As we have been reviewing, the main Digital Book World agenda (March 8 and 9) is packed with straight-from-the-headlines keynoters and strategic panels, but we also have our biggest introductory “Day Zero” programming on March 7 as well. And now there are registration options for the time-challenged to buy tickets to Day Zero alone (or Day Zero plus DBW Day One packages).
When we first started Launch Kids five years ago it wasn’t only the first digital show focused on children’s publishing, it was the first US show devoted to children’s publishing professionals of any kind. Just like the main DBW, it’s always been about the big strategic changes and opportunities, not just ebooks, and this year’s is no exception. As Launch Kids co-chair Lorraine Shanley explains, this year’s theme is integration: “Every author is a potential brand, every brand is a possible license; every book has multiple format and market opportunities. What is great about children’s publishing and media is that there is both lateral opportunity — formats, series, tv, movies, games, licenses, toys etc. — and potential for ubiquity and longevity that happens in the adult market only rarely.” Launch Kids will look across the trade, libraries, education, start-ups, and developmental research to look at what’s working, and how to build on that — including a special author keynote with Jenny Han on the creative ways she connects with readers.
Meanwhile, our new Mostly Marketing Masterclasses — sophisticated learning sessions with top experts Pete McCarthy, Kelly Gallagher, Annie Cushing and Tom Thompson — are drawing lots of attendees for the best one-day book marketing conference you’ll find. Rounding out Day Zero is a new half-day data dive from Nielsen, and the return of some favorite DBW Workshops.
So pick the one-, two-, or three-day conference option that fits your schedule best, but make sure to register soon to avoid final week walk-up pricing.