Thank you for making IPC 2026 an incredible success!
On June 6, 2026 in Vancouver, the International Publishing Conference (IPC) brought together writers, publishers and industry professionals for a day of inspiring conversations and meaningful connections.
Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, sponsored, volunteered and supported the conference.
Your energy and contributions made IPC 2026 all that it was.
– The International Publishing Conference Team
Explore the sessions shaping the 2026 International Publishing Conference in North Vancouver.
June 6, 2026 | The Wallace at The Shipyards, North Vancouver
From industry-wide trends to firsthand author insights, each session is designed to give you practical knowledge, insider strategies, and real-world perspectives you can’t find anywhere else.
Explore the full agenda below to see what you’ll learn, who you’ll hear from, and how each session can strengthen your knowledge and broaden your perspective on the publishing process.
Session 1: Publishing Trends (9:15 AM)
Hosted by: Megan Williams (CEO, The Self Publishing Agency)
Panelists: Jennifer Croll (Editorial Director, Greystone Books), Brooke Kosty (Marketing Director, Raincoast Books), Robert McCullough (Publisher, Apetite by Random House & VP of Penguin Random House Canada)
How this year’s publishing economics, reader behavior and sales decisions have shifted, stabilized and solidified.
Session 2: From Book to Bestseller (10:35 AM)
Hosted by: Candie Tanaka (Community Events Specialist, Vancouver Public Library)
Panelists: Ali Hewitt (Trade Sales Representative, Scholastic), Jamie Broadhurst (Raincoast), Kim Werker (CEO, Nine Ten Publications)
What Makes A Book a Bestseller: Beyond beautiful writing, discover the machinery that moves units, drives pre-orders, and nudges algorithms. We’ll unpack list qualifications, sales thresholds, publicity timing, distribution power, publisher backing, and the marketing tactics that build velocity.
Author Panel: Sales & Success (11:45 AM)
Hosted by: Lisa Bagshaw (Creator and Producer of Bold Leaps on CHEK TV)
Panelists: Kayla Silber (Oprah’s Favourite Things Featured Author), Wiley Ho (Author of The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street), Eddy Boudel Tan (Giller Shortlisted Author)
Is it sales numbers? Status? Awards? Or is it the opportunity? These authors evaluate and share an honest account of what success has looked like and meant for them in their career thus far.
Session 4: Bookstore Business (1:45 PM)
Host: Erin MacNair
Panelists: Mary-Ann Yazedijan (Special Projects Manager, Black Bond Books and Book Warehouse), Brett Yanta (General Manager, Indigo Park Royal), Kristen Mucha (Owner, Novel Books and Cafe)
Learn how bookstores work, so they can work for you: How do bookstores decide what books to carry, what books land on the front table, and when they say “Thanks, but no thanks.” How can authors best network and navigate getting their book in bookstores.
Author Panel: Tales from the Trenches (3:05 PM)
Host: Linda Mangnall (Writer and Co-Host of Words in the Burbs North Shore)
Panelists: Timothy Taylor (Award Winning Author), Veronica Woodruff (Author of Blind Drunk), Glenda Macatangay (Author of Salt In Her Lungs)
What works and what flops? Learn from the plans, strategies, opportunities, and mistakes that authors have experienced personally.
Session 6: Book Marketing & Publicity (4:15 PM)
Host: Chris Houston (CEO, The Idea Shop)
Panelists: John Ackermann (1130 News Radio Anchor), Jennifer Palma (GlobalBC News Anchor), Dana Gee (Vancouver Sun Arts Reporter)
Is it all about the book, or is it all about the author? Hear from book-influencers and industry marketers about how to make marketing work for you and your story.
