BISG@50: Where Legacy Meets Momentum
Book Publishing Next Forum | 50th Anniversary Celebration | Silent Auction
Individual Tickets | BISG@50 Sponsorship | Event Location | BISG@50 Meet-Ups
Join us for two unforgettable events as the Book Industry Study Group marks its 50th anniversary—bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations that have shaped publishing for half a century.
Industry leaders, rising voices, and longtime collaborators will gather to celebrate BISG’s legacy while looking boldly toward the future. This milestone event is a moment to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine what’s next for the book publishing ecosystem.
BISG@50: Where Legacy Meets Momentum
Book Publishing Next Forum | 50th Anniversary Celebration | Silent Auction
Individual Tickets | BISG@50 Sponsorship | Event Location | BISG@50 Meet-Ups
Join us for two unforgettable events as the Book Industry Study Group marks its 50th anniversary—bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations that have shaped publishing for half a century.
Industry leaders, rising voices, and longtime collaborators will gather to celebrate BISG’s legacy while looking boldly toward the future. This milestone event is a moment to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine what’s next for the book publishing ecosystem.
Book Publishing Next Forum: Insight, Inspiration, and Connection
1:00 PM–5:00 PM | Robert H. Smith Auditorium at The New York Historical
Attendees can expect an engaging program featuring remarks from some of publishing’s most recognizable and influential voices. They’ll share insights on where the industry has been—and where it must go next. Surrounded by peers from across the publishing landscape, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet new collaborators, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of books.
Opening Keynote: “The Supply Chain Book Publishing Deserves”
Featuring Lora Cecere of Supply Chain Insights
The book industry has evolved dramatically over the past two decades—but its supply chain has not. While leading industries have embraced real-time data, predictive analytics, and market-driven decision-making, publishing continues to rely on processes designed for a far less dynamic marketplace.
Drawing on decades of research across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, consumer products, and technology, supply chain expert Lora Cecere will explore where publishing lags behind other industries, quantify the operational and financial opportunities created by supply chain modernization, and illustrate how organizations outside publishing have transformed forecasting, planning, collaboration, and responsiveness.
Lora’s keynote will examine the strategic shift required to build a more agile, transparent, and resilient supply chain—one capable of supporting the next generation of book publishing.
Responding to the Challenge: How Does Our Industry Move Ahead?
Lora Cecere will challenge the industry to rethink what’s possible. This response panel, featuring voices from BISG’s Committees and Working Groups, will explore what meaningful change looks like in practice.
Recognizing the People Who Make Progress Possible
This special segment will feature a remembrance of Wendell Lotz, one of the architects of the modern publishing supply chain; recognition for extraordinary volunteer leadership; BISG’s Industry Innovator Award; and BISG’s Industry Champion Award.
Honorees to be announced!
“Why Supply Chain Is the New Black”
Publishing Executives on Building the Future of the Book Supply Chain
The future of the book publishing supply chain won’t be built by technology alone—it will require leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to change. In this executive conversation, senior leaders will discuss the industry’s most pressing supply chain challenges, the initiatives already underway within their own companies, and what they believe is needed to create a more agile, transparent, and resilient publishing ecosystem.
“The Urgency Engine”
BISG’s new Executive Director, Allison Belan, will outline her vision for BISG’s role in helping the industry build a more connected, data-driven, and collaborative future. Rather than simply responding to today’s challenges, she’ll challenge attendees to consider how BISG can convene the people, partnerships, and initiatives needed to turn today’s conversations into tomorrow’s progress.
50th Anniversary Reception
5:30 PM–8:00 PM | Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History at The New York Historical
Dress to celebrate—business or cocktail attire welcomed.
As the day transitions from ideas to celebration, join us for a festive, high-energy reception honoring 50 years of BISG! Attendees will enjoy an evening of delectable hors d’oeuvres and delicious drinks, dynamic conversation and meaningful connection, and ample opportunities to celebrate alongside peers from every corner of publishing.
The evening will feature:
• Brief celebratory remarks recognizing BISG’s legacy
• Presentation of the Sally Dedecker Award for Lifetime Service
• Introduction of the inaugural BISG Founders Award
• A commemorative toast celebrating fifty years of progress—and the next fifty to come
Come ready to raise a glass, catch up, and celebrate in style—it’s going to be a truly memorable evening.
Support the Future of Publishing
The 50th Anniversary Reception will feature a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the BISG Incubator Fund—a new initiative designed to fuel innovation across the industry. The Incubator Fund will enable BISG to test, pilot, and advance new strategies aligned with Book Publishing Next, supporting cross-segment solutions that strengthen infrastructure, improve communication, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Book Publishing Next Forum & Reception Tickets
We offer a range of ticket options designed to fit your schedule and interests, including access to the afternoon Forum, the evening Anniversary Reception, or both. BISG members receive preferred pricing across all ticket types—yet another benefit of being part of our community—while non-members are always welcome to join us and take part in this milestone celebration.
Book Publishing Next Forum: Insight, Inspiration, and Connection
1:00 PM–5:00 PM | Robert H. Smith Auditorium at The New York Historical
Attendees can expect an engaging program featuring remarks from some of publishing’s most recognizable and influential voices. They’ll share insights on where the industry has been—and where it must go next. Surrounded by peers from across the publishing landscape, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet new collaborators, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of books.
Opening Keynote: “The Supply Chain Book Publishing Deserves”
Featuring Lora Cecere of Supply Chain Insights
The book industry has evolved dramatically over the past two decades—but its supply chain has not. While leading industries have embraced real-time data, predictive analytics, and market-driven decision-making, publishing continues to rely on processes designed for a far less dynamic marketplace.
Drawing on decades of research across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, consumer products, and technology, supply chain expert Lora Cecere will explore where publishing lags behind other industries, quantify the operational and financial opportunities created by supply chain modernization, and illustrate how organizations outside publishing have transformed forecasting, planning, collaboration, and responsiveness.
Lora’s keynote will examine the strategic shift required to build a more agile, transparent, and resilient supply chain—one capable of supporting the next generation of book publishing.
Responding to the Challenge: How Does Our Industry Move Ahead?
Lora Cecere will challenge the industry to rethink what’s possible. This response panel, featuring voices from BISG’s Committees and Working Groups, will explore what meaningful change looks like in practice.
Recognizing the People Who Make Progress Possible
This special segment will feature a remembrance of Wendell Lotz, one of the architects of the modern publishing supply chain; recognition for extraordinary volunteer leadership; BISG’s Industry Innovator Award; and BISG’s Industry Champion Award.
Honorees to be announced!
“Why Supply Chain Is the New Black”
Publishing Executives on Building the Future of the Book Supply Chain
The future of the book publishing supply chain won’t be built by technology alone—it will require leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to change. In this executive conversation, senior leaders will discuss the industry’s most pressing supply chain challenges, the initiatives already underway within their own companies, and what they believe is needed to create a more agile, transparent, and resilient publishing ecosystem.
“The Urgency Engine”
BISG’s new Executive Director, Allison Belan, will outline her vision for BISG’s role in helping the industry build a more connected, data-driven, and collaborative future. Rather than simply responding to today’s challenges, she’ll challenge attendees to consider how BISG can convene the people, partnerships, and initiatives needed to turn today’s conversations into tomorrow’s progress.
50th Anniversary Reception
5:30 PM–8:00 PM | Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History at The New York Historical
Dress to celebrate—business or cocktail attire welcomed.
As the day transitions from ideas to celebration, join us for a festive, high-energy reception honoring 50 years of BISG! Attendees will enjoy an evening of delectable hors d’oeuvres and delicious drinks, dynamic conversation and meaningful connection, and ample opportunities to celebrate alongside peers from every corner of publishing.
The evening will feature:
Come ready to raise a glass, catch up, and celebrate in style—it’s going to be a truly memorable evening.
Support the Future of Publishing
The 50th Anniversary Reception will feature a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the BISG Incubator Fund—a new initiative designed to fuel innovation across the industry. The Incubator Fund will enable BISG to test, pilot, and advance new strategies aligned with Book Publishing Next, supporting cross-segment solutions that strengthen infrastructure, improve communication, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Book Publishing Next Forum & Reception Tickets
We offer a range of ticket options designed to fit your schedule and interests, including access to the afternoon Forum, the evening Anniversary Reception, or both. BISG members receive preferred pricing across all ticket types—yet another benefit of being part of our community—while non-members are always welcome to join us and take part in this milestone celebration.
Become a BISG@50 Sponsor
Sponsoring BISG@50 is a powerful way to align your organization with the past, present, and future of the book publishing industry. Reach an audience of 300+ publishing professionals across every segment of the supply chain—including publishers, distributors, retailers, manufacturers, and technology partners—while gaining high-impact visibility among industry leaders and decision-makers.
Custom sponsorship packages—including opportunities tied to the Forum, reception, and branded experiences—are available. Sponsors play a critical role in supporting innovation, collaboration, and the future of our industry. Join us in shaping what comes next!
The New York Historical
170 Central Park West | New York, NY
New York’s first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 years of American history through a peerless collection of art, documents, and artifacts. Their offerings span groundbreaking exhibitions; acclaimed educational programs for teachers and students nationwide; and thought-provoking conversations among leading scholars, journalists, and thinkers about the past, present, and future of the American experiment.
Join Us for a BISG@50 Meet Up Near You!
As we count down to our 50th anniversary celebration on September 16, BISG is kicking things off early with a series of meet ups across the U.S. and beyond. These gatherings are designed to bring the celebration to you—offering a chance to connect with publishing colleagues in your region, especially for those who may not be able to join us in NYC this fall.
Whether you’re in publishing, distribution, manufacturing, retail, or libraries, our BISG@50 Meet Ups are a chance to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate 50 years of collaboration across the book industry. Come make new contacts and learn more about BISG, the only book publishing organization with members from every segment of our industry.
We’ll reflect on BISG's mission of addressing issues concerning two or more segments of our supply chain, finding solutions, setting standards, sharing best practices, and creating collaborations that have strengthened our industry. We hope you’ll join us along the way!
If you're interested in hosting or sponsoring a BISG@50 Meet Up, please email bisg50@bisg.org.
Continue the Conversation at Book Manufacturing Mastered
Stay in New York City and keep the important conversations going at Book Manufacturing Mastered on Thursday, September 17. Hosted by the Book Manufacturers' Institute, this event dives into the critical world of book manufacturing, bringing together publishers, manufacturers, printers, binders, and other pieces of the value chain to help educate those involved in making the printed book. Publisher members of BISG can register for only $99 by using the code 2026BMM.
If you have any questions about the Book Publishing Next Forum & Anniversary Reception, need assistance with registration, or would like to request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at bisg50@bisg.org.
BISG is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees, and we are happy to provide support before and during the event.