More than 40 speakers scheduled for The Bookseller's Marketing and Publicity Conference

The Bookseller’s Marketing and Publicity Conference, Connect & Reflect, is now fully-programmed with more than 40 speakers scheduled across a full-day of talks, case-studies, surgeries, and workshops, taking place on 27th June at County Hall, Waterloo. 

Keynotes announced comprise Simon & Schuster marketing and publicity director Polly Osborn, author and journalist Oliver Burkeman, and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, author, presenter and creator of the award-winning social enterprise, Stemettes. Other speakers include TikTok’s head of partnerships and community James Stafford, Emma Keith, director of digital at the National Theatre; freelance marketing & brand consultant Kat McKenna; Tom Noble, campaigns director at Orion; and Micallar Walker, founder of marketing agency Dark Matter. 

Topics under discussion include effective and authentic use of TikTok, setting boundaries, navigating the social media landscape, copywriting, growing hybrid communities, building resilience, and trends in consumer attitudes and demographics. Guest-curated panels cover everything from connecting with diverse audiences to creating engaging content, as well as putting boundaries in place to tackling ambition. There are also one-on-one surgeries, and director-level workshops for those wanting a more in-depth conversation. 

Case studies this year will focus on Faber’s campaign for Beautiful World, Where are You, Daughter of the Moon Goddess (HarperVoyager), as well translated writers Fernanda Melchor (Hurricane Season, Paradais) and Scholastique Mukasonga (Our Lady of the Nile, The Barefoot Woman) with a session devoted to overcoming the challenges of being at very small publishers, with limited budgets. Delegates may also book a free 15-minute surgery with an expert marketeer or publicist, or meet with a boundaries coach to learn how to draw the line around time.

Miriam Robinson, conference director, said: “It’s hard to believe that after three years apart, we finally get to be back in the room together again, to swap ideas and learn from the incredible speakers in our programme. I’m so grateful to everyone who is taking the stage this year—the insight, imagination and ideas on offer are truly something else, and I hope that everyone leaves the day feeling supported, empowered and inspired."

In-person, virtual and hybrid tickets are available, with special rates for group bookings or freelancers. All tickets have access to conference content on video right up through the end of the summer. The programme and booking details may be had here at theBookseller.com, or by contacting Emma.Lowe@theBookseller.com.