IBPA Publishing University 2026

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 sold, and global brands like TREK, TOMS, and The Economist use it to drive growth. Whether you own a publishing business, are marketing a book or a cause, or building your publisher or author brand... Donald Miller’s proven seven-part story formula can help your message cut through the chaos because brand storytelling captures attention, transforms customers’ lives, and fuels business growth.

The audio file is attached. Transcript will be added in early June.

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 channels.

The audio file is attached. Transcript will be added in early June.

Merging the Worlds of Content Creation and Business: Lessons from Amphibia and Beyond


As 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 share his insights into how to:

• Translate content creation into a viable business model
• Pitch your ideas to business folks who want to translate your vision to a bottom line
• Cultivate a fandom across media
• Surround yourself with the right team to support your vision, and
• Stay motivated to keep going when reality sets in.
• Ground yourself creatively

The audio file is attached. Transcript will be added in early June.