BISG Unveils Program for Book Publishing Next Forum & Anniversary Reception

The Book Industry Study Group has announced the first look at the agenda for the Book Publishing Next Forum, taking place on September 16, 2026, as part of BISG@50: Book Publishing Next Forum & Anniversary Celebration at The New York Historical.

The afternoon program will bring together leaders from across the book publishing supply chain for an engaging series of keynote presentations, executive discussions, industry recognition, and forward-looking conversations focused on the future of publishing.

Highlights of the Forum include:

• Opening keynote: The Supply Chain Book Publishing Deserves, featuring internationally recognized supply chain strategist Lora Cecere, Founder of Supply Chain Insights.
• Industry Response: Leaders from BISG's Committees and Working Groups will discuss practical solutions and collaborative initiatives inspired by the keynote.
• Celebrating the People Behind 50 Years of Progress, recognizing the volunteers and leaders whose work has helped transform the industry.
• Executive Panel: Why Supply Chain Is the New Black, examining the challenges and opportunities shaping today's publishing landscape.
• The Urgency Engine, where BISG Executive Director Allison Belan will share her vision for BISG's role in building a more connected, collaborative, and data-driven publishing ecosystem.

Following the Forum, attendees will gather for the BISG@50 Anniversary Celebration, an evening reception honoring five decades of collaboration across the book publishing supply chain with networking, awards, historic displays, and a toast to BISG's next fifty years.

"BISG was founded on the belief that our industry moves forward when we come together to solve shared challenges," said Allison Belan, Executive Director of BISG. "The Book Publishing Next Forum is designed to bring those conversations to the forefront—celebrating the people and partnerships that brought us here while challenging all of us to imagine what's possible over the next fifty years. Whether you've been part of BISG for decades or are joining us for the first time, I hope you'll be part of this milestone event."

Additional speakers, panelists, and award honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

View the agenda, learn more about the event, and reserve your seat on the BISG@50 event page.