CHILDREN’S BOOK SUMMIT 2023
Mon-Thurs, Nov. 6 to 9 | 10-10:45 am central
Join your hosts Laura Derico and Brock Eastman as we welcome publishing colleagues and thought leaders to talk about how we tell (and sell) better stories to the next generation about the best story of all.
SESSION ONE: November 6
Who Hears the Story?
Rick Rekedal, the President of David C Cook, guides us on a journey to understand the motivations, influences, challenges, and aspirations of the next generation (and those who buy content for them). Rick provides his unique perspective from 30+ years in the kids and family entertainment industry (more than 20 of those with DreamWorks Studios).
SESSION TWO: November 7
Which Stories Are Being Heard?
Join Circana Books for an engaging and informative presentation by U.S. Books Industry Analyst Kristen McLean. Hear the latest perspectives on the book market’s performance, with a focus on Q3 2023. We’ll also explore insights on the retail market, based on the latest data and Kristen’s deep industry expertise. Circana's Brooke Borneman will be on hand to answer any questions.
Then we’ll hear from Bookstat Sales Director Karen Bosserman as she dissects the nuances of Christian children’s ebook and audiobook sales and offers insightful perspectives on how digital formats are influencing children’s reading experiences—and what publishers can do to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
SESSION THREE: November 8
How Do They Find the Stories?
It’s an age-old question: if a children’s book gets released in the forest, and no one can find it to read it, does it make a difference? Marketing methods and tools have entered a new era of innovation with the fast-paced evolution of AI and the ongoing spread of social media. Hear from digital marketing expert and behavioral psychologist Bob Hutchins as he helps us understand these innovations and how they help marketers make smarter (and more ethical) decisions as they seek to increase discoverability. Then join in with a panel of publishing professionals, including Associate Publisher Linda Howard (Tyndale) and others as we discuss strategies that help children’s authors connect with their intended readers.
SESSION FOUR: November 9
How Can We Include Everyone in the Story?
Shaping art and text with compassion and care means thinking carefully about how the words we use, the images we show, and the concepts we spend time and energy on can be inclusive and welcoming, engaging readers from every background. Join authors Dorena Williamson and Xochitl Dixon and artist Ian Dale as we discuss how we in publishing can do better when it comes to helping young audiences connect with the Creator who made them.
SESSION FIVE: Wednesday, November 8 at 2 pm central
Children’s Book Professionals Meet-Up
Maximize one of the best take-aways of PubU: meeting others in your publishing role. Join other children’s book professionals in this networking session over Zoom, to connect and share over the week’s topics and more.
We thank the following companies for their support of the industry and this event:
PREMIUM
GENERAL
For more information on sponsoring this event, contact [email protected]