08/05/2024

The Australian publishing industry will once again come together for the BookUp Conference, taking place at the State Library Victoria in Melbourne on Wednesday 7 August 2024.

Join us for a day full of experts from publishing and beyond, discussing thought-provoking ideas and delivering invaluable professional development for publishing staff at all levels.

This year's BookUp program explores avenues for innovation and experimentation, alongside discussions about staff development and support. The conference will conclude with an evening of networking drinks, and the announcement of the Australian publishing industry’s Rising Star award.

Thames & Hudson’s Bianca Jafari is a member of the conference’s programming committee, and says of this year’s event:

‘In 2024, BookUp will be more practical, more informative and more innovative than ever. We’ve expanded the program to include more than just keynotes and panels – you can expect an author-publisher in-conversation and a marketing case study covering one of the biggest titles on the shelves.

We’ll continue the discussion on AI, learning about how we could and shouldn’t be using it in the workplace; look at best practice HR – including diversity, hiring and retention; and keep you updated on the latest reading and data trends. It’s a jam-packed program that will set the new standard across the publishing industry.’

Learn more about our first keynote and two of the other sessions below, along with some the speakers you can look forward to hearing from, and book your tickets here. 

BookNet Canada’s Lauren Stewart: How to use data strategically

From book sales to library borrowing to consumer research, industry data is central to an informed and innovative book industry. The Canadian book industry relies on BookNet Canada – a non-profit at the heart of the supply chain – to gather data to help publishers, booksellers, libraries and other stakeholders promote and sell books more efficiently and effectively. Lauren Stewart, a director at BookNet Canada, will use her keynote to share insights into the collection, analysis and – most importantly – the strategic use of data across the Canadian publishing industry. 

BookNet Canada is industry owned, and provides data, as well as developing technology, standards, and education, to serve the entire Canadian book industry. Lauren will also reflect on what the Australian industry can learn from this forward-thinking and integrated approach in Canada. 

Lauren’s keynote will be followed by a Q&A with Cat Colwell, Head of Product & Supply Chain at the Australian Publishers Association.

AI and publishing: opportunities and risks

While AI technologies present serious legal and ethical challenges for the creative industries, they also offer potentially transformative opportunities and efficiencies. Join our panel as they discuss the opportunities and risks for publishers, and tell us how they are using AI in their workplace.

• Josephine Johnston – CEO, Copyright Agency
• Sharon Mullins – Editor and lecturer, University of Melbourne
• Ben Pecora-Burne – Head of Product (Digital), Hardie Grant Publishing
• Katherine Roan – Senior Product Manager, Cengage

Working with schools

Hear from a panel of educators and learning experts as they discuss the latest research into classroom learning, and how publishers can support teachers to engage students with diverse learning needs. Plus, tips on getting more books and authors into classrooms and school libraries!

• Kristy Kendall – Principal, Toorak College
• Hayley McQuire – CEO, National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition, and Co-Chair, Learning Creates Australia
• Nick Rose – Founder & Chair, Curriculum Writers Association Australia
• Cam Salton (Chair) – Director - Learning Services, Pearson ANZ

More to come

Other topics to be covered in the packed program include:

• industry data and its opportunities
• hiring, training and supporting staff
• publishing complex content sensitively
• the latest research into reading behaviour

Look out for further session and speaker announcements in coming weeks. The BookUp program has been put together by a committee featuring a stellar group of publishing professionals:

• Cathy Beswick-Davison, Head of Portfolios, Secondary at Cengage Australia & New Zealand
• Kasi Collins, Communications Director at Hardie Grant Publishing
• Kate Cuthbert, Editorial Director at Pantera Press
• Yazmin Islam, Marketing Manager at Wiley Australia 
• Bianca Jafari, Product Development Executive at Thames & Hudson Australia
• Camha Pham, freelance editor and former Development Editor at OUP

Book now and save!

Don’t miss this opportunity to come together with your industry colleagues for invaluable professional development and networking! Early bird ticket sales for BookUp 2024 will end on 31 May, so take advantage of significant discounts, including limited bundle offers.

Members will pay just $200 for an early bird ticket to the conference and networking event, with prices rising to $300 from 1 June. Earlybird bundle offers are also available. All prices exclude GST.

If you aren’t able to join us, you can still watch the BookUp conference online. Online ticket prices and bookings will be released on 1 June. 

Book your tickets here.

BookUp is made possible thanks to the continued support of the Copyright Agency's Cultural Fund and Books+Publishing, while we're grateful to the support of Media Super in supporting the Rising Star award.