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Friday, May 16
 

8:00am CDT

Small Group Breakfasts (additional fee)
Come and join your peers for interactive small group breakfast meetups around topics you have a shared interest in!

Tell us your top 3 topics after you sign up (using this form here) and get ready to make new friends. Small Group Breakfast topics include:
-Distribution
-Systems & Operations
-Children’s Publishing
-Working with Libraries
-Direct to Consumers
-Marketing and Technology
-Hybrid Publishing
-Diversity in Publishing
-Other – suggest your own!

When you arrive, register on the First Level in the Great River Court and then head down to the Minnesota Court (lower level. You can choose the table you'd like to sit at—and move around—according to topics posted at the various tables! (Be sure to bring business cards and/or be ready to share your contact information.)

We'll shuffle the room seating so you'll have the opportunity to join three different group discussions over the hour and 45 minutes.

While we wish we could offer this event for free, there is an additional fee of $65 to register for a small group breakfast, which only partly offsets the cost of food. (The breakfast buffet will have vegan options as well as gluten-free options.) You can sign up for the small group breakfast here.
Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Intercontinental - Minnesota Court (lower level, below lobby)

10:00am CDT

Welcome First Timers! Learn How to Get the Most out of IBPA Publishing University
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Full description to come.
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)
  Community Building

11:00am CDT

Welcome and Opening Keynote: The Pillars of Publishing – Copyright and Freedom of Expression
Our program begins!

Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, IBPA's CEO, will welcome everyone and introduce Maria A. Pallante for our opening keynote:

The Pillars of Publishing – Copyright and Freedom of Expression
The legal framework that supports the publishing industry has never been more important. Maria A. Pallante, President and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, will discuss the bedrock principles that underpin the global publishing ecosystem: copyright and freedom of expression. The discussion will explore the landscape of copyright law and regulation, with a particular focus on exclusive rights of authors and publishers in their creative works, as well as the crucial role of freedom of speech and freedom to publish to our democracy and an informed citizenry.
Speakers
avatar for Maria A. Pallante

Maria A. Pallante

President and CEO, Association of American Publishers
Maria A. Pallante leads AAP’s strategic agenda and public policy portfolio, working with her talented team to advance and protect the laws that incentivize and protect creative and intellectual authorship. From 2011 to 2016, she served as Register of Copyrights and Director of the... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Ballroom (first level, above lobby)

11:00am CDT

Exhibit Hall Hours (meet our sponsors!)
Meet our sponsors in person!

12:00pm CDT

12:45pm CDT

Board Recognition
Join us to thank our outgoing – and welcome our incoming – members of the IBPA Board of Directors.

1:15pm CDT

Breakout 1 (Author Publishers) - Your Brand and Value Proposition
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Breakout 1 (Author Publishers) - Your Brand and Value PropositionDetails to be announced.

Faculty include Lindsy Bivens and Brandon Birkmeyer, with moderator and host Jeniffer Thompson.

The author publisher breakout sessions are intended for author publishers (a.k.a. self-published authors) who are creating and publishing their own works. 
Speakers
avatar for Brandon Birkmeyer

Brandon Birkmeyer

Personal Branding Coach, Brands On Brands Consulting
Brandon is a personal branding specialist and a former Coca-Cola and Apple advertising executive with over 22 years of experience at Madison Avenue advertising agencies advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. In 2018, he launched the Brands On Brands podcast, which is... Read More →
avatar for Lindsy Bivens

Lindsy Bivens

Consultant & Publisher, The Author's Pen
Lindsy Bivens is a powerhouse consultant, publisher, and dynamic speaker who has empowered countless authors, entrepreneurs, and leaders to transform their stories into movements. As the visionary behind The Author’s Pen, LLC, Lindsy has personally guided over 100 authors and impacted... Read More →
avatar for Jeniffer Thompson

Jeniffer Thompson

Creative Director, Monkey C Media
** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 2C - Fri 5/16, 3:45-4:00pm, 5A - group - Sat 5/17, 3:35-4:00pm, 5B - group - Sat 5/17, 4:05-4:30pmAreas of Expertise: Amazon Marketing Services, Design, General Publishing... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Intercontinental - Governors II (lower level, below lobby)

1:15pm CDT

Breakout 1 (Start Strong Independent Publishers) - Grant Writing, Fundraising, and Sponsorship Models
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
With Joylynn M. Ross, Dr. Katherine Newburgh, with moderator and host Jared Kuritz.

Independent publishers are essential for expanding the definition of authorship, voice, and visibility in our society. Often we take risks on emerging markets and new voices, which means the need to generate revenue beyond book sales alone. In this session we'll explore . . .
· how to mobilize community support
· ways to maximize fund-raising opportunities
· leveraging sponsorships
· grant writing, funding, and resources
. . . to help you scale your publishing business while creating sustainable growth.
As a thank-you for attending and engaging, participants will also have the opportunity to win publishing prizes and literary swag in our raffle!
Come with a strong vision for your company's impact, and leave with practical ideas, action steps, resources, and inspiration for generating new and creative streams of revenue.

The Start Strong Independent Publishers breakout sessions are for independent publishers who are just starting out and are looking for help navigating the basics of successful publishing. (Generally you will have been in the publishing industry for three years or less and have published fewer than ten titles.) 
Speakers
avatar for Joylynn M. Ross

Joylynn M. Ross

CEO & Founder, Path To Publishing
Joylynn M. Ross is a 30+ year literary industry professional and the CEO of Path To Publishing, Co-founder of Path To Connections, and President of PTP Press. Joylynn has served on every corner of the publishing world and literary industry map. From self-published and traditionally... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Katherine Newburgh

Dr. Katherine Newburgh

Founder, Books of Eden Publishing
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 2C - Fri 5/16, 3:45-4:00pm, 3B - Sat 5/17, 11:05-11:20am, 3C - Sat 5/17, 11:25-11:40am, 3D - Sat 5/17, 11:45am-12noon, 4A - Sat 5/17, 1:45-2:00pm, 4B - Sat 5/17, 2:05-2:20pmAreas... Read More →
avatar for Jared Kuritz

Jared Kuritz

President and CMO, STRATEGIES PR and Zoundy
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 2C - Fri 5/16, 3:45-4:00pm, 4A - Sat 5/17, 1:45-2:00pm, 4B - Sat 5/17, 2:05-2:20pm, 4C - Sat 5/17, 2:25-2:40pm, 5A - group - Sat 5/17, 3:35-4:00pm, 5B - group - Sat 5/17... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg II-III (lobby level)

1:15pm CDT

Breakout 1 - (Established Independent Publishers) - Non-English Content for the US Market
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
With faculty Arthur A. Levine, Icy Smith, and Wiley Barnes, and moderator and host Ashley MIreles-Gurerro.

Details to be announced.

The Established Publisher breakout sessions are intended for independent publishers who have an established business and experience in the industry, and are looking to successfully grow and scale their publishing company. (Generally you will have been in the publishing industry for at least four years, and have published more than ten titles.) Please note that if you are just starting out and you attend an Established Independent Publisher session you are auditing the class, and we ask that you not take up session time with beginner-level questions.
Speakers
avatar for Arthur A. Levine

Arthur A. Levine

President and Editor-in-Chief, Levine Querido
Arthur A. Levine is a gay, Jewish, parent, who lives with chronic illness, and is neuro-atypical. Does that explain his career-long passion for diversity in children’s literature? Not fully. He believes with all his heart that what we (all of us) look for, as readers, is truth... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Mireles-Guerrero

Ashley Mireles-Guerrero

Director of Sales & Marketing/Founder CEO, Familius/Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore
Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Familius Publishing and the author of over 13 books, including 100 First Words for Little Californians and Proud to Be Latino: Food/Comida. A 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Finalist and 2024 BookCamp Forty... Read More →
avatar for Icy Smith

Icy Smith

Publisher, East West Discovery Press LLC
Icy Smith is the founder of East West Discovery Press, a publisher and distributor of multicultural and bilingual books in many different languages, with the mission of promoting understanding among people of different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Smith has written award-winning... Read More →
avatar for Wiley Barnes

Wiley Barnes

Director, Chickasaw Press
Wiley Barnes, Chickasaw, has spent twenty-four years forging a career in publishing, writing, printing, photography, and graphic design, with the last seventeen years at the Chickasaw Nation. During that time, he has had the pleasure of working on a number of projects that promote... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

1:15pm CDT

Main Ballroom (During Breakout Session 1) - Ask the Experts and Meet our Sponsors!
Ask-the-Experts consults (both one expert-with-one attendee and one expert-with-five attendees) will be happening in the main Colorado ballroom during Breakout 1, and you can chat with our sponsors as well.

Sign ups will be on-site, and will open on Friday May 16th at 10am by Registration.

2:15pm CDT

Friday Afternoon Snack and Meet Our Sponsors!
Grab a snack, chat with some of our conference sponsors, and connect with your community!
Friday May 16, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Court (first level, above lobby)
  Community Building

3:00pm CDT

Breakout 2 (Author Publishers) - Consumer Marketing
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Consumer marketing
Faculty Juliet Wills and Django De Gree, II, with moderator and host Andrea DeWerd.

In today’s fast-evolving publishing marketplace, indie authors and small presses are outpacing traditional publishing by embracing nimble, data-driven, and low-cost marketing strategies. This session—moderated by Andrea DeWerd (the future of agency) with panelists Django De Gree (Focus On Words and WroteBy.Me) and Juliet Wills (Galaxy Press)—will explore what’s actually working right now, from direct-to-consumer marketing and sales, to SEO, trend-spotting, and new technology—including the AI-powered tools that are actually helpful. We'll dig into the growing gap between traditional and self-publishing, highlight the value of tracking and attribution in the advertising and sales funnels, and share practical tools and tactics that every author-publisher or small press can use to drive discoverability and sales today.

The author publisher breakout sessions are intended for author publishers (a.k.a. self-published authors) who are creating and publishing their own works. 
Speakers
avatar for Django De Gree, II

Django De Gree, II

CEO, Author, Wrote By Me
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pmAreas of Expertise: Distribution, Internet Marketing, Marketing, Metadata, Print-on-Demand, Special Market Sales, Publicity, Social Media, Websites, Public Speaking, Printing (General), Direct to Consumer... Read More →
avatar for Juliet Wills

Juliet Wills

VP Global Sales and Rights, Galaxy Press
Juliet Wills: I started in publishing while still in High School as the receptionist of a literary agency. Early in life I discovered a passion for inspiring our youth to read (I started as a reluctant reader myself, and with a great book fell in love with reading, so I know how important... Read More →
avatar for Andrea DeWerd

Andrea DeWerd

Founder, the future of agency LLC
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm, 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm, 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pmAreas of Expertise: Internet Marketing, General Publishing Consultancy, Book Reviews, Marketing, Metadata, Public Speaking, Special Market Sales... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Intercontinental - Governors II (lower level, below lobby)

3:00pm CDT

Breakout 2 (Start Strong Independent Publishers) - Leveraging Tech (and AI) to Expand Your Business
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Leveraging Tech (and AI) to Expand Your Business
With faculty Ian Henzel, Florenza Lee, and Sierra Kay, with room host Brooke Horn.

Leveraging the right technologies is crucial for building your brand, reaching your audience, and driving sales. New publishers are constantly challenged with managing resources. Technology can help extend a publisher’s reach. This session will provide insights into AI and marketing technologies publishers can use to help streamline efforts and engage effectively with readers.

The Start Strong Independent Publishers breakout sessions are for independent publishers who are just starting out and are looking for help navigating the basics of successful publishing. (Generally you will have been in the publishing industry for three years or less and have published fewer than ten titles.) 
Speakers
avatar for Florenza Lee

Florenza Lee

Executive Director of Publications, Words to Ponder Publishing Company, LLC
Florenza Lee is a multi-award-winning author and publisher known for her captivating children’s books that emphasize social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and manners. Dubbed the Book Doula, she has guided many writers to publication and founded Words to Ponder Publishing Company... Read More →
avatar for Ian Henzel

Ian Henzel

Managing Publisher, Rattling Good Yarns Press
** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pmAreas of Expertise: Websites, Production, Technology IntegrationRegistered attendees can sign up for “Ask the Expert” consults at the conference starting at 10am on Thursday May 15, 2025.  ** Ian... Read More →
avatar for Sierra Kay

Sierra Kay

The Vega Group
Sierra Kay is a multifaceted professional in Public Relations, Writing, and Marketing Technology, holding a bachelor's in Public Relations, a master's in Writing, and certificates in E-Business Strategy and the business applications of AI. As a member of Sisters of Crime, Chicago... Read More →
avatar for Brooke Horn

Brooke Horn

Operations Manager, Book Industry Study Group
Brooke is the Operations Manager at BISG, where she focuses on member engagement through BISG's committees and working groups, driving positive change across the publishing industry. With a diverse background in editing, acquisitions, project management, bookselling, and marketing... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg II-III (lobby level)

3:00pm CDT

Breakout 2 - (Established Independent Publishers) - Diversify Your Manufacturing Options in the Global Printing Market
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Diversify Your Manufacturing Options in the Global Printing Market
With faculty Chris Hobbs, David Hetherington, Keith Riegert, Kurt Brackob, Dwight Vicks, and moderator and host Matt Baehr.

The Established Publisher breakout sessions are intended for independent publishers who have an established business and experience in the industry, and are looking to successfully grow and scale their publishing company. (Generally you will have been in the publishing industry for at least four years, and have published more than ten titles.) Please note that if you are just starting out and you attend an Established Independent Publisher session you are auditing the class, and we ask that you not take up session time with beginner-level questions.
Speakers
avatar for Kurt Brackob

Kurt Brackob

Director, Histria Books
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm, 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm, 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pmAreas of Expertise: General Publishing Consultancy, Distribution, Starting and Building a Publishing CompanyRegistered attendees can sign up for... Read More →
avatar for David Hetherington

David Hetherington

Vice President – Global Business Development, Books International
** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm, 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm, 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pm, 2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 2C - Fri 5/16, 3:45-4:00pmAreas of Expertise: Distribution, General Publishing Consultancy... Read More →
avatar for Chris Hobbs

Chris Hobbs

Business Development Director, Hobbs
​** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm; 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm; 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pm; 3A - Sat 5/17, 10:45-11:00am; 3B - Sat 5/17, 11:05-11:20am; 3C - Sat 5/17, 11:25-11:40am; 3D - Sat 5/17, 11:45am-12noon; 5A - group - Sat... Read More →
avatar for Keith Riegert

Keith Riegert

President / CEO, The Stable Book Group / Perfect Bound
Keith Riegert is the CEO of the SaaS platform, Perfect Bound, as well as the president of The Stable Book Group. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and is a member of the Board of Advisors and an adjunct professor at NYU’s Masters... Read More →
avatar for Dwight Vicks

Dwight Vicks

President, Vicks Print & Distribution
Dwight Vicks is President of Vicks Print & Distribution, a company founded by his grandfather in 1918. What began as a letterpress operation, Vicks has evolved into a digital print and distribution company serving niche publishers. The company employs 90 professionals and has two... Read More →
avatar for Matt Baehr

Matt Baehr

Executive Director, Book Manufacturers' Institute
Matt Baehr is the Executive Director of the Book Manufacturers' Institute (BMI). He’s been the chief executive of the association since 2017. Matt has a long career in association management, primarily working with trade associations. He holds an undergraduate degree from the Catholic... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

3:00pm CDT

Main Ballroom (During Breakout Session 2) - Ask the Experts and Meet our Sponsors!
Ask-the-Experts consults (both one expert-with-one attendee and one expert-with-five attendees) will be happening in the main Colorado ballroom during Breakout 2, and you can chat with our sponsors as well.

Sign ups will be on-site, and will open on Friday May 16th at 10am by Registration.

4:15pm CDT

Friday Afternoon Keynote Panel: AI and Publishing - Opportunities, Challenges, and Transformation
In this panel discussion moderated by Keith Riegert (President of the Stable Book Group and CEO of Perfect Bound), Mary Rasenberger (CEO of the Authors Guild), Amanda Zila, PhD (Co-Founder of Inkbloom), and Trip Adler (Founder and CEO of Created by Humans) will address the various opportunities, challenges, and transformations happening as AI impacts the publishing landscape.  

Topics will include: 
  • Acquisition management 
  • Copyright protection 
  • Fair use and ethical considerations 
  • Licensing opportunities  
  • Editorial, production, and marketing tools 
These industry experts will provide their insights into the emerging technologies that are rapidly changing our industry. With ample time for Q&A, the audience will also have the opportunity to share and engage on these topics.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Rasenberger

Mary Rasenberger

CEO, The Authors Guild
Mary Rasenberger is the Chief Executive Officer of the Authors Guild. Prior to joining the Guild in November 2014, Mary practiced law for over 25 years in the areas of intellectual property, media and technology, with special expertise in copyright law. Most recently, Mary was a partner... Read More →
avatar for Trip Adler

Trip Adler

Co-Founder & CEO, Created by Humans
Trip Adler is an entrepreneur and executive who has spent his career at the intersection of publishing and technology.   He is the co-founder and CEO of Created by Humans, an AI Rights licensing platform that connects creators and AI companies. The company is dedicated to preserving... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Zila

Amanda Zila

Co-Founder & CEO, Inkbloom
** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm, 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm, 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pmArea of Expertise: AIRegistered attendees can sign up for “Ask the Expert” consults at the conference starting at 10am on Thursday May... Read More →
avatar for Keith Riegert

Keith Riegert

President / CEO, The Stable Book Group / Perfect Bound
Keith Riegert is the CEO of the SaaS platform, Perfect Bound, as well as the president of The Stable Book Group. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and is a member of the Board of Advisors and an adjunct professor at NYU’s Masters... Read More →

6:00pm CDT

IBPA Book Awards Reception
The 37th Annual IBPA Book Awards!
6:00-7:00pm Cocktail Reception
7:00-9:30pm Dinner and Ceremony
9:30-10:30pm  Photos and After-Party
Friday May 16, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Court (first level, above lobby)
  IBPA Book Awards

7:00pm CDT

IBPA Book Awards Dinner and Ceremony
The 37th Annual IBPA Book Awards!
6:00-7:00pm Cocktail Reception
7:00-9:30pm Dinner and Ceremony
9:30-10:30pm Photos and After-Party

Finalists and judges receive a free ticket. Email terry@ibpa-online.org to arrange that, please. There is an additional fee to attend the dinner and ceremony.
  IBPA Book Awards

9:30pm CDT

IBPA Book Awards After-Party and Photos
The 37th Annual IBPA Book Awards!
6:00-7:00pm Cocktail Reception
7:00-9:30pm Dinner and Ceremony
9:30-10:30pm Photos and After-Party

Finalists and judges receive a free ticket. Email terry@ibpa-online.org to arrange that, please. There is an additional fee to attend the dinner and ceremony.
Friday May 16, 2025 9:30pm - 10:30pm CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Court (first level, above lobby)
  IBPA Book Awards
 
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