Society of Young Publishers to hold first in-person conference since 2019

The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) annual Autumn Conference will run in person this year for the first time since 2019.

Taking place next month, this year’s conference is organised by SYP’s London branch and will adopt a blended approach, with several online panels running ahead of the physical event.

The main part of the conference will take place on 26th of November at Birkbeck University with several digital panels held earlier in the week, starting on the 21st.

The conference theme, “Publishing Inside Out: Reflect, Engage, Grow”, will explore the challenges and opportunities for the future of publishing. The conference will look particularly at the past, present and future of the publishing industry, reflecting on progress that has been made and what else needs to be achieved.

Both virtual and physical events will cover a range of topics aimed at assisting those keen to start a career in publishing and those in the first 10 years of their working life.

SYP London co-chair Alicja Baranowska said: “We are excited to host a physical conference, offering publishing hopefuls, junior professionals and industry experts a space to speak about the current landscape and the future of the publishing industry. We have decided to keep the digital stream of the conference, developed during the pandemic, to ensure that our events are accessible for those not able to attend the physical event in London.”

Saida Azizova, head of events for the London branch, said: “One of our biggest aims this year is to get to the core of how we understand and engage with the publishing industry. We are especially excited to celebrate the achievements of young publishing professionals and focus on the positive outlooks for our industry’s future.”

For the first time, tickets were made available to SYP members ahead of the general release in an exclusive pre-sale. The general sale of the tickets is now live. Delegates will have the option of buying a ticket for the physical conference, including access to the earlier virtual panels, for £30 or the digital-only stream for £10. Tickets are discounted for students and SYP members, and non-members have the option to purchase a membership alongside a conference ticket. Discounted early bird tickets will also be available until 6th November.

Flick Hemming, SYP London co-chair added: “We are thrilled to be welcoming an array of talent and expertise from across the industry to speak, network and discuss. In our interactive panels and workshops, we seek to create an open and engaging atmosphere to exchange knowledge and ideas across a variety of skill-sets, sectors, experience and careers.’’