Acp professional development

Speaker: Ira Wells, Author, Professor, PEN Canada Board Member

Ira Wells serves as Academic Programs Director of Victoria College in the University of Toronto and teaches in the Northrop Frye stream in literature and humanities in the Vic One program. A biographer, academic writer, and essayist, his recent title, On Book Banning, is available from Biblioasis. In this session, he discusses publishing’s role in upholding democracy.

Session date: June 16, 2025

Speakers: Rania Husseini, SVP, Print

Kate Cassaday, VP Marketing Strategy & Omni Channel Communication

Join Indigo's senior marketing team for a discussion on Indigo's priorities and upcoming projects.

Session date: June 16, 2025

Moderator: Hazel Millar, Co-Owner and Co-Publisher, Book*hug Press

Speakers: Peggy Burns, Publisher, Drawn & Quarterly

Laraine Coates, Assistant Director, Marketing and Business Development, UBC Press

Mariana Linares, Rights Manager, House of Anansi & Groundwood Books

Rob Sanders, Founder & CEO, Greystone Books

A panel of experienced exporters discuss how they have achieved growth and success in exporting books to the European and UK markets, the role of transatlantic collaboration in boosting sales, and the work required to leverage and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships.

Session date: June 16, 2025

Facilitator: Jack Illingworth, Executive Director, ACP

ACP Executive Director Jack Illingworth facilitates a discussion on the emerging uses of AI in book publishing, as well as the copyright, policy, and licensing background. Notes taken will inform ACP's forthcoming research on best practices for AI in book publishing.

Session date: June 16, 2025

Speaker: Ariel Hudnall, Managing Director, Serif Inc.

Ariel Hudnall shares an update on the status of the “Buy Canadian” marketing campaign, and the progress that’s been made since February’s Mid-Winter Meeting.

Session date: June 17, 2025

Presenter: Paula Bruce, Sales and Marketing Manager, eBOUND Canada

Join eBOUND Canada Sales and Marketing Manager, Paula Bruce, for a report of the organization’s 2024-25 operations and upcoming projects. 

Session date: June 17, 2025

Moderator: Leslie Bootle, Author Development and Partnerships Lead, Page Two

Speakers: Teddy Anderson, Publisher and Founder, Medicine Wheel Publishing

Cynara Geissler, Director of Marketing and Publicity, Arsenal Pulp Press

Naseem Hrab, Publisher, Kids Can Press

Ariel Hudnall, Managing Director, Serif Inc.

The world of social media has changed. The rise of influencers, shifting algorithms, and the impact of political shifts on the way people use different platforms have all led to a social media landscape that is wildly different from when Facebook launched just twenty one years ago.

In this session, panelists discuss what doesn’t work anymore, what never worked (that we’re probably still doing despite ourselves), and what is working.

Session date: June 17, 2025

Moderator: Andrew Wooldridge, Publisher, Orca Book Publishers

Speakers: David Caron, Publisher and Owner of ECW Press, Owner of Annick Press, and Rick Wilks, Director, Annick Press

Phuong Truong, Owner and Co-Publisher, Second Story Press, and Margie Wolfe, Founder, Second Story Press

We know what succession planning looks like from the outside: a press gets bought, or inherited, or taken over by someone either inside or outside the industry. But what does it look like from the inside?

This continuation of our professional development series on succession planning brings two success stories to the AGM stage to talk about their process and share insights.

Session date: June 17, 2025

Speakers: Sean Casey, Managing Director, PAA Advisory

Sadie Cann, PAA Advisory

Andrew Walker, PAA Advisory

Join PAA Advisory staff for an analysis of how the shifting political landscape impacts publishers’ priorities, an update on ACP’s recent advocacy efforts with the federal government, and a discussion on emerging opportunities to advance our agenda in the coming year. 

Session date: June 18, 2025

Speakers: Alana Wilcox, Coach House Books, ACP President

Jack Illingworth, ACP

In November, fifteen publishers convened in Montreal to develop recommendations for immediate, short-, medium-, and long-term actions to address the ongoing crisis of viability and profitability in the Canadian-owned publishing sector. Join ACP President Alana Wilcox and Executive Director Jack Illingworth for an update on these recommendations and actions taken to date. This session also invites new ideas and actionable solutions to support the future of Canadian publishing. The survival of our sector depends on our collective effort.

Session date: February 4, 2025

Speaker: David Hatfield, Hatfield Solutions

Join Amazon consultant David Hatfield as he discusses practical strategies to help publishers increase book sales on the world’s largest online marketplace. This session will explore the key factors driving visibility and conversions on Amazon, including optimizing product pages, leveraging advertising tools, and utilizing data analytics to refine your approach. Whether you’re new to selling on Amazon or looking to take your efforts to the next level, this session offers insights on growing your book sales and reaching more readers.

Session date: February 4, 2025

Speakers: Robin Hoogwerf, United Library Services

Maria Martella, Tinlids

Edmund Salt, WhiteHots

Moderator: David Larsen, University of Manitoba Press

Join a roundtable discussion with leading library wholesalers as they share valuable insights into the evolving library market. This session will explore key trends shaping the industry, what librarians are looking for in their acquisitions, and how Canadian publishers can better collaborate with wholesalers to expand their reach and boost book sales. Gain actionable strategies to navigate the unique challenges of the library sector, build stronger partnerships, and meet the needs of libraries and their readers. 

Session date: February 5, 2025

Speaker: Lauren Stewart, BookNet Canada

What do the numbers tell us about the Canadian book market’s performance in 2024? What market and consumer trends do we expect to see continue in 2025? Lauren Stewart of BookNet Canada will dive into the data and explore how print, digital, and audio sales have changed over the past year, as well as public library circulation facts and figures. Also expect updates on BNC services, standards development, and the Green Book Alliance.

Session date: February 5, 2025

Speakers: Sean Casey, PAA Advisory

Sonja Tilroe, PAA Advisory

Jack Illingworth, ACP

With Prime Minister Trudeau stepping down, Parliament prorogued until March, and an election on the horizon, Ottawa is in a state of flux. Join PAA Advisory staff for an analysis of how the shifting political landscape impacts publishers’ priorities, an update on ACP’s recent advocacy efforts with the federal government, and a discussion on emerging opportunities to advance our agenda in the coming year. 

Session date: February 6, 2025

Speaker: Paula Bruce, eBOUND Canada

Join eBOUND Canada Sales and Marketing Manager, Paula Bruce, for a report of the organization’s 2024-25 operations to date. 

Session date: February 6, 2025

Speakers: Craig Riggs, Project Manager, 49th Shelf

Tahmina Afshar, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, 49th Shelf

Kerry Clare, Editor, 49th Shelf

49th Shelf, ACP’s flagship marketing initiative, serves as a hub for online promotion of Canadian books for ACP and affiliate organizations. In this session, the 49th Shelf team will teach publishers how to best leverage 49th Shelf to boost their titles’ visibility and connect with readers across Canada. They will also provide an update on recent activities, share insights on maximizing the platform’s promotional tools, and highlight upcoming opportunities for 2025. 

Session date: February 6, 2025

Keynote Speaker: Farzana Doctor, Author, Activist, Psychotherapist

Farzana Doctor has been a fan and friend of indie publishers for over twenty years. In this talk, she shares ideas about how to enhance communication, collaboration and solidarity with your authors. She shares some best practices from her own, and other authors’, experiences working with Canadian publishers.

Presented by Copywell

Session date: June 3, 2024

Speakers: Ryan Hildebrand, Canadian Sales Manager, Friesens

JD Hood, Sales and Marketing Manager, Copywell

Yann Jadis, Commercial Development, Rapido-Books

Lori Rennie, National, Accounts Manager, Marquis Printing

Four printers share what’s new at their companies, discuss how the printing business has been affected by the post-pandemic economy, and share how they’re rising to meet the challenge presented by our changing climate.

Session date: June 3, 2024

Speakers: Brandon Forsyth, Category Manager of Non-Fiction & Mystery, Indigo

Hilary Scroggie Glover, Senior Category Manager of Kids Books, Indigo

Rania Husseini, SVP of Print, Indigo

Andrew Taubman, Director of Print Procurement, Indigo

Canada’s largest national bookselling chain has pledged to return to its roots, once again placing books at the core of its business model. Four representatives from different departments speak about their roles within the company and Indigo’s new direction & vision for the future, and answer questions sent in advance.

Session date: June 3, 2024

Speaker: Paula Bruce, Sales and Marketing Manager, eBOUND

eBOUND Canada Sales and Marketing Manager, Paula Bruce, presents a report of the organization’s 2023-24 operations.

Session date: June 3, 2024

Moderator: Judy Brunsek, Director of Sales and Marketing, Owlkids Books

Speakers: Fred Horler, Senior Marketing Director, House of Anansi Press & Groundwood Books

Cathy McKnight, Chief Problem Solver and Lead Analyst, The Content Advisory

Emma Rodgers, Marketing and Promotions Manager, Second Story Press

Lori Will, Business Development Manager, UTP

The world of print news media seems to be giving fewer and fewer column inches to books, and Bookstagram and BookTok are taking over. Or are they? How can publishers stand out in the age of social media influencers, and what other strategies can they use to increase visibility and get their books into the hands of their intended audience? Marketing experts discuss a variety of different approaches, whether you’re large and established or small and just starting out.

Session date: June 4, 2024

Speakers: Sean Casey, Managing Director, PAA Advisory 

Andrew Walker, PAA Advisory

Jack Illingworth, Executive Director, ACP

An update on ACP’s recent advocacy work in Ottawa, what the changing political climate means for publishers’ priorities, and where opportunities may emerge in the coming year. 

Session date: June 4, 2024

Moderator: Carmen Tiampo, La Florecita Editorial Services

Speakers: Elizabeth Kraler, Operations Manager, eBOUND

Amanda Lee, Bibliographic Metadata Consultant

Norm Nehmetallah, Invisible Publishing

As awareness grew of the need to publish books in ways that are accessible to all, the government of Canada supported these initiatives with additional funding. Now these grants are being phased out, but the need for accessible books has not diminished. Our panelists discuss how to continue to make books accessible to all in the absence of additional financial backing.

Session date: June 4, 2024

Keynote Speaker: Robin Stevenson, author

Moderator: Danny Ramadan, Chair, Writers’ Union of Canada

Panelists: Tammy Le, President, British Columbia Teacher Librarians’ Association

Karen Li, Publisher, Groundwood Books

With an unprecedented wave of book challenges, restrictions and bans sweeping across the United States and gaining ground in Canada, books about queer and BIPOC characters are coming under constant attack. Author Robin Stevenson will talk about the harm being done by these book challenges, and discuss the important work being done to defend diverse books, marginalized creators, and the freedom of young people to read. 

Session date: January 31, 2024

Speaker: Lauren Stewart, BookNet Canada

What do the numbers tell us about the Canadian book market’s performance in 2023? What market and consumer trends do we expect to see continue in 2024? BookNet Canada will dive into the numbers and explore how print, digital, and audio sales have changed, as well as public library circulation facts & figures. Also expect updates on BNC services, standards development, and the Green Book Alliance.

Session date: January 31, 2024

Speaker: Erin Finlay, ACP Legal Counsel, Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Heim Finlay LLP

Erin will walk members through a set of new recommended contract clauses which address both the licensing of works to train generative artificial intelligence, and the use of AI-powered tools in the publishing process.

Session date: February 1, 2024

Speakers: Sean Casey, PAA Advisory

Andrew Walker, PAA Advisory

An update on ACP’s recent advocacy work in Ottawa, what the changing political climate means for publishers’ priorities, and where opportunities may emerge in the coming year. 

Session date: February 1, 2024

Speakers: Tom Colyer, MUSO

Daisy Smail, MUSO

In this session, Tom Colyer and Daisy Smail of MUSO—a UK-based tech company providing antipiracy solutions for digital content—delve into the pressing issue of book piracy and explore measures to combat it. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, publishers and creators face an escalating challenge in safeguarding their copyrighted materials from illicit distribution on filesharing sites. This session aims to equip publishers with valuable insights to protect their intellectual property, and will include information on:

• The piracy landscape in Canada and global piracy trends for published content

• Best practices for protecting books from digital piracy

• Technical solutions available to help combat digital piracy

Session date: November 1, 2023

Speakers: Deborah Dundas, Toronto Star

Kerry Clare, 49th Shelf

Brett Grubisic, Freelance reviewer and fiction editor for The British Columbia Review

Writers face the slush pile when they’re looking to get published, but there’s a second slush pile that publishers themselves face: a book reviewer’s inbox. How can publishers pitch their titles to have the best shot at getting much-needed media coverage? Three book reviewers talk about what they look for, how they prioritize titles, and more to help publishers find strategies for getting noticed. 

Session date: November 8, 2023

Moderator: Ruth Linka, Orca Book Publishers

Speakers: Judy Brunsek, Director of Sales & Marketing, Owlkids Books

Erin Finlay, ACP Legal Counsel, Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Heim Finlay LLP

Naseem Hrab, Associate Publisher - Creative, Kids Can Press

Léonicka Valcius, Literary Agent, Transatlantic Literary Agency

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the realm of copyright uses has expanded exponentially, giving rise to content-sharing platforms like YouTube and TikTok and transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence. For Canadian book publishers, it is imperative to stay abreast of these emerging trends and understand their implications on copyright.

This panel discussion, moderated by Ruth Linka of Orca Book Publishers, is tailored specifically for Canadian publishers interested in understanding and discussing how to adapt their practices for novel copyright uses such as artificial intelligence-generated content and in responding to unique permissions requests including read-alouds on social media and Storywalk requests. Participants discuss and gain insights into the legal frameworks surrounding new copyright uses and how to strike the right balance between fair dealing, promotion, and copyright protection. This session is designed for publishers, marketers, publicists, agents, and rights managers working in the Canadian publishing industry. 

ACP would like to thank the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage for providing funding support for this session.

Session date: November 15, 2023

Speakers: Deborah Nelson, eBOUND Canada

eBOUND Canada executive director, Deborah Nelson, presents a report of the organization’s 2022-23 operations.

Session date: June 19, 2023

Speakers: Sean Casey, PAA Advisory

Andrew Walker, PAA Advisory

Elizabeth Seip, PAA Advisory

PAA Advisory provides a general update on ACP’s advocacy work, including the progress of augmented funding for the Canada Book Fund and copyright reform.

Session date: June 20, 2023

Speaker: Noah Genner, CEO, BookNet Canada

What do the numbers tell us about the Canadian book market’s performance in 2022? What market trends do we expect to see continue in 2023? BookNet Canada CEO Noah Genner dives into the numbers and explores how print, digital, and audio sales have changed as we emerge from the pandemic, alongside public library circulation. Updates on BNC services and the Green Book Alliance are also provided.

Session date: January 25, 2023

Speakers: Deborah Nelson, CEO, eBOUND Canada

Amanda Lee, Technology Consultant, eBOUND Canada

eBOUND supports accessible publishing in many ways. This 30-minutes overview details the variety of projects the eBOUND team has been working on, from certification to remediation to launching learning

Session date: January 25, 2023

49th Shelf Update Intro: Kate Edwards, Executive Director, ACP 

Speakers: Kerry Clare & Kiley Turner, 49th Shelf

ACP’s flagship marketing project, 49th Shelf serves as a hub for online promotion of Canadian books for ACP and affiliate organizations. This session offers members an update from the 49th Shelf team on recent activities, how to take advantage of available promotional opportunities, and what’s on the horizon for 2023. An update on the recent project review of 49th Shelf is also provided.

Session date: January 25, 2023

Speakers: Sean Casey, Managing Director, PAA Advisory

Andrew Walker, Senior Advisor & Client Director, PAA Advisory

Kate Edwards, Executive Director, ACP

An update on ACP’s recent advocacy work in Ottawa, what the changing political climate means for publishers’ priorities, and where opportunities may emerge in the coming year. 

Session date: January 26, 2023

Speakers: Sheeza Sarfraz, Co-Chair, ACP Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Jazz Cook, Membership Services Manager, ACP

Dani MacDonald, Research & Communications Manager, ACP

This session offers members an overview of the results of the 2022 Canadian Publishing Industry Diversity Baseline Survey, which was in the field over summer 2022. The full report is available here.

Session date: January 26, 2023

Moderator: Crystal Manyfingers, Author, Bow Valley College Faculty, Kainai Nation from the Blackfoot Confederacy 

Speakers: Tanya Ball, Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta 

Crystal Chan, Developmental Editor, RavenSpace Publishing at UBC Press 

Storytelling is intrinsic and integral to Indigenous realities because they impart philosophical traditions through the generations. Indigenous stories are living representations of the inner workings of Indigenous communities. Each nation has their own protocols and understandings surrounding the dissemination of Indigenous knowledges. The complexity behind Indigenous storytelling is often overlooked, which causes tension and misunderstanding within the publishing world. In this session, Crystal Manyfingers, Tanya Ball, and Crystal Chan will open this conversation to question who "owns" Indigenous knowledge, what practices are advised when connecting with Indigenous storytellers, and what obligations are necessary to sustain a respectful and lasting working relationship.

Session date: June 7, 2022

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Moderator: Lorene Shyba, Publisher, Durvile Publications & UpRoute Books 

Speakers: Ryan Hildebrand, Canadian Sales Team Manager, Friesens Corporation

Yann Jadis, Business Development, Rapido-Books

Danielle Riendeau, Vice President of Sales & Business Development Canada-USA-UK, Marquis Book Printers

The book supply chain continues to be unpredictable with new challenges continuing to emerge. What pressure points do printers expect in the next 12 to 18 months? How can publishers and printers work together to navigate these challenges and ensure that books arrive on time? Are there lessons learned during the pandemic that can be applied to create a more efficient supply chain?

Session date: June 7, 2022

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Speakers: Marilyn Desrosiers, Director, Supporting Artistic Practice

Aimé Dontigny, Director, Engage and Sustain and Core Grants

CCA program directors Marilyn Desrosiers and Aimé Dontigny share program overviews and updates, including information on the new Strategic Innovation Fund and the next round of core funding competitions.

Session date: January 25, 2022

Speakers: Julie Fairweather, Director, Book Publishing Policy and Program

Carole Barbeau, Manager, Book Policy

Sarah Mayes, Manager, Special Projects

Conor Rossiter, Manager, Support for Publishers

Canada Book Fund staff review their program supports from the past year and introduce new supports for accessible publishing, booksellers, and recovery funding for publishers.

Session date: January 25, 2022

Moderator: Glenn Rollans, President & Publisher, Brush Education Inc.

José Borghino, Secretary General, International Publishers Association

Asma Faizi, General Counsel, Access Copyright

Carlo Scollo Lavizzari, Lawyer, Advocate, and Advisor to STM

Copyright remains a critical area of legal and regulatory importance for book publishers. Join three experts who will share insights and the latest information on the issues Canadian publishers will be talking about in 2022: Big Tech’s continuing war on copyright; the implications of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in York/Access Copyright; Controlled Digital Lending and publishers’ relationship with libraries.

Session date: January 27, 2022

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Kate Edwards, ACP

Sean Casey, Global Public Affairs

Abby Tait, Global Public Affairs

Tara Mazurk, Global Public Affairs

Andrew Walker, Global Public Affairs

With the dust settled on Election 2021, join ACP’s government relations advisors and staff for updates on ACP’s advocacy priorities for the new parliamentary session as they relate to federal government priorities.

Session date: January 27, 2022

Moderator: Jen Gauthier, Associate Publisher, Greystone Books

Leslie Bootle, Marketing Director, Orca Book Publishers

Jessey Glibbery, National Accounts Manager, House of Anansi Press / Groundwood Books

Megan Jones, Marketing Director, Greystone Books

Karen McMullin, National Publicist, Nimbus Publishing

Kate Watson, Atlantic Publicist, Nimbus Publishing

Everything we thought we knew about how to sell and market books was turned on its head when the pandemic hit. Sales meetings, author events, and conferences that used to be in person went online. The opportunities for readers to discover new books changed radically as brick and mortar bookstores closed, opened, closed, and launched online channels. Author launches and media interviews moved online, and everyone involved had to learn a whole new skill set, from screen sharing on zoom to video production.

This panel of publishing sales and marketing professionals discuss the challenges of all the pivoting, as well as consider which changes are here to stay—for good or for bad.

Session date: September 14, 2021

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Moderator: Brendan Ouellette, Digital Project Manager, Annick Press

Speakers: Pamela Hart, NNELS / TenderAudio Productions

Wendy Reid, Accessibility and Publishing Standards Lead, Rakuten Kobo / Editor of the Audiobooks specification, W3C

Cassie Smyth, Audiobooks Manager, ECW Press

Three experts in audiobook production discuss the process, standards, and the accessibility requirements of audiobook production in 2021 and beyond. Cassie Smyth, Audiobook Manager at ECW Press, will share experiences from producing audiobooks in-house, as well as facilitating production for many independent Canadian presses; Pamela Hart will discuss some of the accessible audiobook programs she established for the National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS); and Wendy Reid from Rakuten Kobo and the Accessibility Working Group of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) will discuss how web accessibility standards apply to audiobook production.

Session date: September 14, 2021

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Presented by: Neva Murtha, Senior Corporate Campaigner, Canopy

Moderator: Jen Knoch, Senior Editor, ECW Press

Speakers: Ryan Hildebrand, Canadian Sales Lead, Friesens

 John David Hood, Sales and Marketing Manager, Copywell

Lori Rennie, National Accounts Manager, Marquis Book Printing

Renée Yardley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rolland Enterprises

Learn about the role of Ancient and Endangered Forests in mitigating climate change and how your publishing house can avoid the risk of sourcing from these forests for paper and packaging. Canopy explains the steps publishers can take to source leading low-footprint alternative products, and help scale up Next Generation Solutions; the difference between FSC and ‘Ancient Forest Friendly’; demo the EcoPaper Database and illustrate other forest-friendly solutions.

This session included a presentation by Neva Murtha, Canopy, followed by a moderated roundtable discussion with printers and paper supplier.

Session date: September 15, 2021

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.

Presented by: Glenn Rollans, President & Publisher, Brush Education

Speakers: David Caron, Co-Publisher & President, ECW Press

Rick Wilks, Director, Annick Press

Many Canadian book publishers will go through management or ownership succession in the near future, and the success of that process will be a key determinant of the success of our industry. Planning for succession in a book publishing house can be a long-term, complicated process, full of possibilities and stresses.

What is involved in valuing and selling a publishing business? What options does your publishing house have? What are some of the practical considerations? How do technical and emotional issues interact?

This session, intended for all potential sellers and buyers, brings together David Caron and Rick Wilks of ECW Press and Annick Press with moderator Glenn Rollans of Brush Education and Freehand Books. They share their insights on succession planning and transitions in ownership.

Session date: September 15, 2021

Session supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.