IPG to hold virtual conference in June

The Independent Publishers Guild will host a virtual conference for its members in June.

The two-day event will be free to access for members, and will host speakers from across publishing responding to the latest challenges in the industry. Non-members will be charged a nominal fee.

The event will be hosted on a digital platform and attendees will be able to talk to publishing suppliers and service providers in virtual meetings.

It will have an emphasis on networking, "training and professional development", and provide advice on business management.

IPG chief executive Bridget Shine said: “While we are not able meet face-to-face for our Spring Conference this year, this is going to be a wonderful way for publishers to do as they do at every IPG event: get ideas and inspiration from experts, interact with friends and establish new contacts.

"Independent publishers have been adapting to recent challenges, and this solution shows our own creative response to the coronavirus crisis.

"The IPG’s community has long had a spirit of mutual support and a remarkable generosity of sharing advice, and the 2020 Spring Conference is going to be a memorable example of that. We’re really looking forward to the virtual company of our brilliant members in June.”

The event is sponsored by Ingram Content Group; silver sponsors PLS, ProQuest and The Paperback Shop; and exhibitors Above the Treeline, Clays, Halstan, Inspired Selection, MetaComet Systems, Westchester Publishing Services, Yudu and The Book Trade Charity.

The programme of speakers is yet to be confirmed, with registration for the event due to open in the coming weeks.

The event will take place from 2nd–3rd June.