Preparing for the Industry’s Future

“I agree with the sentiment expressed by a number of people I spoke to that this year’s event was the best ever,” says John Morse, president and publisher of Merriam- Webster Inc. and conference chair of the event. “The sessions I attended were wellstructured and informative, and I was particularly impressed with the high level of attentiveness and engagement I saw from members of the audience at all of the sessions. Clearly, people had come … to learn, and that certainly was gratifying for both the speakers and the organizers of the event. On a personal level, I came away better informed on a number of key issues and, even more importantly, with a renewed sense of focus and clarity about ways we can be moving our business. And I think I am not alone in feeling that way.”

Attendees also explored an exhibit hall packed wallto- wall with the latest industry solutions and services— including publishing management and workfl ow software, digital solutions in printing and publishing, and book manufacturing, fi nishing and packaging services.

“As a new vendor [at the show], I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of traffi c to our booth, which should open up new opportunities for us and for conference attendees,” says Lou Bahin, chief marketing offi cer of ePublishing, a Chicago-based provider of online and e-commerce solutions. “… The subject matter of the conference was very informative and encouraged publishers to come to us with very informed questions about doing business online; the net result was a good use of attendees’ time, and many new business contacts for us.”

Book Publishing in the Digital Age
On Tuesday morning, a keynote panel of industry thought-leaders addressed a crowded ballroom on a topic that is at the forefront of most publishers’ minds: book publishing in the digital age. Mike Shatzkin, founder and CEO of The Idea Logical Company, moderated the discussion. He was joined by Peter Osnos, founder and editor-at-large, PublicAffairs; Carolyn Pittis, senior vice president, global marketing strategy and operations, HarperCollins Publishers; Publishing Business Conference Co-Chair John Morse, president and publisher, Merriam-Webster Inc.; and Michael Cairns, managing partner, Information Media Partners, and former CEO of R.R. Bowker.