing PEI Business took place at UPEI and featured a stellar line-up of speakers, including Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications Ltd., and sole female judge on CBC TV’s popular show Dragons’ Den; Elizabeth Beale, President and CEO of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council; and Doug Hall, CEO of Eureka Ranch, author and star of NBC’s “The Inventor.”

Organizers hope this will become an annual conference.

UPEI’s Conference Services unit is a member of the Tourism Charlottetown and the PEI Convention Partnership, an organization that works to promote meetings, conventions, festivals, cruise ship visitation, motorcoach and Fully Independent Travel (FIT), leisure travel, and sport tourism.

In making UPEI residence, classroom, and sports facilities available, UPEI greatly assists Tourism Charlottetown and the PEI Convention Partnership in recruiting large conference and sporting events to the city and province.