9 am - 10 am

Join Biblioasis founder Dan Wells to discuss the history and success of this Windsor-based bookstore and press, which recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary the same year it took home the coveted Canada Reads prize for Catherine Leroux’s The Future. 

10 am - 11:15 am

For better or for worse, artificial intelligence is here to stay. How are publishers and writers approaching this new phenomenon in a way that retains the human aspect of bookmaking? 

With:

Fenwick McKelvey, Applied AI Institute, Concordia University

Crystal Chan, Writer

Valentine Goddard, AI Impact Alliance

Harley Smart, Anteism Books

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

For many, publishing books is a labour of love. In an industry known for its demanding work conditions, where busyness is often conflated with success, and tech keeps us connected even when we would rather not be, how can we create boundaries to stay energized and inspired? 

Led by educational psychologist Dr. Anna Sverdlik, this talk will help participants identify common challenges faced by entrepreneurs driven by a passion for their work, and discuss strategies to create a healthy balance between ambition and wellbeing.

With:

Dr. Anna Sverdlik, Melioscope

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Against a backdrop of trade tensions and political instability, how can Canadian publishers strengthen their relationships with overseas markets? This panel will help publishers navigate the changing landscape of international distribution and foreign rights.

With:

Lisa Quinn, McGill-Queen’s University Press

Gabrielle Etcheverry, Livres Canada Books

Dan Wells, Biblioasis

Kathryn Willms, The Rights Factory

2:45 pm - 4 pm

How can publishers get their books onto local library shelves? Librarians from public, private and university organizations come together to demystify the acquisitions process and share insight into the decision-making behind their collections. 

With:

Aeron MacHattie, Concordia University

Elise Marcoux, Librairie Bertrand

Daryan Sykes, Bibliothèques de Pierrefonds et William-G.-Boll (Roxboro)

Barbara Whiston, Lower Canada College

4 pm - 5 pm

Stick around for wine and cheese courtesy of AELAQ! Plus, bring a favourite book to participate in a book swap.

We are still fine-tuning our programming – check back soon for our full roster of speakers!