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Audience: Established Independent Publishers clear filter
Thursday, May 15
 

9:00am CDT

IBPA Think Tank for Established Publishers - at Open Book in Minneapolis
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 4:30pm CDT
IBPA Think Tank for Established Publishers
A day of expert-level peer-to-peer discussions with tailored tracks for:
Executives
Editorial/Production Key Staff
Marketing/Sales Key Staff

Details here. Separate registration required, which you can do here.


Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 4:30pm CDT
Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55415

5:30pm CDT

Welcome Reception - Literature & Libations
Free reception for all conference attendees, as well as our MBPR and MIPA friends.

Come with a recommendation for an indie published book (published by someone else)!

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Court (first level, above lobby)
 
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)

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)

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 - (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)

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)

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 →
 
Saturday, May 17
 

8:30am CDT

9:15am CDT

Saturday Morning Keynote Panel: Re-Thinking Business Models
Brooke Warner, Publisher of She Writes Press, in conversation with Jonathan Merkh (President and Publisher of Forefront Books), Angela Engel (Publisher and Founder of The Collective Book Studio), and Dr. Ayo Sekai (Founder, CEO, and Publisher of Universal Write Publications) about rethinking business models, what to do with business models that straddle more than one category, and issues like co-opting business model terms to the point of dilution. The panelists will talk about how they think about their own models, how they're changing with the times, and how they position themselves relative to traditional publishing and other models.
Speakers
avatar for Brooke Warner

Brooke Warner

Publisher, She Writes Press
**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, 3B - Sat 5/17, 11:05-11:20am, 3C - Sat 5/17, 11:25-11:40am, 3D - Sat 5/17, 11:45am-12noonAreas of Expertise: Distribution, Editorial, General... Read More →
avatar for Angela Engel

Angela Engel

Publisher & Founder, The Collective Book Studio
​** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times:  2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 3A - Sat 5/17, 10:45-11:00am, 3B - Sat 5/17, 11:05-11:20am, 3C - Sat 5/17, 11:25-11:40amAreas of Expertise: Children's/YA Publishing, Distribution, General Publishing... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Merkh

Jonathan Merkh

President & Publisher, Forefront Books
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 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, 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... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Ayo Sekai

Dr. Ayo Sekai

Founder, CEO & Publisher, Universal Write Publications
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 2A - Fri 5/16, 3:05-3:20pm, 2B - Fri 5/16, 3:25-3:40pm, 1C - Fri 5/16, 2:00-2:15pmAreas of Expertise: Marketing, Academic Publishing, Strategic Partnerships in PublishingRegistered attendees can sign up for “Ask the Expert... Read More →

Saturday May 17, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am CDT
Intercontinental - Great River Ballroom (first level, above lobby)

10:40am CDT

Breakout 3 - (Established Independent Publishers) - Revitalizing Your Backlist (Newly Acquired or Not)
Saturday May 17, 2025 10:40am - 12:10pm CDT
Revitalizing Your Backlist (Newly Acquired or Not)
Faculty: Keri-Rae Barnum, Kurt Brackob, and Jared Kuritz, with moderator and host Amy Barrett-Daffin

For independent publishers, a strong backlist can be leveraged as a foundational component for long-term success. But whether your titles have been in print for years or are newly acquired, the real question is: Are you fully maximizing their potential?
In this breakout session, industry experts Keri-Rae Barnum (President & CEO, New Shelves Books), Dr. Kurt Brackob (Editorial Director, Histria Books), and Jared Kuritz (President & CEO, STRATEGIES Public Relations; CSO/CMO, Zoundy) will guide experienced publishers through a proven framework for transforming stagnant backlist titles into consistent revenue generators.
You’ll gain insight into:
  • Building a Backlist That Works
    Why your backlist matters, and how to grow it strategically through acquisition or internal development. (Presented by Dr. Kurt Brackob)
  • Reigniting Sales & Engagement
    Modern marketing and publicity strategies to breathe new life into older titles—plus tactics for building and nurturing your reader list. (Presented by Keri-Rae Barnum)
  • Leveraging Trends, Partnerships & Bulk Sales
    How to align titles with current events, secure bulk sales, and tap into sponsorships and cross-promotional opportunities. (Presented by Jared Kuritz)
With a mix of real-world case studies, actionable strategies, and an engaging panel discussion, this session is tailored to publishers who are ready to scale using assets they already own.
Don't let valuable assets sit idle—revitalize your backlist and unlock new revenue streams today!

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 Keri-Rae Barnum

Keri-Rae Barnum

CEO, New Shelves 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, 2:00-2:15pm, 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... Read More →
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 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 →
avatar for Amy Barrett-Daffin

Amy Barrett-Daffin

Publisher, C&T Publishing
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 1A - Fri 5/16, 1:20-1:35pm, 1B - Fri 5/16, 1:40-1:55pm, 5B - group - Sat 5/17, 4:05-4:30pmAreas of Expertise: Public Speaking, General Publishing Consultancy, Ebooks, Amazon (General), Sales & Marketing, Creating ancillary products... Read More →
Saturday May 17, 2025 10:40am - 12:10pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

12:15pm CDT

12:30pm CDT

Diversity in Publishing Roundtable Discussion
Saturday May 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Grab your food and join this candid discussion with room for everyone to contribute. We'll talk and share about how we are all impacted in an industry and culture that is pulling back from diversity commitments, and generate ideas for how we move forward by building trust, authenticity, and mutual learning within the publishing community to help diverse books reach the readers who need them.
Saturday May 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

1:40pm CDT

Breakout 4 - (Established Independent Publishers) - Accessing Global Markets
Saturday May 17, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm CDT
Accessing Global Markets
With Edison Garcia

Explore the essential steps to identifying new markets beyond the USA and Canada, establishing international distribution partnerships, and launching new ventures.

Learning Objectives:
This session will focus on building regional alliances and collaborations in key markets such as Asia, India, Europe, the UK/EU, and Latin America. Participants will gain valuable insights into core concepts of global publishing, providing benefits for all professionals in the industry

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 Edison Garcia

Edison Garcia

Sr. Manager, Ingram Content Group
​** Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 3A - Sat 5/17, 10:45-11:00am; 3B - Sat 5/17, 11:05-11:20am; 3C - Sat 5/17, 11:25-11:40amAreas of Expertise: Distribution, Accessing Global MarketsRegistered attendees can sign up for “Ask the Expert” consults at the... Read More →
Saturday May 17, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

3:30pm CDT

Breakout 5 - (Established Independent Publishers) - Succession Planning
Saturday May 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Succession Planning

With Faculty Alexa Bigwarfe and Miriam Warren, with moderator and host Renita Bryant.

Whether you're building a legacy or planning your next chapter, every publishing professional needs a solid exit strategy. In this practical, one-hour workshop, you'll learn how to prepare your business for retirement, sale, or the unexpected—with insights tailored to indie publishers and author-publishers.
Hosted and moderated by Renita Bryant of Mynd Matters Publishing, Miriam Warren (Director, the Fisher Company) and Alexa Bigwarfe (CEO, Founder, Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) will walk you through the key components of succession planning, from legal and financial must-haves to SOPs, contracts, and royalty management. You'll hear real-world examples (with a fun nod to Succession the show) and leave with actionable resources, checklists, and downloadable tools to future-proof your publishing empire. 

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.

Session Outline:
  1. Introduction of the speakers and overview of goals of workshop - Renita - 5 mins
  2. Overview of what succession planning is and the different pieces of it - Miriam - 10 mins
    1. Retirement, death, incapacitation, selling the business, gifting it
  3. Legal & financial documents and things to have in place - what you need to do to prepare your business for succession - Alexa - 15 mins
    1. Wills
    2. SOPs
    3. Bank accounts
    4. Contracts
    5. Royalties
    6. Billing/payment methods
    7. passwords/logins
    8. insurance
  4. Examples of other companies - bigger public and private - Miriam (throughout presentation)
  5. Selling / gifting / preparing the company for sale - Miriam - 15 mins
    1. Process
  6. Q&A - 15 mins - Renita moderating
Speakers
avatar for Alexa Bigwarfe

Alexa Bigwarfe

CEO & Founder, Write.Publish.Sell
**Participating in “Ask the Experts” at these times: 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 of Expertise: Children's/YA Publishing, Internet Marketing, Marketing, Additional... Read More →
avatar for Miriam Warren

Miriam Warren

Director, The Fisher Company
Miriam Warren, a Director of the Fisher Company, brings experience in academic, association, and trade publishing with extensive knowledge of print production, editing, design, operations and distribution at for-profit and mission-based houses. Miriam has a comprehensive knowledge... Read More →
avatar for Renita Bryant

Renita Bryant

Founder and CEO, Mynd Matters Publishing
Renita Bryant is the founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Mynd Matters Publishing. She is a Sundial Brands Fellow with two executive certifications from Dartmouth College and a BS/MBA from Florida A&M University. She is the author of Yesterday Mourning, Rihanna’s Can-Do Adventures... Read More →
Saturday May 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Intercontinental - Kellogg I (lobby level)

4:40pm CDT

 
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