We are thrilled to again offer an in-person conference experience dedicated to Sable Island!
Please hold these dates – Friday evening October 20 and Saturday October 21, 2023 – for Nova Scotia, Canada – located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people.
This page will be regularly updated as we continue to build the program. Please check back frequently, or become a member to get e-mail updates and a registration discount.
Background
Sable Island is a National Park Reserve (NPR) protected under Canada’s National Parks Act. The conference is dedicated to Sable Island NPR and the marine environment that surrounds and maintains the Island. This is the fifth in a series of conferences related to the appreciation and management of this surprising sandbar in the north Atlantic Ocean. The conference is open to all topics related to Sable Island NPR, Sable Island Bank, and Sable Gully. The main themes will be: natural history/science, cultural history, visitor experience, and park management.
Opening Reception – Friday evening October 20
The conference will open with a reception on Friday evening to celebrate our 25th anniversary of caring for Sable Island. It will feature special guest speakers and an opportunity to share stories informally over nibblies and beverages.
Conference Program – Saturday October 21
The formal conference sessions will be held during the day on Saturday with two snack breaks and a light lunch. The program will include at least twenty presentations selected using an open call for presenters. This year we would like to offer virtual attendance and are currently investigating the options and costs. Because the future of Sable Island rests in the hands of our youth, young researchers and recent graduates will be strongly encouraged to present. Information on confirmed presentations will be displayed below as it becomes available.
Call for Abstracts/Presenters
Presentations will be up to 15 minutes in duration each plus time for questions and answers, grouped by theme. We also welcome poster presentations, interactive activity stations, and artist exhibits. Presenters are currently being selected through an open Call for Abstracts/Presenters – please follow the instructions found on that page to indicate your interest in presenting.
Sponsorship Invitation
We believe that the Island has an amazing capacity to teach people about our world and we seek ways to provide a variety of learning opportunities. Sponsorships will be used to keep registration fees at $60 or less to make it affordable for a broad audience. Any money raised above the cost of the conference will be used to finish the development of a set of related and downloadable lesson plans to teach school children about the historical, environmental and scientific significance of Sable Island. All sponsors will be recognized on the conference webpage and in conference materials. There are several levels of sponsorship available for those who wish to support our mandate – see details at Conference Sponsor Invitation. To sponsor the conference or help with fundraising, please contact us at conference@sableislandfriends.ca.
Donations
As a charitable organization registered in Canada, we issue receipts for income tax purposes for all donations received. Financial gifts support our education programs, including our annual scholarships. To donate use either Friends of Sable Island or Canada Helps – Friends of Sable Island.
Volunteering
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with the planning activities leading up the conference, and for the day of the conference. Volunteers receive a complimentary pass to the conference. If interested, e-mail conference@sableislandfriends.ca (please state “Conference Support” in the subject line) and tell us how you would like to help.
Special Conference Room Rate
We have secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate for the Dartmouth Delta (240 Brownlow Avenue, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1X6) where we will be holding the conference. The nightly rate of $179 CAD plus taxes is available for the Sable Island Conference on both Friday night (October 20) and Saturday night (October 21). Last day to book at this discounted rate is Wednesday August 23, 2023. Book on-line at Book your group rate for Friends of Sable Island Society (FSI), or call the hotel directly at 902-468-8888 or email reservations@deltadartmouth.com
Registration
Registration is now open. Click here to register.
