NEWS
|
Changes to 2009 BA Conference announced
THE BA AND the PA announced a radical new format for the industry conference for 2009, involving only one night's stay for publishers and a refreshed British Book Industry Awards on the first night. The BA is currently sourcing venues in order to hold its 2010 conference in London. Ian Hudson and Graham Rand, PA and BA Presidents, agree, 'Our two associations have enjoyed open and constructive meetings over the future of this important annual opportunity to come together to debate trends, challenges and opportunities for both retailers and publishers. The tenor of our meetings was collaborative and positive and we are delighted to be announcing venue and format changes agreed by both the BA and PA, which we feel will make the event even more compelling and relevant to the challenges faced by the book trade today'. A new, shorter format is to be unveiled in 2009 at a conference that will take place in the world-class Sage Conference Centre in Gateshead; one of the UK's leading conference centres and creative arts venues. The programme will be drawn up by an Advisory Panel comprising equal numbers of BA and PA nominees under the Chairmanship of BA President, Graham Rand. This group will also be involved in finding a London venue for the 2010 conference from a selection already lined up by the BA for the Panel's consideration. Simon Juden, CEO of the PA, comments, 'It has been a genuine pleasure to participate in such positive and open deliberations over the future of this unique conference. The book trade is the UK's largest creative industry and it is critically important that the retail and publishing sectors work together to ensure the conference continues to produce relevant and inspirational sessions for the whole industry. I would like to thank the BA for their openness and willingness to collaborate with the PA in the delivery of this important milestone in our calendar.' Tim Godfray, CEO of the BA adds, 'I have been immensely impressed by the commitment and passion that has been demonstrated from those involved in both associations to continue the legacy of an annual conference that informs, inspires and entertains in equal measure. It is a pleasure to work across the industry to deliver an event about which so many evidently care so much. I know that Alan Staton, BA Head of Marketing, and Naomi Gane, BA Conference Organiser, are delighted at the level of involvement that both publishers and retailers have pledged to commit and are looking forward to a fantastic programme in 2009.' The Business Sessions at the BA Conference next year are scheduled to take place from 2.00p.m. Monday 18th to 4.00p.m., Tuesday, 19th May 2009, with the British Book Industry Awards being held on the Monday evening. |