PubU | ECPA

The publishing landscape requires fresh thinking and new ways to break through the clutter with digital dominating and Gen Alpha kids still uncertain of reading. Will creativity, which has historically fueled the children’s category, survive, thrive or die in this Age of AI? The post-pandemic mental health needs of children, bilingual publishing, sustainability, and humor are set to unroll against a backdrop of nostalgia in the session on trends. Will science, dark themes in middle grade fiction, the downaging of YA topics, and challenges to inclusivity shift editorial decisions? And will “reading for fun” become the epitaph or the future of children’s publishing? These and other emerging, relevant topics will be addressed by industry experts.

As sessions and speakers are confirmed, they will be added here.

SESSION ONE | Monday, November 10 | 2 pm central

In a World of Infinite Options: How Children’s Publishers Stay Discoverable and Desired

The post-pandemic retail landscape for children’s products has evolving rapidly—and not just in digital directions. While AI and social commerce continue to personalize and streamline the consumer journey, a new wave of non-tech-driven strategies is emerging, centered around trust, experience, and values-based buying. This panel explores how the retail shift impacts children's publishers and how they can meet families where they are—whether online, on shelves, or in community spaces—and in particular, connect them with books that nurture a growing faith. Join industry leaders as they share insights on becoming a go-to partner for parents and caregivers, and how books can play a pivotal role in this newly diversified children’s product world.

Julia Davis

Owner of The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, GA and current Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) President

SESSION TWO | Tuesday, November 11 | 2 pm central

Capturing Hearts and Minds: Navigating the Challenges of Engaging Teen and Preteen Readers with Christian Content

In a world dominated by VR and digital streaming, capturing the hearts of young readers with Christian content can feel like an uphill battle. Join us for an eye-opening online session where we dive deep into the intricacies of connecting with preteen and teen audiences. Our panel of three seasoned industry professionals, led by the Children's Track moderator, will explore the unique challenges and opportunities present in the 8-18 age range. Discover strategies for making Biblically-inspired content appealing amidst the backdrop of mature middle-grade themes and digital distractions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into effectively reaching and engaging the minds of tomorrow's faith leaders.

Shane Sanchez

Author and former Director of High School Content at Orange, current Director of Partner Strategies at Tenx10

SESSION THREE | Wednesday, November 12 | 2 pm central

The Stories We Tell: Navigating Trends and Lasting Themes in Children's Christian Publishing

Cultural and societal shifts are vividly mirrored in the world of children’s publishing, where stories shape and reflect the values of new generations, while remaining rooted in Biblical inspiration. In this thought-provoking panel, industry experts will explore the evolving landscape of themes in children’s literature—examining which culturally resonant topics are gaining lasting traction and which may be fleeting. But in the land of a thousand points of data, how do publishers decide when it’s wise to chase a trend—or when to let it pass? From global awareness to emotional intelligence, we’ll discuss the topics captivating editors today as they curate lists for tomorrow’s readers, and how data, instinct, and experience come together to inform those choices.

JJ O’Malley

Sr Mgr, Marketing, Consumer Insights and Trends at HarperCollins

SESSION FOUR | Thursday, November 13 | 2 pm central

The Digital Elephant in the Room: AI and Publishing to AI Natives

AI Natives are described as anyone, but particularly children, who are growing up immersed in artificial intelligence and becoming naturally adept at using and interacting with AI systems. These AI natives are expected to shape the future by integrating AI into all aspects of their lives and work, potentially leading to significant societal and technological shifts. Join our panel of experts in a discussion on how AI is currently affecting publishing –the good and the bad— and how we can best look around the corner to see what is coming for our AI Native readership.

Ying Xu

Assistant Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in AI and children’s learning

Laura Holmes

CEO and Founder, Wanderly, Interactive Storytelling App, formerly of Google

SESSION FIVE | Friday, November 14 | 2 pm central

Open Forum for Children’s Publishing: Ask the Experts

Submit your questions throughout the week and we’ll discuss them face to face in this networking session with the experts.

TRACK LEADERS

Shannon Marchese

Shannon Marchese is VP and Publisher of Tommy Nelson, the children’s imprint for Thomas Nelson. With more than 20 years of experience in producing and promoting Christian books, Marchese most recently served as executive editor at the Christian publishing imprints within Penguin Random House, WaterBrook & Multnomah and Convergent. In this role she led the growth of their children’s publishing division, as well as the acquisition and editorial direction for many of their top authors. Before working in editorial, Marchese spent seven years in publicity, making her a dynamic and strategic communicator. She originally hails from Ohio, but she and her family call Colorado Springs home.

Dr. Mary Manz Simon

Dr. Mary Manz Simon is a familiar name in the children’s space. As an author, her books have sold more than three million copies in English and are in eleven languages. A media personality, Simon hosted Front Porch Parenting, a one-minute daily on more than three hundred radio stations for nearly fifteen years. A presenter at conventions of the American Booksellers Association and for more than twenty years at the popular “Children’s trends” workshop of the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA), she earned a doctorate in education from St. Louis University.