New York Book Forum is pleased to present Presidents Night featuring Madeline McIntosh, CEO and Publisher!

Madeline McIntosh has a well-deserved reputation for thinking outside the traditional industry box, and that felt most true in 2023 when she left her job as CEO of the largest publisher (PRH US) to start up a tiny one, Authors Equity. Now, nearly two years into this venture she will share her vision for how publishers and authors can work together differently, and how it’s going so far at her new company. Join us on January 21st to hear what she has to say. Madeline lives in New York with her husband, novelist Chris Pavone.

Co-sponsored by Westchester Publishing Services

What role do competitions play in launching and sustaining a writer’s and artist’s career? Join us for From Competition to Career, a panel discussion exploring how art and writing contests serve as powerful platforms for discovery, recognition, and professional growth. Competitions cultivate our creative communities and support emerging voices. They are cornerstones in sustaining a vibrant culture and creating opportunities for stories that might go unheard.

Learn how competition organizers and participants navigate the world of competitions, from first submissions to transformative wins, and how those moments opened doors to publication, mentorship, and lasting creative communities.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or writer considering your first submission, an educator fostering literary talent, or a reader invested in the future of storytelling, this panel offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways on why these contests matter, how they can shape the creators or tomorrow, and what we can do to continue to support them.

Featured Speakers:

• Christopher Wisniewski, Executive Director, Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
• Laurin Becker Macios, author of Calling Me Home, Somewhere to Go, and I Almost Was Animal

Moderated by Irene Chan, Program Chair, New York Book Forum

Audiobooks have seen double digit growths in the last few years and what was once a niche category now commands a seat at the table when book deals are discussed. Greatness can be heard, and a skilled audiobook producer knows this—and delivers it. Tune in to hear what makes an audiobook great.

What has led this growth is more than consumer interest, and the parties that have grown this category may surprise you. The growth of this category is multi-faceted and it shows how connected we are. Our panel will discuss how societal and technological shifts have shaped the growth of audiobooks. Whether you’re an audiobook fan or an audiobook neophyte, this conversation is sure to be enlightening.

Panelists are:

• Anthony Goff, President at Blackstone Publishing
• Kim Sayle, Senior Vice President at Hachette Audio

The program will be moderated by: Suzanne Galvez, Director, Audiobooks Editorial & Publishing at Spotify

Research has shown that teaching reading using science-based methods significantly improves literacy rates and in this program we seek to explore how can we utilize those science based methods and put them into action. We will explore what the barriers are to utilizing these methods, and discover what systems we have in place that are supporting these efforts and what areas could benefit from more development. Most literacy intervention happens at the early school level, and in the Nation’s Report Card from 2022, 67% percent of fourth graders are reading below their grade level and these numbers have hovered in this range for at least 20 years. What are we doing that is working and what isn’t, and how do we close the gap?

Featured speakers:
Louise Baigelman, CEO, Storyshares
Jackie Anderson, Early Literacy Program Manager at Jersey City Free Public Library

Program moderator: Irene Chan, Program Chair, New York Book Forum

An engaging panel discussion exploring the evolving role of third spaces—those essential community hubs that exist beyond home and work or school. As society seeks deeper connection, comfort, and creativity in communal environments, libraries and book-themed bars are redefining what it means to gather, learn, and belong.

This thought-provoking conversation will feature Terry Hill, Director of the Jersey City Free Public Library, Nat Esten, owner of Book Club Bar, and Joseph Demes, Events Manager, P&T Knitwear, as they share insights into how their spaces foster community, promote literacy, and serve as modern sanctuaries for conversation and culture.

We’ll delve into how traditional institutions like libraries are adapting to new social dynamics, and how ventures like book bars are tapping into our collective need for cozy, intellectually stimulating places to unwind. Whether you’re a lover of books, supporter of community spaces, or curious about hospitality and literature, this panel will inspire you to rethink where stories live and where they bring us together.

As the world embraces sustainability, publishers, suppliers, and print vendors meet at the crossroads. Join us for an insightful virtual program on Sustainability in the Paper, Print, and Publishing industry on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

At this event, we’ll explore the impact of the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), discuss post-life cycle regulations, and talk about innovative ideas for carbon-conscious book manufacturing. We’ll also dive into the importance of responsible forestry and how print and publishing contribute to sustainable practices.

Whether you’re a publisher, printer, supplier, or sustainability advocate, this session is a must-attend for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the planet while advancing their organizational practices.

Featured speakers:

• Michael DeFazio, Vice President Production Planning and Sustainability at Penguin Random House
• Elizabeth Bartheld, Vice President of Government Relations at Sylvamo

Moderated by Claudia Pilcher, Sustainability Planner at Scholastic Inc.

Women make up 78% of the publishing industry and hold 59% of executive positions. Women publish more than half of the books in the market and women buy more books than men, accounting for approximately 69% of book sales. It is clear that women drive publishing. They are decision makers and forward thinking leaders. Join us on March 19 to listen to our panel of women who are leaders and creators in the industry speak about their experiences, and hear their perspectives and what it took for them to pave their way in publishing and what they think it takes for publishing to support women who are driving the industry forward.

Panelists:

• Jody Mosley, Executive Publishing Director, Chronicle Books
• Traci N. Todd, acclaimed award-winning author of Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, and Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins
• Lauren Wein, Vice President and Editorial Director of Avid Reader Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Listen to our virtual program from 2/29/25 exploring the journey of the romance genre throughout the years. Romance has evolved into one of the most diverse, boundary pushing narratives in storytelling today. Readers are falling in love with love and lust.

Our panel will discuss how societal shifts, culture, and changing reader tastes have shaped the romance genre. Whether you’re a romance fan, or new to the genre, this conversation is sure to be enlightening.

Featured panelists:

Katherine Zofrea, General Manager, The Ripped Bodice
Katherine is a Southern Californian girl who recently moved to New York to help open The Ripped Bodice BK. Before working for the Ripped Bodice, she performed at the Disneyland Resort and received her degree in theatre from The University of California, Irvine. While she reads widely across the romance genre she is known as the resident monster romance expert. When she’s not reading she can normally be found watching Broadway shows, exploring museums, or haunting her local cemetery.

Vi-An Nguyen, Art Director, Penguin Random House

Vi-An is an art director at Penguin creating book covers of all kinds, a freelance illustrator, and an editorial cartoonist.

Join us for a lively conversation with Dave McCree, CEO of Lakeside Book Company, about the trend of deluxe editions in 2024 and the outlook for the future, as well as other modern strategies and new technology.

Dave McCree is a highly respected leader in the book manufacturing industry, bringing over three decades of experience and a proven track record of driving growth through diverse leadership positions. He holds a B.S. from the University of Vermont and began his career in 1989 at R.R. Donnelley working in Sales. Over the years, Dave steadily advanced through key leadership roles in both Sales and Manufacturing, demonstrating a deep commitment to cultivating strong customer relationships and delivering strategic solutions.

Dave continued his career at RRD throughout its evolution, which included the company restructuring into multiple divisions and undergoing several name changes. In 2012, Dave was promoted to President of the LSC Communications Book business where he strategically guided its growth. In 2020, LSC Communications was purchased by Atlas Holdings and rebranded as Lakeside Book Company, naming Dave as CEO to lead the company with a focus on operational excellence.

In addition to Dave’s many professional accomplishments, he has contributed his expertise as a Board Member for numerous organizations, including BISG, BMI, Nomadic Learning, Story Fit, St. Matthews Episcopal Church, and Whippoorwill Country Club. Dave’s extensive industry knowledge, leadership expertise, and a lifelong passion for books, has solidified him as a driving force in the book industry.

Join us virtually for this enlightening panel discussion with Christian Schamberger, President of Mercury Print, and Ashley Gordan, Publishing Segment Manager at Hewlett Packard Inc., where we will delve into the dynamic world of printing technologies and the evolving relationship between digital and offset printing. We’ll examine how advancing digital printing technology is reshaping the packaging, publishing, and printing landscape, the advantages to both, and how different companies leverage both methods.

Whether you are a publisher, printer, or simply someone interested in the craft of print, join us for an opportunity to gain insight and engage with experts in the field.