IAUPE conferences have a number of distinctive features. First, the academic programme is unusually comprehensive, ranging from the early medieval period to the 21st century. Second, the conference builds community among scholars who, while all belonging to “English,” would not ordinarily come together. Owing to the broad international representation and the collegial atmosphere, IAUPE conferences provide opportunities for like-minded colleagues to meet. IAUPE meetings have an excellent record of sowing the seeds of cooperative projects. Third, IAUPE conferences always include special cultural and social events—concerts, excursions, and so on—intended to provide conference participants and their partners with opportunities to become acquainted with the best that the venue can offer.