IPG membership soars in 2016

Membership of the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) has soared in 2016, with 75 new members joining, the organisation has reported ahead of its conference today (20th September).

The additions bring the number of members of the guild to over 620, the IPG c.e.o Bridget Shine told The Bookseller.

Today's conference will see tech entrepreneur, former government adviser and now independent bookseller at Libreria Rohan Silva deliver the keynote speech, giving an “eagle-eyed” view of independent publishing and the impact of new technology on the sector.

The conference will also see Nielsen Book’s Jo Henry present the headline findings from the IPG’s second Independent Publishing Report, a survey of members that reveals new trends, opportunities and challenges in the market, now sponsored by publishing law firm Harbottle & Lewis.

Case studies from Head of Zeus, Kogan Page, Barrington Stoke and Quarto Publishing Group UK will be presented at the conference, as well as sessions on “some very topical issues” including the impact of Brexit on international markets, publicity focused sessions, and sessions on rights and recruitment.

The conference will also have a broad range of break-out sessions focused on specific sectors and disciplines of publishing, including tips for direct marketing, a look at the best ways to analyse the wealth of data now at publishers’ disposal, advice for marketing to online influencers like bloggers, and the consequences of modern student habits for academic specialists.