PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS TRACK 2025

This year’s Production & Operations sessions aim to empower publishing professionals with insights and practical strategies for navigating today’s complex global supply chain landscape. Topics will include evolving supply chain regulations around sustainability and digital accessibility, the operational implications of global manufacturing diversification, and managing within the parameters of diverse supplier contracts and agreements—all critical for ensuring agility and compliance in both print and digital content delivery. Our sessions are designed to foster resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking practices across the publishing ecosystem.

SESSION ONE  |  Monday, November 10  |  12:00 central

Understanding Contracts and Operating Agreements in Publishing Operations & Book Production

Contracts and operating agreements between publishers and their service providers are an essential but often overlooked success factor in ensuring that vital business services are delivered on a timely, cost effective, and reliable basis. The importance of memorializing the expectations between partners has taken on new importance in an environment where supply chain uncertainty is an inescapable fact of life. Best practice procurement strategy suggests that both publisher and provider should move from the traditional transactional relationship to one characterized by a higher degree of reliability for both parties. The session will discuss the benefits of memorializing the expectations of both publisher and provider with a focus on manufacturing and fulfillment services.

SESSION TWO  |  Tuesday, November 11  |  12:00 central

Ebook Accessibility: EAA and Title II -Are you ready?

With key accessibility mandates like the EU’s European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the U.S. Title II compliance requirements coming into effect, publishers must be ready to adapt. This panel brings together experts from across the digital publishing ecosystem—including ebook production, metadata and ONIX, publisher implementation strategy, and industry advocacy—to demystify the current landscape. Learn what’s required, what’s coming, and how to build a practical roadmap for frontlist and backlist ebooks that meet global accessibility standards.

SESSION THREE  |  Wednesday, November 12  |  12:00 central

Navigating Print Supply Chain Challenges: Trends, Pressures, and What’s Ahead

The global print supply chain continues to shift under the weight of new legislation, trade dynamics, and evolving publisher demands. In this session, supply chain experts from across the book manufacturing and paper sectors will unpack what’s shaping today’s landscape—from regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to tariffs, sourcing constraints, and sustainability pressures. Gain a better understanding of where things stand, what to watch, and how to adapt your planning strategies for the road ahead.

SESSION FOUR  |  Thursday, November 13  |  12:00 central

Print Supply Chain Diversification: Moving Beyond China

As publishing leaders push for greater supply chain resilience and accountability, diversifying print manufacturing—particularly outside of China—has become a strategic priority. This panel brings together production heads and global print partners to explore what practical diversification looks like in real-world scenarios. From navigating tariffs and ethical sourcing to managing costs, timelines, and vendor relationships, this session offers grounded insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a more flexible global supply chain.

SESSION FIVE  |  Friday, November 14  |  12:00 central

Production & Operations: Industry Meet-Up

Maximize one of the best take-aways of PubU: meeting others in your publishing role. Join other production and operations professionals in this networking session over Zoom, to connect and discuss the week’s topics.

TRACK LEAD