Coastal Zone Canada Conference 2025

June 9 - 11, 2025  Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions and break-out groups

Network with hundreds of people with a passion for the coastal environment

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Conference Information

Welcome

Welcome

The theme of #CZC2025 is: “Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships”.

Recognizing the importance of sharing different perspectives, knowledge systems, experiences, and efforts within coastal zones, the focus of this year’s conference is relationships. Whether the relationships are with land, water, ice, wildlife, or humans, their strength and diversity are critical in building collective resilience.

As Canada's national conference for coastal zone management, we invite everyone who works within coastal zones to come and connect to share our passion for advancing knowledge building, best practices, and social and policy awareness. Drawing engineers, scientists, youth, artists, planners, climate change practitioners, community leaders, and more - this conference looks to push coastal zone management to new heights by bringing together different actors and knowledge holders to facilitate a better understanding of different pressures and opportunities as well as enable more impactful collaborations.

Theme

Conference Theme

The conference theme is “Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships”.

The sub-themes this year focus on resilience and relationships within the coastal zone:

  1. Environmental processes - Understanding and responding to physical, biological, and chemical coastal processes, including how they are influenced by climate change
  2. Strengthening resilience of the coasts – Supporting coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, culture, and livelihoods
  3. Coastal care and management – Care, stewardship and management in a changing coastal environment
  4. Relationships and relations – Our relationships and relations with the land, water, ice, and all living beings along the coasts and how they are changing
  5. Health and wellbeing of people and communities – The role of coasts in physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and community wellbeing

Topics:

Conference Venue

Conference Venue

Coastal Zone Canada 2025 will be hosted at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown, PEI. UPEI offers a modern and welcoming setting for conference sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all within a campus that reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Attendees will have access to:

  • State-of-the-art facilities, including lecture halls, breakout rooms, and exhibition spaces.
  • Advanced technology and accessibility features to support an inclusive experience.
  • Scenic and walkable surroundings, with green spaces and gathering areas ideal for collaboration.
  • On-campus accommodations and dining options, ensuring convenience throughout the event.

Located in the heart of Prince Edward Island’s capital, UPEI provides an inspiring setting for discussions on coastal and ocean sustainability. Join us at Coastal Zone Canada 2025 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our coastal zones.

Call for Abstracts

Call for Abstracts

The Coastal Zone Canada Association (CZCA) is excited to announce the call for abstracts for our upcoming conference CZC 2025: Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships! This three-day event will take place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada June 9 to 11, 2025.

The sub-themes this year focus on resilience and relationships within the coastal zone:

  1. Environmental processes - Understanding and responding to physical, biological, and chemical coastal processes, including how they are influenced by climate change
  2. Strengthening resilience of the coasts – Supporting coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, culture, and livelihoods
  3. Coastal care and management – Care, stewardship and management in a changing coastal environment
  4. Relationships and relations – Our relationships and relations with the land, water, ice, and all living beings along the coasts and how they are changing
  5. Health and wellbeing of people and communities – The role of coasts in physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and community wellbeing

The conference aims to create a space where different knowledge systems, practices, stories, and perspectives can come together and learn from each other. The goals are to collectively navigate what coastal stewardship and management could look like through the lens of relationships; build common ground across communities, professions, sectors, goals, and values; and connect over a shared passion for coastal zone resilience.

We are looking for submissions such as case study, professional practice, and research presentations; panel sessions; posters; collaborative workshops; performances; art displays; and hands-on activities. We encourage submissions that support the conference goals and follow one or more sub-themes. Abstracts can be based in governance and policy, ocean science, social science, engineering, arts and culture, community care and building, and more. Submissions that look through the lens of relationships and resilience, and include multiple voices and diverse perspectives will be prioritized.

The Call for Abstracts is now closed.  

Participation Grant

Early Career Professionals Participation Grant

We are excited to offer up to four (4) conference participation grants to early career professionals to join us in Prince Edward Island for the 2025 Coastal Zone Canada Conference, made possible by the generous support of our Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Sponsors.

The participation grant includes airfare, four (4) nights’ accommodation, and complimentary conference registration. Note that some conditions will apply. To be eligible, applicants must be early career professionals (defined as those with no more than 10 years in their current discipline, whether professional, academic, community champion, artist, or as a student). Applications will only be reviewed for applicants that have submitted an abstract.

To apply for a participation grant, please complete the following information in PDF format and email to: Jen Gibson [email protected] by January 15, 2025 11:59 pm ADT with the subject line: CZC2025 – Participation Grant.

  • Full name
  • Contact information (e-mail)
  • Discipline / profession/ passion
  • Years active in your discipline / profession / passion
  • Location in Canada (e.g., Arctic, Great Lakes / Central Canada, Western Canada, Eastern Canada)
  • 300-word statement explaining your motivation for attending the 2025 Coastal Zone Canada Conference and what you hope to gain from the experience
  • Area of Specialization (one-word answers)
  • Title of your abstract submission

Conference Registration for Early Career Professionals Events
We are pleased to offer specialized conference programming for early career professionals (defined as those with no more than 10 years in their current discipline, whether professional, academic, community champion, artist, or as a student). Programming includes dedicated spaces to connect with mentors during and after the conference.

The Participation Grant is now closed.  

 

Congratulations to the CZC2025 Early Career Professionals Participation Grant Recipients!

2025Grant-Recipients

Early Career Events during CZC2025

Join other early career professionals for a fun evening of coastal zone trivia, hosted by the Early Career Professionals Committee! The event will take place at the Fox & Crow conveniently located on the UPEI Campus on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Food and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. This event will provide a great way for folks to connect and network. Door prizes and prizes for trivia winners will also be given out. Space will be limited.

Registration for Events and Activities is completed through Ex Ordo (Conference Platform). Please visit the Registration and Costs section to sign up.

Registration and Costs

Registration

We are very excited to host you in-person in beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 9 to June 11, 2025, and know many of you need to start planning. Registration for CZC2025 is now open. The pricing table for the conference is set out below. We will also be offering fieldtrips pre and post conference (Sunday, June 8th and Thursday, June 12th) at an additional cost. Fieldtrip information will be posted on our Events and Activities page soon.

Click on Register Now in the table below to complete registration using our conference platform Ex Ordo.

Full Delegate Pass

$ 525
  • Opening Network Social on Monday, June 9
  • 3 days (June 9-11) of Sessions, plenaries & Keynotes
  • Lunch & nutrition breaks

Full Non-Profit Delegate Pass

$425
  • Includes all benefits as the Full Delegate Pass
  • Reserved for Non-Profit registrants

Full Indigenous Delegate Pass

$ 325
  • Includes all benefits as the Full Delegate Pass
  • Reserved for Indigenous registrants

Full Student Delegate Pass

$325
  • Includes all benefits as the Full Delegate Pass
  • Reserved for students

Full /Non-Profit Delegate Single Day Pass

$ 200 (1 Day)
  • 1 day of sessions, plenaries, and keynotes
  • 1 lunch and nutrition breaks
  • 1-day access to our exhibitor hall

Indigenous/Student Delegate Single Day Pass

$120 (1 Day)
  • Includes all benefits as the Full Delegate Single Day Pass
  • Reserved for Indigenous and student registrants

If you have any questions, please send us an email.

Events and Activities

Events and Activities

Registration for Events and Activities is completed through Ex Ordo (Conference Platform). 
Please visit the Registration and Costs section to sign up.

Charlottetown Harbour Solar Boat Tour

Sunday, June 8 - 2:30pm - 4:00 pm

Cruise around the Charlottetown Harbour on North America's largest solar boat while exploring the waterfront, climate impacts and adaptation strategies, and lobster traps. Learn about the history of solar boat, the Montreal Expo, the birthplace of Confederation, the Expulsion of the Acadians, the waterfront areas and aquatic life from your expert guide. Space will be limited.

Solar Boat

CZC2025 Opening Social

Monday, June 9, 2025 – 5:30pm – 8:30pm

The Local Organizing Committee invites you to connect with colleagues, enjoy music, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar at the Trailside Music Hall, on the ground level of the Arts Hotel. Shuttle service between the UPEI campus and Arts Hotel will be provided.

Trailside Music hall

Coastal Zone Trivia Night at Fox & Crow

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Join other early career professionals for a fun evening of coastal zone trivia, hosted by the Early Career Professionals Committee! The event will take place at the Fox & Crow conveniently located on the UPEI Campus. Food and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. This event will provide a great way for folks to connect and network. Door prizes and prizes for trivia winners will also be given out. Space will be limited.

Fox&Crow

Up East Bus Tour: Climate & Coastal Adaptation

Thursday, June 12 – 8:00am – 4:30pm

Hop on the bus and head up East to explore coastal challenges, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation research in the Atlantic, and adapting to change in national parks. This tour will stop at three unique sites that highlight costal change and adaptation strategies, including Basin Head Provincial Park, Souris Causeway, and Greenwich (PEI National Park), as well as a tour of the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peters Bay. Accessibility considerations: walking between beach sites, uneven sandy terrain, outside (weather and bugs), 4km hike. Space will be limited.

CCCCA

Lennox Island Community: Coastal Change, Climate & Culture

Thursday, June 12 – 8:00am – 4:30pm

Explore Lennox Island and learn about the vibrant community, culture, climate actions being undertaken to build community resilience in the face of climate and coastal change. Learn about the communities thriving aquaculture industry, local greenhouse and food security initiatives, innovative approaches to sea-level rise and erosion, nature based solutions and cultural resilience. Accessibility: walking between sites, some uneven terrain, outside (weather and bugs). Space will be limited.

Lennox Island - Tourism PEI

*Events and activities are subject to change.

Program

Program

Program planning for CZC2025 is underway, please check back often for updates.

We understand attendees need to start planning and we can share that the start time of the conference on Monday, June 9 will be at 8:30 am AST.  It is anticipated to conclude on Wednesday June 11 at approximately 4pm.  Please note that if you have signed up for the fieldtrips, they begin on Sunday, June 8th and conclude on Thursday, June 12.

Accommodations

Accommodations for CZC2025

Please see below for CZC2025 accommodations.

UPEI Residences:

Room reservations can be made at the UPEI Residences which are a few minutes walk to the conference venue (campus map). We have secured 150 rooms and the reservations are on a first come, first served basis and can include a single apartment (studio), 2-bedroom apartment (2 singles or 1 king per room) or a 3-bedroom apartment. Prices are exclusive of taxes and levies. It is the attendee’s responsibility to understand the cancellation policy, check-in/check-out times, early departure fees (if applicable). Parking is free at the general lots. Reservations for UPEI Residences are now open.

Partnered Hotels:

Please see below for room blocks at our partnered hotels with special CZC2025 conference rates. The hotels are less than a 10-minute drive to the campus. You will note that each hotel has a different cut-off date and only a limited number of rooms available so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. It is the attendee’s responsibility to understand the hotel’s cancellation policy, check-in/check-out times, early departure fees (if applicable), charges for triple or quad occupancy rooms and taxes, etc.

City Transit information is provided under each hotel. Aside from transit and rental cars, other transportation options include 1) Taxis: Yellow Cab, Co-op Taxi, City Taxi, GrabbaCab, PEI Online Taxi; 2) Rideshare: Kari; 3) Pay-per-use scooter rental: Epic Electric Scooters; and 4) Accessible taxi options: Pat and the Elephant.

Performing Arts Centre and Residence Building #21 on UPEI Campus

550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

Rate per night - $169.00 CAD (rate valid until April 8, 2025)

Beginning November 1, 2024, a block of rooms will be available at the Performing Arts Centre and Residence Building #21 on UPEI Campus from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. Room rates at $169.00 per night plus taxes and levies have been secured and will be valid until April 8, 2025.

Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:

Bill and Denise Andrew Hall Building #19 on UPEI Campus

550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

Rate per night: $119.99 – $149.99 CAD (rate valid until April 8, 2025)

Beginning November 1, 2024, a block of rooms will be available at the Bill and Denise Andrew Hall Building #19 on UPEI Campus from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. Room rates between $119.99 – $149.99 per night plus taxes and levies have been secured and will be valid until April 8, 2025.

Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:

The Arts Hotel

155 Kent Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 5Y6

Rate per night: $159 CAD (rate valid until May 8, 2025)

A block of rooms will be available at the Arts Hotel from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. A group rate of $159 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until May 8, 2025.

Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:

"Go off the grid and reconnect with the present moment at The Arts Hotel. When you check-in, get ready to unwind, disconnect, and embrace a more fun, communal experience. There are no TVs, no phone, no refrigerator, no coffee machine, and no iron in any of our rooms, but you can find most of these located in our common area on the second floor. There are also no hair dryers in the rooms, but you are able to request one from the front desk.”

Transit Information:
There is a direct bus route connecting the ARTS hotel and UPEI. Expected travel time is 7 to 9 minutes on Route #1 on weekdays, with pickup available every ~15 minutes from 6:45am to 10:18pm. There is also a direct bus route (Route #1) on Saturdays and Sundays, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes from 7:00am to 10:18pm and 10:00am to 6:03pm, respectively.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

300 Capital Drive, Charlottetown, PE C1E 3N1

Rate per night: $189 CAD (rate valid until May 8, 2025)

A block of rooms will be available at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. A group rate of $189 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until May 8, 2025.

Reservations can be made calling the In-House Reservations Department at 1-902-368-3551. Callers must identify themselves as being with the group and reference “Coastal Zone Canada” in order to qualify for the group rate.

Transit Information:
The Hampton Inn and Suites and UPEI are indirectly connected through the use of two separate bus routes. Passengers are required to switch between Route #2 and Route #1 or #3, or vice versa, at the Royalty Crossing Transfer Hub en-route to their destination; expected travel time is 20-23 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays.

Although each bus route operates at slightly different times, all are active from roughly 7:00am-6:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with buses running every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or hour depending on the time of day and specific route.

The nearest bus stop to the Hampton Inn and Suites is located at Maypoint Plaza and is serviced by Route #2. Routes #1 and #3 both have stops at UPEI and, depending on the direction of travel, stop at: UPEI/University Avenue, UPEI Bus Shelter, or UPEI/Brown's Court. Passengers must switch buses at the Royalty Crossing Mall Transfer Hub to reach their destination (UPEI or the Hampton Inn and Suites).

There is no bus service to or from the Hampton Inn and Suites on Sundays.

The Holman Grand Hotel

123 Grafton St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1K9

Rate per night: $289 CAD (rate valid until April 9, 2025)

A block of rooms will be available at the Holman Grand Hotel from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Wednesday, June 11, 2025. A group rate of $289 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until April 9, 2025. Please phone the hotel directly if you need to secure additional nights (pre and post) (902) 367-7777.

Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:

Transit Information:
There is a direct bus route connecting the Holman Grand Hotel and UPEI. Expected travel time is 8 to 13 minutes on Route #1 on weekdays, with pickup available every 10 to 15 minutes from 6:45am to 10:18pm. There is also a direct bus route (Route #1) on Saturdays and Sundays, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes from 7:00am to 10:18pm and 10:00am to 6:03pm, respectively.

Partners and Sponsors

Partners and Sponsors

The Conference Planning Committee recognizes the generous contributions of our partners and sponsors below.

Platinum

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Gold

Silver

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RP_oysters LOGO High Res (002)
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Bronze

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Become a Sponsor for CZC2025

We are actively looking for sponsors to better support conference planning and delivery. Some benefits of partnering and sponsorship include:

● Support information-sharing and networking opportunities among coastal zone management policy makers, Indigenous representatives, coastal and marine scientists, engineers, and other professionals from across Canada
● Raise your brand awareness with recognition on conference promotional materials including the conference website, program guide, and conference signage
● Expand your exposure in a dynamic and professional environment
● Be a part of advancing new research and approaches in coastal zone management
● Set the stage for turning ideas into tangible actions and outcomes
● Achieve your goals with customizable sponsorship packages
● Facilitate participation from groups who may otherwise face financial barriers (e.g., students, local Indigenous community members)

Please contact Heather Laiskonis to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Exhibitors

Exhibitors

The following exhibitors will be showcased in our Exhibit Hall from June 9-11, 2025.  Please click on an exhibitor logo to visit their website to learn more about the organization.

To learn more about becoming an exhibitor for CZC2025, please click here.

Become an Exhibitor for CZC2025

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network with key researchers and practitioners in the field of Integrated Coastal Zone Management.  Please contact Heather Laiskonis for more information on exhibiting at CZC2025 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.  Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first-serve basis.  The exhibition hall is expected to be open from 9am–4pm daily; conference refreshment breaks will occur in the exhibition hall.

The exhibitor booth and tabletop are located in an accessible and visible location. Exhibitors will not be required to staff booths for all hours of the conference, but must have staff present during breaks, exhibit show times and poster sessions. Allocation of booth spaces will be on a first come, first-serve basis.

Full size Corner Booth

$2,500

  • Included with Gold and Platinum Level Sponsorships
  • Two Exhibitor Badges
  • Two 6-foot Skirted Tables or Equivalent
  • Space for Panel Displays
  • Organization Logo and Link on Conference Website

Tabletop

$1,750

  • Included with Bronze and Silver Level Sponsorships
  • One Exhibitor Badge
  • 6-foot Skirted Table
  • Organization Logo and Link on Conference Website

Plenary Speakers

TBD

CZC2025 Logo

About the Logo

The CZC2025 logo was based on quillwork created by  Melissa Peter-Paul.  Melissa is a Mi’kmaw woman from Abegweit First Nation, located on Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). Growing up, Melissa was immersed in cultural teachings and was surrounded by a family of basket makers. She began her artistic expression at a young age, making regalia and beadwork, and is skilled in both traditional and contemporary styles. Melissa’s exposure to other Mi’kmaq artforms led her to quillwork, a traditional skill in which the ancestors of her maternal grandfather excelled.

The quillwork was converted to a digital rendering to form the logo used for CZC2025.  This digital creation was completed by One Stone Design, located in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island).

CZC_HorizontalLogo

Health & Safety

Pending

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Your registration for, and attendance at, any Coastal Zone Canada conference indicates your acknowledgement of, and agreement to adhere to, Coastal Zone Canada’s Code of Conduct below.

The Coastal Zone Canada (CZC) organizers and hosts expects all participants to help create a welcoming and respectful environment that is safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees, including speakers, moderators, facilitators, exhibitors, media, sponsors, volunteers, contractors, service providers, employees, and all others that may be involved.

To ensure everyone will have the opportunity to benefit from their attendance at CZC, we will provide a experience in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect without discrimination and, in particular, as prescribed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, without discrimination based on: race, national, or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.

We recognize a shared responsibility to create and maintain this environment for the benefit of all, where everyone feels welcome to participate, speak up, ask questions, and engage in conversation. The expectation is for participants to be intentional and thoughtful in their interactions to ensure the event is a culturally safe environment for all, that is, to ensure someone’s culture is not discussed in ways that are harmful or is described through the lens and experience of another culture. To that end, we expect all CZC participants to abide by the Code of Conduct at all conference venues whether in-person, virtual, on social media, and at all conference related social and extension events.

Expected Behavior

  • Adhere fully to all Congress health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and consideration.
  • Communicate thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of cultures, views and opinions that may be different from your own, in all situations including but not limited to, while presenting, in one-on-one conversations, at exhibitor tables, and in group discussions.
  • Be considerate and respectful in your critique of ideas.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants.
  • Respect the rules and policies of all venues associated with the Congress.
  • Be professional in your demeanor and appropriate in your attire.
  • Be accountable.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing and/or other unacceptable behavior, as outlined below.

Unacceptable Behavior
All participants must not engage in any inappropriate behavior, and in particular not in intimidation, harassment, abusive, or discriminatory actions, such as:

  • Offensive verbal or written remarks, including those related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion;
  • Violence or threats of violence;
  • Violent or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
  • Deliberate intimidation;
  • Stalking or following (online and in-person);
  • Unwanted or unauthorized photography or recording;
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
  • Unwelcome physical contact or other forms of assault;
  • Unwelcome sexual attention;
  • Sexist, racist, or other exclusionary jokes;
  • Use of social or mainstream media to target individuals in a way that could harm their privacy and/or reputation;
  • Deliberate misgendering such as deliberately not using a person’s preferred pronouns.

Non-Urgent Reporting
If you notice non-urgent inappropriate behavior that violates this Code of Conduct during the Coastal Zone Canada Conference or have any other concerns, please report it by emailing Coastal Zone Canada.

Immediate or Urgent Matters
If the incident is of an immediate safety or security concern, please call the on-site security or dial 911.

Confidentiality
All reports will be handled in confidence except as otherwise required by law, and subject to due process and natural justice. Organizers will respond as promptly as we can.

Consequences
Participants asked to stop any behavior deemed inappropriate are expected to comply immediately. Explanations of “just joking” are not acceptable; behavior can be harassing without an intent to offend.

If a participant engages in harassing or other unacceptable behavior, including a failure to adhere abide by the above Code of Conduct, the Coastal Zone Canada organizers will take any action or actions they deem appropriate to keep the conference a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. Actions that may be taken include: warning the offender, expulsion from the conference with no refunds, reporting the incident to the offender’s local institution or agencies, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement agencies.

We look forward to seeing you in PEI in June, 2025!

Have a question about CZC2025?

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