Agenda
(detailed version)
2 pm
Brittyne Lewis, Videl Bar-Kar, Bookwire: Welcome
Brittyne Lewis is Bookwire’s General Manager for the US, bringing over 15 years of experience in the digital publishing industry.
Videl Bar-Kar, Vice-President Audio at Bookwire, has over 20 years media industry experience in both corporate and start up environments. He has worked in publishing for over a decade, first as Director of the Ways With Words literary festival, then as the first Audio Publisher for Penguin Random House, where he led an award winning team across editorial, production and marketing to create the UK’s leading audiobook publisher.
2.15 pm
Brittyne Lewis, Videl Bar-Kar, Bookwire: Navigating the Future - Emerging Trends in Distribution
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the latest trends shaping the digital distribution of ebooks and audiobooks. Brittyne Lewis, General Manager US at Bookwire, will unveil innovative strategies and technologies that are revolutionizing content delivery and consumption. Discover how to stay ahead of the curve and leverage these trends to enhance your reach and impact in the digital distribution landscape.
Brittyne Lewis is Bookwire’s General Manager for the US, bringing over 15 years of experience in the digital publishing industry.
Videl Bar-Kar, Vice-President Audio at Bookwire, has over 20 years media industry experience in both corporate and start up environments. He has worked in publishing for over a decade, first as Director of the Ways With Words literary festival, then as the first Audio Publisher for Penguin Random House, where he led an award winning team across editorial, production and marketing to create the UK’s leading audiobook publisher.
Anne Fonteneau joined Blackstone Publishing in 2001, where she rose to the position of Head of Retail Sales, successfully developing new sales avenues. She has been managing Digital Sales, the fastest-growing segment of the company, since 2008, before becoming the Chief Sales Officer. Leading her team in adapting to an ever-changing marketplace, she enjoys finding new ways to connect customers and partners with the enriching world of audiobooks.
Brittyne Lewis is Bookwire’s General Manager for the US, bringing over 15 years of experience in the digital publishing industry.
Videl Bar-Kar, Vice-President Audio at Bookwire, has over 20 years media industry experience in both corporate and start up environments. He has worked in publishing for over a decade, first as Director of the Ways With Words literary festival, then as the first Audio Publisher for Penguin Random House, where he led an award winning team across editorial, production and marketing to create the UK’s leading audiobook publisher.
2.45 pm
Harnessing the Audio Boom: Mastering Ownership and Distribution Strategies. With Anne Fonteneau, Blackstone Publishing, Brittyne Lewis and Videl Bar-Kar, Bookwire (Moderators)
The panel shares insights on successful ownership models, distribution strategies, and effective audiobook launches. The panelists discuss challenges, solutions, and best practices to maximize reach and revenue in the booming audio content market.
Kristen McLean is the Executive Director of Business Development at The NPD Group, a global research and data company, where she sits within the Books | Entertainment practice. Kristen is responsible for developing new client relationships for existing products, as well as the creation of new initiatives that expand NPD's value to its publishing and entertainment clients.
Brenna Connor, Industry Analyst, Circana Books, has been working with data and analytics for a decade in roles including marketing, research, and insights. Connor is a recognized thought leader on trends in the book industry. Her lifelong passion for books and reading combined with a keen understanding of data analysis enables Brenna to provide actionable insights for publishers and retailers across the book market. Her expertise helps clients identify opportunity and drive strategic planning.
Brian O’Leary has served as excutive director of the Book Industry Study Group since 2016. Prior to joining BISG, he worked as a consultant to book, magazine, and association publishers for 18 years. He started his consulting practice after a 15-year career in book (Hammond Inc.) and magazine (Time Inc.) publishing.
3.25 pm
Panel Discussion with Kristen McLean and Brenna Connor, Circana and Brian O’Leary, BISG: The Big Picture: reflections on past, present and future
This panel is back! Join the industry’s most respected voices to gain a deeper understanding of past, present and future of digital distribution. Kristen will revisit key topics such as format shifts, the rising influence of younger consumers, and the content areas driving market growth. Together with Brian, they will address pressing issues like the impact of emerging technologies, market saturation, and the evolving demands of digital consumers.
3.55 pm
Steve Potash, Overdrive: Channel Partner Perspectives – Building Successful Distribution Networks
Gain exclusive insights from Steve Potash, CEO of OverDrive, as he shares his experience to building a high-performing distribution network. Learn proven strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and hear real-world success stories that can transform your distribution approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your partnership game.
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Steve Potash is President and Chief Executive Officer of OverDrive, a company he founded in 1986. He also serves on its Board of Directors. Under his leadership, OverDrive has become the leading digital reading platform for eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital media for over 92,000 libraries, schools, government agencies, corporate learning centers, colleges, and universities worldwide. He has pioneered many innovations for digital content use and applications.
4.25 pm
Audiobook Production – Insights to Optimise and Scale your Audiobook Program. With Brad Hill, HarperCollins Publishers, Videl Bar-Kar, Bookwire (Moderator)
Join Brad Hill, Associate Publisher at Harper Audio, as he shares valuable insights on optimizing and scaling your audiobook production. Learn effective strategies to stay ahead in the rapidly growing audiobook market and take your offerings to the next level of success.
Brad Hill serves as the Associate Publisher at HarperAudio. Prior to joining HarperCollins, he held the position of Studio Production Manager at Brilliance Publishing, an Amazon Company. With more than two decades of experience, Brad has dedicated his entire career to the world of audiobooks.
Videl Bar-Kar, Vice-President Audio at Bookwire, has over 20 years media industry experience in both corporate and start up environments. He has worked in publishing for over a decade, first as Director of the Ways With Words literary festival, then as the first Audio Publisher for Penguin Random House, where he led an award winning team across editorial, production and marketing to create the UK’s leading audiobook publisher.