IBPA Publishing University 2026: Full Schedule

TBA

Not Yet Registered for IBPA PubU26? Click Here

Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

We hope you'll join us for IBPA Publishing University 2025, May 15-17, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Please click here to register.

Looking for information on the IBPA Think Tank for Established Publishers? Click here.

Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

TBA

Parking information for the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Convention Center

Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

Self-Parking Garage is located on NE 2nd Ave between Multnomah Street and NE Holladay Street.In and out privileges and ability to charge to guest rooms. Self-Parking rates: $5 - per hour $13 - Early Bird (in by 10am)$16 - 12 hour max$35 - Overnight (24 hour max)$15 Evening and Weekends (up to 12 hours)Valet Parking is located at the hotel entrance, 300 NE Multnomah Street.In and out privileges and...
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Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

TBA

Watch our conference orientation video here (plus "Portland Perks")

Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

Watch the conference orientation that we recorded on Friday, May 1, 2026: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/m3CuCx7hrHGKtv3-PphCWSBcjVrK-4tIcbTiFVfDqgQnDb43Zh-NS_pN2hIA7pA8.aHA2OIMW_IDdvuKa?startTime=1777654867000Passcode: %8Ube!!*The orientation slides are also attached to this session here in Sched.In addition, we invite you to check out the attached file with "Portland Perks," discounts...
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Thursday May 14, 2026 TBA

8:00am PDT

Thursday Registration Opens

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

Come by registration after 8:00am on Thursday to get your badge and conference bag. Attending an afternoon workshop or our Think Tank for Established Publishers? You'll need to register and get your badge first.If you're attending the IBPA Think Tank for Established Publishers, head over to our venue at Portland State University, and you'll check in there. (That registration opens at 10am and the...
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Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

9:00am PDT

Market with Precision. Sell at Scale. (IngramSpark free workshop for conference attendees)

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Selling more books isn’t about doing more marketing — it’s about doing the right marketing in the right order. In this fast-paced, strategy-driven workshop, industry experts break down the three-level framework that turns visibility into credibility and credibility into revenue. From metadata and market positioning to branding, retailer expectations, paid promotion, and global expansion,...
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Speakers

Leigh Pierce

Sr. Key Account Sales Manager, Ingram Content Group

Leigh Pierce is a Sr. Key Account Sales Manager at IngramSpark, part of Ingram Content Group, where she helps independent publishers and authors grow strategically through print-on-demand and self-publishing solutions. Over her eight years at Ingram, she’s built a career on empowering creators—starting... Read More →

Vivaca Leburu

Key Account Sales Manager, Ingram Content Group

Vivaca Leburu is a Key Account Sales Manager with nearly two years of experience supporting independent publishers and authors at Ingram. She is passionate about helping books gain strategic positioning and strong retail and wholesale traction. With eight years of prior experience in the fashi... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Thursday Workshops

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

11:00am PDT

IBPA Think Tank for Established Publishers

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union 329

IBPA Think Tank for Established PublishersA day of expert-level peer-to-peer discussions with tailored tracks for:Executives and C-SuiteEditorial/Production Key StaffMarketing/Sales Key StaffOne member of your publishing team must be a conference attendee with a one-day, two-day, or three-day ticket. Separate registration for additional staff is available at a discounted rate here.Our wireframe...
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Speakers

Brad Farmer

President, Gibbs Smith

Over his 20 years at Gibbs Smith, Brad Farmer has led the company through significant disruption and opportunity including the introduction of digital products, the rise of Amazon and significant consolidation of the customer base. Throughout this period, he focused the company on independence and resilience, culminating in the... Read More →

Grace Hagen

Executive Director, Midwest Independent Booksellers Association

Grace Hagen (she/her) lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, a DEI trainer and consultant, nonfiction nerd, very part time pediatric physical therapist, very part time birth doula, and aspiring improv goof. Grace previously... Read More →

Matthew Mansfield

Head of Business Development, NielsenIQ BookData

**Participating in Ask The Experts**

Matthew Mansfield has been working within the publishing industry since 2008 and is currently the Head of Business Development at NielsenIQ BookData, where he oversees all new business across services, including Book Research and Metadata. He also leads business initiatives and partnerships, international... Read More →

Victoria Sutherland

Founder and Publisher, Foreword Magazine, Inc.

Michele Cobb

Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)

Michele Cobb is a leading expert in the $2.2 billion North American audiobook industry, and over the past decade of digital transformation has been a sought-after speaker at more than 100 conferences in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A partner at Forté Business Consulting... Read More →

Kalen Landow

Publications Marketing, Geological Society of America (GSA)

Kalen Landow is a member of the marketing department at the Geological Society of America (GSA), handling publications marketing for both trade and scholarly books and journals. Her background is in sales, marketing, and publicity with previous stints at Microcosm Publishing, National Book Network... Read More →

Laura Stanfill

Publisher, Forest Avenue Press

Laura Stanfill is the author of Imagine a Door, a book for writers about the publishing industry, and the publisher of Forest Avenue Press. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Leigh McDonald

Art Director, University of Arizona Press

Leigh McDonald is the art director for the University of Arizona Press, managing and designing covers as well as interior art and typography for Press books. Prior to joining the Press in 2006, she worked as a production editor for a variety of publications, including science journals and children... Read More →

Lauren Wise

Operations / Editorial, She Writes Press / Midnight Editors

Lauren Wise is an editor, publishing strategist, and award-winning writer with 20+ years in journalism and book publishing. Her work has appeared in publications such as VICE and LA Weekly. For 11 years she's worked with She Writes Press as associate publisher, project editor, and operations... Read More →

Amy Barrett-Daffin

Publisher, C&T Publishing

Amy Barrett-Daffin is a distinguished leader in the independent publishing industry, recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to community. As the Publisher of C&T Publishing, she has spent over two decades driving innovation in the craft and lifestyle sectors, launchin... Read More →

Molly Merkle

Publisher and COO, AdventureKEEN

Molly Merkle has held many leadership positions with AdventureKEEN since she began her career at Menasha Ridge Press, one of the company’s seven imprints, in 1992. As AdventureKEEN publisher she has been key to executing the company’s vision for growth, including the acquisition and integrat... Read More →

Angela Engel

Publisher & Founder, The Collective Book Studio

Angela Engel is Publisher and CEO of The Collective Book Studio. With a background in traditional publishing, she brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and business development. Over the course of her career, she has worked with Chronicle Books, Cameron + Company, Ten Speed Press, Tra Publishing... Read More →

Brooke Warner

Publisher, She Writes Press

Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press, an imprint of The Stable Book Group. She is a memoir coach and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. She’s also a TEDx speaker (“Green-light Revolution”), weekly podcaster (of “Memoi... Read More →

JuLee Brand

Publisher, W. Brand Publishing

JuLee Brand is a graphic designer, art director, publisher, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience across music, television, and publishing. Founder of W. Brand Publishing and StorySessions™, she specializes in helping authors uncover clarity, meaning, and connection through guid... Read More →

Karla Olson

Director of Books, Patagonia

**
Karla's “Ask the Experts” consult schedule is:

Fri May 15, 8:45am-9:10am
Table 3
Group
Marketing
Reserved seats for: Hui Qiao, UI QIAO, Nathan Bond, Fair Share Publishing, LeAnna Weler Smith (Weller Smith Design), Katheri... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT
Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union 329

IBPA Think Tank

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers, Executives and Key Staff

12:00pm PDT

Thursday Workshop: Grants, Funding, & Other Opportunities for Under-Resourced Indie Publishers

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

For author publishers and micro publishers who are figuring out the business of publishing Are you full of literary dreams, visions, and goals that are bigger than your budget? Don't get discouraged because in this workshop, you will be empowered and equipped with the resources, systems, strategies, and techniques to help you achieve, manifest, and reach them. If you are an author or...
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Speakers

Brandy Miller

Director of Program Development & Coordination, co-founder, Chief Acquisitions Editor, Path To Publishing/Path To Connections /PTP Press

Award-winning international speaker and author, Brandy M. Miller, met Joylynn M. Ross during an Experienced Writers Retreat in Las Vegas. The two began working together in 2019 and their partnership accelerated in 2021. They co-founded Path To Connections as the B2B side of Path To Publishing after getting turned away by investors the moment they... Read More →

Joylynn M. Ross

CEO & Founder, Path To Publishing

Joylynn M. Ross is a National Best-Selling author and award-winning publisher who has 30+ years of experience in the literary world and publishing industry. Coined the Master Literary Educator, having published over 40 books in multiple genres under various pen names, Joylynn teaches both the craft... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Thursday Workshops

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

12:00pm PDT

Thursday Workshop: Marketing Launch Plan Workshop: Build, Customize, and Scale Your Book Campaigns

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Marketing Launch Plan Workshop: Build, Customize, and Scale Your Book CampaignsIn this hands-on workshop, attendees will create a customized launch plan for a specific book title—while simultaneously learning how to scale and adapt that plan across multiple titles for long-term publishing success.Launching a book is only part of the journey—positioning it effectively in the market determines...
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Speakers

Jared Kuritz

President and CMO, STRATEGIES PR and Zoundy

Jared Kuritz is President and CEO of STRATEGIES Public Relations, a boutique firm advising authors, publishers, and thought leaders on business modeling, literary development, publishing strategy, and book marketing for more than 25 years. A former Director of the nationally recognized La Jolla... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Thursday Workshops

Audience For This Session Everyone, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers

12:00pm PDT

Thursday Workshop: Optimizing Amazon for Profit in an AI Age

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Optimizing Amazon for Profit in an AI AgePresented by Ian LamontAmazon Ads. Kindle Direct Publishing. Vendor Central. No matter which way you turn, Amazon is always finding another way to take a bigger slice of the revenue pie ... and leave less for publishers. So how can publishers put some of that money back into their own pockets?An experienced independent publisher and Amazon seller, Ian...
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Speakers

Ian Lamont

Founder, i30 Media & Lean Media Consulting

EMAIL: [email protected]

Ian Lamont is the founder of i30 Media and the creator of the Lean Media framework. He started his publishing business in 2012 with a single how-to guide, which has since expanded to a complete line of utility nonfiction (the IN 30 MINUTES series) as well as several ancillary product... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Thursday Workshops

Audience For This Session Everyone, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers

12:00pm PDT

Thursday Workshop: Starting Your Publishing Business

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

For Start Strong Independent Publishers.Learn the basics of starting your own traditional publishing company. Whether you are at square one or already running another kind of publishing-related operation, this program will introduce the key points you need to know in order to get your traditional press up and running. Doug Seibold started his company, Agate, in 2002 with little more than a cell...
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Speakers

Doug Seibold

President, Agate Publishing

Doug Seibold has been a writer, editor, and publishing professional in Chicago for 40 years, during which time he worked as a staffer for various magazines and also published journalism about books, dining, and education in newspapers and magazines in Chicago, New York, and Washington. In 2002... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Thursday Workshops

Audience For This Session Everyone, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers

5:00pm PDT

Welcome Reception - Literature & Libations

Thursday May 14, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Powell's City of Books, 3rd Floor Pearl Room

Join us at Powell's flagship store, 1005 W Burnside St. Portland, OR 97209 -- it's the largest independent bookstore in the world!!Free reception for all IBPA Publishing University conference attendees, IBPA Think Tank for Established Publisher attendees, as well as our Pacific Northwest publishing industry friends.[Getting to Powell's City of Books From the Hyatt Regency Portland at the...
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Thursday May 14, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Powell's City of Books, 3rd Floor Pearl Room 1005 W Burnside St. Portland, OR. 97209

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Established Independent Publishers, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Executives and Key Staff

7:30am PDT

Friday Registration Opens

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

Come by registration from 7:30am-4:00pm on Friday to get your badge and conference bag. Attending a breakfast small group Ask-the-Experts and/or welcome first timers? You'll need to register and get your badge first.

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

8:00am PDT

Breakfast with Small Group Ask the Experts, Peer Tables, and Open Tables (included)

Friday May 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Three Options for Friday Breakfast:(1)Group Ask-the-Experts 1: 8:15am-8:40amGroup Ask-the-Experts 2: 8:45am-9:10amGroup Ask-the-Experts 3: 9:15am-9:40amEvery group “Ask the Experts” consultation on Friday morning has open spaces that are available for any attendee. You’ll see the topics and experts for each time slot posted on each table. The sign also lists the names of those who have...
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Friday May 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Community Building

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Everyone, Established Independent Publishers, Start Strong Independent Publishers

10:00am PDT

Welcome First Timers! Learn How to Get the Most out of IBPA Publishing University

Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Come in person with your questions!

You can also watch the conference orientation that we will record in advance.

Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone

10:30am PDT

Exhibit Hall Hours (meet our sponsors!)

Friday May 15, 2026 10:30am - 5:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Meet our sponsors in person!

Friday May 15, 2026 10:30am - 5:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Audience For This Session Everyone

11:00am PDT

Welcome and Opening Keynote by Donald Miller: Rise Above the Noise. Connect With More Customers.

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Our program begins!Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, IBPA's CEO, will welcome everyone and introduce our opening keynote speaker, Donald Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Building a StoryBrand.Rise Above the Noise. Connect With More Customers.In 2017, Dave Ramsey called Building a StoryBrand the most effective framework for cutting through digital noise. Over 1 million copies of the book have...
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Speakers

Andrea Fleck-Nisbet

CEO, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)

Andrea began her tenure as CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association in November 2022. Prior to that she was the founding vice-president and publisher of HarperCollins’ lifestyle imprint, Harper Horizon. Andrea spent fifteen years in sales, digital media, and business operations... Read More →

Donald Miller

CEO; New York Times bestselling author of Building a StoryBrand, StoryBrand and Coach Builder

Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand and Coach Builder. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Building a StoryBrand 2.0, Marketing Made Simple, Coach Builder, and How to Grow Your Small Business. He’s consulted with thousands of companies to help them clarify the... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Plenary

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

12:00pm PDT

Lunch & Meet Our Sponsors (and Donald Miller Book Signing)

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:40pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Grab lunch (included with your conference registration) and meet our sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:40pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

12:40pm PDT

Rittenhouse Award Presented to Mark Ouimet

Friday May 15, 2026 12:40pm - 1:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Join us for the Rittenhouse Award presentation, given to Marc Ouimet, and presented by Brooke Warner!

Speakers

Mark Ouimet

Mark Ouimet has had the good fortune to spend his entire adult career in the book world. From being a buyer and manager at the Stanford Bookstore to working in sales, marketing and executive leadership at Publishers Group West; through learning how to be a publisher at North Atlantic Books and... Read More →

Brooke Warner

Publisher, She Writes Press

Friday May 15, 2026 12:40pm - 1:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

1:15pm PDT

Breakout 1 (Established Publishers) - Inventory Management

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Session description and faculty TBA.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...
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Speakers

Miriam Warren

Senior Director, The Fisher Company

Miriam Warren, Senior 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 of the... Read More →

David Hetherington

Vice President – Global Business Development, Books International

David Hetherington is the VP – Business Development for Books International, a leading provider of book manufacturing and fulfillment services to book publishers.

David holds a BS in business administration from Edison University and MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson.

Mr. Hetherington’s portfolio reflects a broad range of responsibilities including VP of Manufacturing and VP of Financial Planning for Simon & Schuster Higher Ed. In addition, Mr. Hetherington held leadership roles in Finance, Operations, and Sales at Reader’s Digest, Wolters... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers

1:15pm PDT

Breakout 1 (Hot Topics A) - Audiobooks: Leveraging Subrights, Production, and Distribution for Success

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Designed for both self-published authors and independent presses, this panel provides key insights for capitalizing on your content. Learn how to sell your audiobook rights, navigate the complexities of production (DIY vs. studio), and master distribution channels (retailers, libraries, direct) to ensure your titles—in all formats—reach the widest possible audience and maximize revenue.The...
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Speakers

Michele Cobb

Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)

Brad Rose

VP, Content Strategy, Hoopla

Tavia Gilbert

Founder/CEO, Talkbox Productions

Tavia Gilbert is a Grammy-nominated voice actor, an Odyssey Award-winning director, a keynote speaker, and the writer and producer of multiple international award-winning podcasts. As the founder, CEO, and creative director of Talkbox Productions, an international consultancy and content devel... Read More →

Victoria Gerken

Publisher, Podium Entertainment

Victoria Gerken has welcomed independent authors into the Podium family since 2016. She previously worked with authors in traditional publishing roles - at Random House and Alfred A. Knopf - where she was a publicist and sold subsidiary rights. She got her first taste of entrepreneurship in pub... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Everyone, Executives and Key Staff, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

1:15pm PDT

Breakout 1 (Hot Topics B) - A Post-Funnel Approach to Book Marketing (with AI)

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

The rules of discovery have changed. The old funnel model of ads and keywords and the funnel of “reader magnet → nurture email → sale” is collapsing under the weight of AI-driven discovery and content saturation. Sarah Bean of Book Launchers shares how successful author-publishers are replacing funnels with ecosystems that attract readers through visibility, trust, and ongoing...
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Speakers

Sarah Bean

Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Book Launchers

Sarah Bean is Book Launchers’ marketing expert and strategist. With over 20 years of publishing and entertainment experience, Sarah has helped over 800 authors launch and market their books. From best-seller strategies to leveraging stages for sales, she works with authors to identify their... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Everyone, Executives and Key Staff, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

1:15pm PDT

Breakout 1 (Publishing 101) - Market Research for Emerging Publishers

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Market Research for Emerging Publishers: Before saying “yes” to a manuscript, smart publishers know to dig deeper. This session will walk author-publishers and emerging presses through the essential steps of market research that inform sound publishing decisions. Learn how to evaluate an author’s platform and audience potential, analyze genre and category trends, identify comparable titles,...
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Speakers

Michelle Halket

Publisher, Central Avenue

Michelle Halket is a proud techno- and bibliophile with a background in economic and market research. After seventeen years at the helm of Central Avenue, she is happily immersed in words, paper stock, and devices of all kinds. She’s the sort of person who asks a lot of questions, tries most things... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers

1:15pm PDT

Main Ballroom & Foyer (During Breakout Session 1) - Meet our Sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Another option during Breakout 1 is that you can chat with our sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Everyone

2:15pm PDT

Friday Afternoon Ask the Experts, Snack, and Meet Our Sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Grab a free snack, chat with some of our conference sponsors, and connect with your community!

Ask the Experts one-expert-with-one-attendee sessions will also happen at this time:
(1) 2:20pm-2:35pm; (2) 2:40-2:55pm
Sign up information to come.

Friday May 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone

3:00pm PDT

Breakout 2 (Established Publishers) - Rights Licensing

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

If you're planning to attend, please take our brief pre-conference session survey here: https://wkf.ms/4sH1bpbDo you want to extend your brand's reach through rights licensing? Join a panel of rights experts for a conversation on best practices, tips, tricks, trends, and tools that you can use to reach new audiences! In this collaborative session, you'll not only learn how you can build and grow...
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Speakers

Katie Parr

Rights Manager, New Harbinger

Katie Parr is the rights and licensing manager for New Harbinger Publications, a psychology and self-help book publisher based in Oakland, California. She brings a well-rounded perspective to her role, having spent nearly a decade in acquisitions before transitioning into rights five years ago... Read More →

María Jesus Aguílo

Rights Director, Blue Star Press

Maria Jesús Aguiló is a publishing professional with over 25 years of experience in international rights licensing. She is the Rights Director at Blue Star Press, where she oversees translation, co-edition, and subsidiary rights across global markets. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with... Read More →

MJ Courchesne

Owner/Principal Consultant, Gryphon Publishing Consulting, LLC

Please note that the last minute, MJ is unable to attend the IBPA PubU 2026 conference.
**

Mary Jo (“MJ”) Courchesne is the owner and principal consultant of Gryphon Publishing Consulting, LLC and is also Rights & Permissions Manager for the mathematics curriculum publisher Big Ideas Learning. She is a publishing veteran with over 25 years of experience in trade, academic, and direct-response publishing... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers

3:00pm PDT

Breakout 2 (Hot Topics A) - Direct to Consumer (D2C) Advantages, Issues, and Solutions

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

As trade sale margins get squeezed, selling direct to consumers offers larger margins and the ability to have direct (and continued) communication for promotion of future sales to the same customer. How do you calculate the ROI cost for acquiring new customers? How do you sell direct to consumers without alienating your trade channels? What solutions exist for managing orders, shipping, and...
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Speakers

Lee Klancher

Publisher, Octane Press

Lee Klancher has spent more than 30 years in the publishing industry as a publisher, editor, and author. In 2010, he founded Octane Press, an independent trade press which publishes transportation titles and has won more than 40 independent publishing awards. The company leans heavily into direct-to-consumer... Read More →

Jason Glaspey

Co-Founder, Fleet of Geniuses

Jason Glaspey has spent 25 years on all sides of publishing and content. He started his career managing the website for a car magazine, went on to start multiple online businesses, which turned into opportunities to write two published books. He's ghost-authored a book and produced multiple e... Read More →

Marty Schoenleber III

Sr. Manager, IngramSpark Distribution & Promotional Services, IngramSpark

Marty Schoenleber III is a publishing strategist who has managed marketing and sales for hundreds of bestsellers across every genre. He manages IngramSpark Distribution and Promotional Services at Ingram Content Group, overseeing distribution, marketing, and promotional services for thousands of independent... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Everyone, Executives and Key Staff

3:00pm PDT

Breakout 2 (Hot Topics B) - Large Print Books - Why and How to Add Them to Your Publishing Program

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Large-print books are one of the fastest-growing opportunities in publishing, yet many authors and publishers are still unsure how to approach them. In this session, attendees will learn why large-print editions matter, who relies on them, and why librarians are actively seeking to add more large-print titles to their collections. You may be surprised by the range of readers who benefit from this...
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Speakers

Teri Rider

CEO and Acquisitions Manager, Publisher, Torchflame Books, Top Reads Publishing

Teri Rider is an active member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Teri serves on the Legislation and Standards Committee and co-authored the official criteria for hybrid publishing. She founded Top Reads Publishing in 2015 and, in 2024, expanded her vision by acquiring Torchf... Read More →

Jori Hanna

Director of Marketing and PR, Torchflame Books

Jori Hanna is a Colorado-based bibliophile and publishing professional with a B.S. in Professional Writing from Taylor University. Since 2019, she has worked across the industry in roles including author assistant, marketing consultant, junior literary agent, acquisitions editor, developmental... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Everyone, Executives and Key Staff

3:00pm PDT

Breakout 2 (Publishing 101) - AI-Powered Self-Editing

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

AI-Powered Self-Editing: Align with Reader Expectations, Cut Costs, and Prepare for MarketThe most expensive editing pass is the one that discovers your book isn't delivering on its core promise to the reader. What if you could diagnose and fix these "reader expectation gaps" before your manuscript ever reaches a human editor? This session offers a strategic, cost-saving "pre-edit" process using...
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Speakers

Erin Servais

Founder, AI for Editors

Erin Servais helps editorial professionals upskill with artificial intelligence through her AI for Editors training programs. Since 2023, more than 1,000 people across 20+ countries have turned to AI for Editors to learn how to use AI tools safely and effectively in their publish... Read More →

Linda Ruggeri

Nonfiction Editor, The Insightful Editor

Linda Ruggeri is a bilingual (English/Spanish) nonfiction author, editor, and speaker based in Napa Valley, California. She is the author of the award-winning book Networking for Writers (2025 IBPA Gold Medal) and co-author of Networking for Freelance Editors. As the founder of The Networking Studio... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

3:00pm PDT

Main Ballroom & Foyer (During Breakout Session 2) - Meet our Sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Another option during Breakout 2 is that you can chat with our sponsors!

Friday May 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Everyone

4:15pm PDT

Friday Afternoon Keynote Panel - Reaching Readers Beyond Bookstores, Libraries, and Retail Markets

Friday May 15, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

As it becomes increasingly difficult to profitably sell books through traditional sales channels (including Amazon), more publishers and authors are exploring direct-to-consumer platforms, emerging technologies, and old-fashioned community building opportunities to reach readers. This panel will explore a variety of options for marketing and selling to readers outside of traditional trade...
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Speakers

Brooke Warner

Publisher, She Writes Press

Fauzia Burke

Founder & President, FSB Associates

Fauzia Burke is a pioneer in digital book publicity, with over 20 years of experience shaping the publishing industry. As the Founder and President of FSB Associates, she has worked with a wide array of authors, from first-time writers to renowned names like Alan Alda, Arianna Huffington... Read More →

George Walkley

Chairman, non-executive director, advisory board member, Midas, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Bristol University Press

George Walkley is an AI strategist, consultant and board director. He advises organizations on the strategic impact of artificial intelligence and developed an award-winning accredited training programme on generative AI. He has worked with more than 300 organizations in 15 countries... Read More →

Judith Anderle

Chief Commercial Officer, LMBPN Publishing

Judith Anderle is Chief Commercial Officer at LMBPN® Publishing, where she leads global commercialization, marketing, and growth strategy for one of the most influential digital publishers in science fiction and urban fantasy. Since joining LMBPN in 2017, she has built and scaled the company... Read More →

Michael Anderle

Chief Executive Officer and Founding Author, LMBPN Publishing

Michael Anderle is a prolific science fiction and fantasy author best known for creating expansive, interconnected story worlds built around strong, evolving characters. He is the creator of The Kurtherian® Gambit, a genre-blending universe that has grown into a global, multi-series franchise... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Plenary

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

5:00pm PDT

Registration Opens for the IBPA Book Awards

Friday May 15, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

Come by registration from 5:00-7:00 pm to pick up your award ceremony name card with meal selection that you'll take into the ballroom and set by your plate once you're seated.

Please note that the Ballroom is open seating (unless the table has a reserved sign on it.)

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you!

Friday May 15, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

6:00pm PDT

IBPA Book Awards Reception

Friday May 15, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

The 38th 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 15, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

IBPA Book Awards

Audience For This Session Everyone

7:00pm PDT

IBPA Book Awards Dinner and Ceremony

Friday May 15, 2026 7:00pm - 9:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

The 38th 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 [email protected] to arrange that, please. There is an additional fee to attend the dinner and ceremony.

Speakers

Tavia Gilbert

Founder/CEO, Talkbox Productions

Friday May 15, 2026 7:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

IBPA Book Awards

Audience For This Session Everyone

9:30pm PDT

IBPA Book Awards After-Party and Photos

Friday May 15, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

Friday May 15, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

IBPA Book Awards

Audience For This Session Everyone

8:00am PDT

Breakfast, Board Recognition, and Intentional Membership

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Grab a yummy breakfast (included with your conference registration) and starting at 8:30am learn about IBPA's committees, board, and volunteer opportunities. We'll also thank our outgoing – and welcome our incoming – members of the IBPA Board of Directors.

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

8:00am PDT

Saturday Registration Opens

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

Come by registration from 8:00am-4:00pm on Saturday to get your badge and conference bag. You'll need to register and get your badge before attending any conference sessions.

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom Foyer (2nd floor)

8:00am PDT

Exhibit Hall Hours (meet our sponsors!)

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Meet our sponsors in person!

Saturday May 16, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Audience For This Session Everyone

9:15am PDT

Saturday Morning Keynote: Matt Braly on Merging the worlds of Content Creation and Business: Lessons from Amphibia and Beyond

Saturday May 16, 2026 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Merging the Worlds of Content Creation and Business: Lessons from Amphibia and BeyondAs the creator, writer, and producer of the popular Disney show Amphibia (with projects in development at Sony & Netflix), Matt Braly wears two hats – as a content creator as well as a producer pushing projects toward green light. In this exclusive keynote for IBPA Publishing University attendees, Matt will...
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Speakers

Matt Braly

Animator, Writer, Director & Producer

Matt Braly is an Annie Award winning Thai/American animator, writer, director & producer. He is best known for creating Disney's Amphibia - a cult classic Emmy nominated animated show about three teen girls who get sent to a magical & dangerous world of talking frogs. With over 15 years of ex... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 9:15am - 10:30am PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Plenary

Audience For This Session Everyone, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors), Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers

10:40am PDT

Breakout 3 (Established Publishers) - The Ins and Outs of Effective Trade Sales

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Indie publishers love indie — and national — bookstores! But with more titles than ever competing for shelf space, the challenge to get booksellers to discover, champion, and reorder your books is real. And how do you manage returns? This breakout session dives into the ins and outs of effective trade sales, from positioning your titles for success with independent bookstores and...
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Speakers

Joe Biel

CEO, Microcosm Publishing

Joe Biel is a self-made life-long-learner and autistic publisher who draws origins, inspiration, and methods from punk rock to sell millions of books. Biel is the founder and CEO of Microcosm Publishing, Publishers Weekly's #1 fastest-growing publisher of 2022 and #3 in 2023/202... Read More →

Keith Mosman

Purchasing and Publisher Relations Manager, Powell's Books Inc.

Keith Mosman is the Purchasing and Publisher Relations Manager at Powell’s Books. His first bookstore job was at a Seattle-area Borders in 2001, and he’s worked as a bookseller for most of the intervening 25 years. He’s held positions in numerous sides of bookselling, including inventory, B2B, ma... Read More →

Kurtis Lowe

Regional Sales Rep, Imprint Group

An independent publisher sales rep in the Pacific Northwest since 1997. Kurtis Lowe currently represents Walker Books, Candlewick, Quarto, IPG, The Stable Book Group, Lakeside Book Company, Insight Editions, Wiley, University of Washington Press, Oregon State University Press and more. One of the great honors of his career was working for Elliott Bay Book Company... Read More →

Michelle Halket

Publisher, Central Avenue

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 3 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers

10:40am PDT

Breakout 3 (Hot Topics A) - Cover Design & Live Critique Panel

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Don’t judge a book by its cover is a nice saying, but books get judged by their covers all the time—and it happens in an instant. Join this panel of experts to learn what covers say and how they can help you sell your books. The first 30 minutes of this session will be three TED-style talks by our faculty experts on book design, covering genre expectations, accessibility, design trends...
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Speakers

JuLee Brand

Publisher, W. Brand Publishing

Damon Freeman

Founder and Creative Director, Damonza

Damon Freeman is the founder and Creative Director of Damonza, one of the most recognized book design studios in indie publishing. His team has created covers for bestselling authors and major publishers including HarperCollins, Thomas & Mercer, and Simon & Schuster, as well as thousands of independent... Read More →

Jeniffer Thompson

Creative Director, Monkey C Media

Jeniffer Thompson is an author branding coach, book marketing strategist, and publishing consultant who helps authors clarify their message and build sustainable visibility. She co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004, an award-winning book cover and website design studio, and hosts Th... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

10:40am PDT

Breakout 3 (Hot Topics B) - Protecting Your Rights

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

In today’s rapidly evolving publishing landscape—shaped by AI, new distribution models, and shifting industry norms—understanding contracts isn’t optional. It’s essential.Whether you’re an author or an independent publisher, this interactive session will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to protect your intellectual property and confidently navigate agreements of all...
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Speakers

Kurt Brackob

Director, Histria Books

Dan Foutz

Managing Member, Live On Media, LLC

Dan Foutz is an attorney and consultant specializing in media, entertainment, publishing, sports, and technology. As the founder of Foutz Legal Services, a division of Live On Media, LLC, Dan advises media companies, publishers, agents, and creators on contract drafting, negotiation, and strategi... Read More →

Judith Anderle

Chief Commercial Officer, LMBPN Publishing

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

10:40am PDT

Breakout 3 (Publishing 101) - From Indie to Enterprise: Build Your 12-Month Operating Plan (That Actually Drives Profit)

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Independent presses can’t afford “wing-it” years. In this strategy lab, I’ll walk you through building a one-page operating plan tied to revenue, margin, and cash flow. We’ll map a P&L-aware title mix, set quarterly OKRs, design a simple finance/KPI dashboard (AR/AP, inventory turns, returns, CAC/LTV for direct), and adopt a monthly operating review cadence that moves the needle, whether...
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Speakers

Alesha Brown

Founder & CEO, Fruition Publishing Concierge Services™

Alesha Brown is the Founder & CEO of Fruition Publishing Concierge Services®, a hybrid publisher helping authors monetize their expertise and build profitable platforms. An award-winning entrepreneur (Inside Business’ Entrepreneurial Excellence Award; Women in Business Achievement Award), her insights have been featured in Publishers Weekly, Authority... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

10:40am PDT

Main Ballroom & Foyer (During Breakout Session 3) - Meet our Sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Another option during Breakout 3 is that you can chat with our sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Everyone

12:15pm PDT

Lunch, Ask the Experts, and Meet Our Sponsors! (and Matt Braly Book Signing)

Saturday May 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Grab some food, meet a few sponsors, and connect with your community!

Ask the Experts one-expert-with-one-attendee sessions will also happen at this time:
(3) 1:00pm-1:15pm ; (4) 1:20-1:35pm
Sign up information to come.

Saturday May 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

1:40pm PDT

Breakout 4 (Hot Topics A) - Publishing Manga and Graphic Novels

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

This breakout session will cover the following topics:Special considerations for publishing manga/graphic novels (production requirements, marketing and distribution, etc.)Creative production requirements related to content contributors (author, illustrator, inker and colorists, editors, etc.)Lesson for licensing and IP expansion that non-Manga/Graphic novel publishers can leverage for their...
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Speakers

Marc Visnick

COO & Publisher, TOKYOPOP

Marc Visnick is the COO and Publisher for TOKYOPOP. He manages all North American operations including print, digital, editorial, marketing/PR, sales, and distribution. As the comics, manga, and graphic novel markets continue to expand, Marc continues to develop strategies to drive growth and efficiency for the brand. A veteran of the pub... Read More →

Cara O'Neil

Director of Marketing, Mad Cave Studios

A senior publishing and marketing executive, Cara O’Neil has cultivated a lifelong love of books and reading. A graduate of Portland State University’s Master’s in Publishing program, O’Neil has worked with a variety of publishers, including Hawthorne Books, Dark Horse Comics, and most recently, Mad Cave Studios. She has led marketing... Read More →

Carl Horn

Senior Editor, Dark Horse Comics

Matt Braly

Animator, Writer, Director & Producer

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers

1:40pm PDT

Breakout 4 (Hot Topics B) - Equity Innovations in Publishing (Yes, Even Now)

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

The environment for diverse books has grown hostile and sales to schools and libraries are down. But the audience for diverse books is larger than ever—and the need is greater than ever, too. How can we innovate to advance equity across publishing – from who works in our industry to who and what gets published and promoted? This interactive session will start with brief...
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Speakers

Lee Wind

Chief Content Officer, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)

As the Chief Content Officer for the Independent Book Publishers Association, Lee Wind (he/him) helps shape the direction of IBPA’s educational programs, book marketing opportunities, and role in the industry. A book blogger and author himself, Lee is passionate about empowering... Read More →

Troy D Johnson

President, African American Literature Book Club

Troy D. Johnson is the founder and president of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), a leading platform for the discovery and promotion of Black literature. A longtime publishing-industry leader, he serves on the board of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and is a fou... Read More →

Wiley Barnes

Director, Chickasaw Press

Wiley Barnes, Chickasaw Press, holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Oklahoma State University. He has spent twenty-six years forging a career in publishing, writing, printing, photography, and graphic design, with the last nineteen years at the Chickasaw Nation. During that time, he has had the pleasure... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

1:40pm PDT

Breakout 4 (Publishing 101) - Key Publishing Contract Clauses for New and Future Publishers

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Structuring royalty-based Publisher-Author agreements from a small press POV: Why new and future publishers should develop an in-depth understanding of contract clausesStrong contracts form the cornerstone of a publishing company looking to grow over the long term. In this session for new and future publishers, we will walk participants through our experience of drafting our publishing contract,...
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Speakers

Ambika Sambasivan

Co-founder & publisher, Sambasivan & Parikh

Ambika Sambasivan is the co-publisher at Sambasivan & Parikh, a women-owned small press amplifying diasporic voices and perspectives in children's literature. Sambasivan & Parikh is proud to be an alum of the inaugural IBPA Innovative Voices Program.
Ambika is passionate about... Read More →

Suhani Parikh

Co-founder & publisher, Sambasivan & Parikh

Suhani Parikh is a second-generation Indian-American mom of three and author based in Upstate New York. Her experience growing up with alopecia areata led her to write her debut book, Shreya's Very Own Style. She launched Modern Marigold Books in 2019 to publish stories that prom... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

1:40pm PDT

Main Ballroom & Foyer (During Breakout Session 4) - Meet our Sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Another option during Breakout 4 is that you can chat with our sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Everyone

2:40pm PDT

Saturday Afternoon Ask-the-Experts, Snack, and Meet Our Sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 2:40pm - 3:20pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Grab a free snack, chat with some of our conference sponsors, and connect with your community!

Ask the Experts one-expert-with-one-attendee sessions will also happen at this time:
(5) 2:50-3:05pm ; (6) 3:10-3:25pm
Sign up information to come.

Saturday May 16, 2026 2:40pm - 3:20pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone

3:30pm PDT

Breakout 5 (Hot Topics A) - Reaching a Gen Z Audience

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Gen Z, the first fully digital generation, is surprisingly turning to analog experiences and physical books. New survey data from Immersive Media and Books 2025 reveals these digital natives seek physical materials to combat isolation, build reader identities, and discover content organically—often through library spaces.In this session, professors Kathi Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda explore...
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Speakers

Rachel Noorda

Associate Professor, Portland State University

Dr. Rachel Noorda is Director and Associate Professor of Publishing at Portland State University. She is the co-author of two reports for the American Library Association about Gen Z and millennial public library use and the digital public library ecosystem.

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 1 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Start Strong Independent Publishers

3:30pm PDT

Breakout 5 (Hot Topics B) - Making the Most of Hurts, Remainders, and Returns

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

If you're planning to attend, please take our brief pre-conference session survey here: https://wkf.ms/4lXen6KSometimes publishers have too much inventory on a title, and warehousing is too expensive, so they sell those titles at a high discount to specialized wholesalers (“remainders”). Sometimes publishers receive unsold titles back from bookstores (“returns”). Some of those...
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Speakers

Ben Tider

Chief Commercial Officer, World of Books Group - 119

Ben Tider is a commercial executive with over 20 years of experience in e-commerce and marketplace businesses. He is passionate about reusing things that already exist — both as a business philosophy and a personal conviction.

Ben brings rare depth of expertise in the circular economy to his role as Chief Commercial Officer at World of Books Group, one of the world's leading second-hand book platforms, where he oversees the company's sustainability agenda alongside its marketing, merchandising and pricing... Read More →

Elly Blue

Vice President, Microcosm Publishing

Elly Blue is the Vice President of Microcosm Publishing, where she manages day to day operations and directs the marketing and editorial departments. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner, dog, and a fleet of cargo bikes.

**

Elly's “Ask the Experts” consult schedule is... Read More →

Maria Dismondy

Publisher, Cardinal Rule Press

Maria Dismondy is a former teacher, children’s author, and publisher who now champions book access through her nonprofit. She lives a full life with her three kids, two dogs, sweet husband—and countless stacks of books.

**

Maria's “Ask the Experts” consult schedule is:

Sat M... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 5 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Established Independent Publishers

3:30pm PDT

Breakout 5 (Publishing 101) - Booking International Author Events

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

After successfully completing six international author events in Germany and Singapore, author publisher (self-published author) Courtney Kelly will share her framework, strategy, and lessons learned from these experiences. During this interactive session, attendees will walk away with the specific steps that she took to secure bookings at schools, libraries, and organizations abroad while...
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Speakers

Courtney Kelly

Founder and Author, Courtney Kelly Books

Born and raised in New Orleans, award-winning civil engineer Courtney Kelly has made a name for herself both as a well-respected construction management professional and self-published children’s book author. Courtney currently resides in Dallas, Texas where she serves as a Project Director for H.J. Russell & Company, a commercial construction firm, holds... Read More →

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Willamette 7 (2nd floor)

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

3:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom & Foyer (During Breakout Session 5) - Meet our Sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Another option during Breakout 5 is that you can chat with our sponsors!

Saturday May 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency Portland, Oregon Convention Center - Regency Ballroom & Foyer

Breakout Sessions + Ask the Experts

Audience For This Session Everyone

4:45pm PDT

Closing Session and Raffle

Saturday May 16, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm PDT

Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Don't miss our closing session of raffle prizes and rapid-fire takeaways!

Attend this session for your chance to win one of our great raffle prizes -- and we'll draw the winner of the Treasure Hunt (Visit all the conference sponsors to get a chance to win $500 IBPA credit plus a FREE pass to IBPA Publishing University 2027)!

Saturday May 16, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm PDT
Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom (2nd floor)

Community Building

Audience For This Session Everyone, Start Strong Independent Publishers, Established Independent Publishers, Author Publishers (A.K.A. Self-Published Authors)

5:30pm PDT

Your Overall Conference Evaluation Here, Please

Saturday May 16, 2026 5:30pm - 5:45pm PDT

We'd love your feedback so we can make IBPA Publishing University 2027 even better!

If you'd like to share a testimonial to help us spread the word, please include your name and company name so we can attribute.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful IBPA community,
The IBPA Staff and Board

Saturday May 16, 2026 5:30pm - 5:45pm PDT

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