Mahey-Morgan to keynote diversity conference

Publisher Crystal Mahey-Morgan has been announced as a keynote speaker at next month’s 'Building Inclusivity in Publishing' conference.

The conference, organised by the Publishers Association (PA) and London Book Fair (LBF), is aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity in publishing.

Mahey-Morgan, who owns the Own It! Brand, will be keynoting alongside Robyn Travis, whose book Mama Can’t Raise No Man she publishes. They will be joined by speakers from Penguin Random House, Elsevier, New Writing North, Stonewall, Barrington Stoke and Bare Lit Fest.

Broadcaster Rosie Goldsmith and journalist Arifa Akbar will act as joint chairs for the event.

Stephen Lotinga, chief executive of the PA, said: “The publishing industry must reflect 21st century Britain.  As the source of films, TV programmes, West End shows and video games and with an unrivalled international reach publishing has a responsibility to ensure its content and working environment is representative of the whole of the UK.

“While important steps are being taken by publishers to improve diversity in our industry, there is much more to be done. This summit, by bringing together publishers, literary festivals and booksellers, will challenge attendees to commit to playing their part in putting aside tradition and preconceptions to ensure all of society is able to be involved in the creation, promotion and influence of books.”

The Building Inclusivity in Publishing conference will take place on 15th November in London.