2024 NYBF Holiday Party
2024-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Prime Catch, 140 West 46th Street, New York, NY, 10012, United States
Please join NYBF members, friends, and colleagues at our Annual Holiday Party!
FREE for current NYBF members and $25 for non-members. Admission includes hot/cold hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, and well drinks from the bar.
Once again, NYBF will be collecting children’s books for Care for the Homeless, which provides quality healthcare, human services, and shelter to families and individuals experiencing homelessness in NYC. As of this writing, there are over 45,000 children in the NYC shelter system. At a time that is supposed to be filled with joy and festive gatherings, this is a staggering number of children who are facing the holidays with uncertainty. Over this holiday season, we are relying on your generosity to join us in making the holidays a little brighter for children who will be spending this season in shelters, and not in the comfort of home. Please consider bringing a children’s book (or two) with you and help to open the world a little for children who are spending this season in shelters. Thank you!!

2025 Annual Members Meeting
2025-01-14 12:00 - 12:30 | Google Meet
The New York Book Forum Annual Members Meeting will be held January 14, 2025 at noon. At this meeting, the President will present a recap of the 2024 season and we will hold elections for the Board’s Class A Directors.
A link to the meeting and online ballot will be sent to all members whose membership is current as of 1/14/25. We encourage all members who meet this criteria to attend and vote. While not mandatory, please RSVP below if you plan on attending so we have a sense of headcount.
As always, if you need to renew your membership, please visit the Membership page of our website. If you are unsure of your membership status, or have any other questions, please email info@newyorkbookforum.org.

2026 Annual Meeting RSVP

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President's Night with Dave McCree
2025-01-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Scholastic, Inc., 130 Mercer Street, New York, NY, 10012, United States
Co-sponsored with Westchester Publishing Services
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.
Lakeside Book Company is the largest book manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution company in North America. Their legacy of innovation began in 1864 when R.R. Donnelley started as a partner at a small printing company in Chicago, laying the foundation for their rich history. Lakeside Book Company combines cutting-edge technology and efficient processes designed for maximum productivity with their decades of book manufacturing experience.

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!

In the Mood for Love
2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Google Meet
A Look at the Romance Genre
Join us on February 19th for our virtual program on the romance genre with The Ripped Bodice, an eminent romance bookstore in Brooklyn, to explore 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
Vi-An Nguyen, Art Director, Penguin Random House
Katherine Zofrea 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 is an art director at Penguin creating book covers of all kinds, a freelance illustrator, and an editorial cartoonist.

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!

Women Who Drive Publishing
2025-03-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
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

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Sustainability in Paper, Print, and Publishing
2025-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Google Meet
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.

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Listen on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!

Bingo Book Bash 2025
2025-04-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Hachette Book Group, 1290 6th Avenue, New York, NY, 10104, United States
Back for 2025!
New York Book Forum wants to acknowledge the ongoing support of its members by hosting this special Members-only social event! Light refreshments will be provided followed by a few rounds of Bingo with prizes!
Admission is open to and free for active NYBF members, but space is limited so you must RSVP to attend. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@newyorkbookforum.org.

RSVPs are now closed

Beyond the Books: Third Spaces, Libraries, and Book Bars
2025-05-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
Join us on Wednesday, May 21st for 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.

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Sunset Social on the Hudson Fundraiser
2025-06-12 18:00 - 21:00 | The Baylander, West Harlem Piers, New York, NY, 10027, United States
Back for 2025!
Please join us for a wonderful evening of food, drinks, and conversation while taking in the spectacular views of the Hudson River in support of the New York Book Forum, Inc.
Proceeds from this event will ensure NYBF’s continued sponsorship of programs, events, and literacy advocacy.
Admission is $100 per person, which includes two drink tickets for beer & wine and served hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. A cash bar will be available.

Transforming Literacy: Reading for the Future and Other Tools
2025-09-17 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
On September 17th, we will hold out in-person program about literature that speaks to struggling readers!
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

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Listen Closely: The Audiobook Experience
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Google Meet
Join us on Wednesday, October 15th, for our virtual program on the audiobooks. 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 will be:

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

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Fall Happy Hour Book Swap
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Bleecker Street Bar, 648 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012, United States
Event will be at Bleecker Street Bar at 648 Broadway beginning at 5:30pm. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided (2 drink tickets for all attendees good for wine, beer, well drinks, and soda). Don’t forget to bring one book that you will be able to swap for another book. Adult and YA titles only (no children’s books, please). Book swap starts at 6:45pm.

From Competition to Career
2025-11-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
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

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

2025 NYBF Holiday Party
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Prime Catch, 140 West 46th Street, New York, NY, 10012, United States
Join NYBF members, friends, and colleagues at our Annual Holiday Party!
FREE for current NYBF members* and $40 for non-members. Admission includes hot/cold hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, and well drinks from the bar.
Once again, NYBF will be collecting children’s books for Care for the Homeless, which provides quality healthcare, human services, and shelter to families and individuals experiencing homelessness in NYC. There are an estimated 30,000 children in the NYC shelter system and at a time that is supposed to be filled with joy and festive gatherings, this is a staggering number of children who are facing the holidays with uncertainty. We hope you will consider bringing a children’s book (perhaps two or three) with you and help make the holidays a little brighter for children who will be spending this season in shelters, and not in the comfort of home. Thank you!!

2026 Annual Members Meeting
2026-01-13 12:00 - 12:30 | Google Meet
The New York Book Forum Annual Members Meeting will be held January 13, 2026 at noon. At this meeting, the President will present a recap of the 2025 season and we will hold elections for the Board’s Class B Directors.
A link to the meeting and online ballot will be sent to all members whose membership is current as of 1/13/26. We encourage all members who meet this criteria to attend and vote. While not mandatory, please RSVP below if you plan on attending so we have a sense of headcount.
As always, if you need to renew your membership, please visit the Membership page of our website. If you are unsure of your membership status, or have any other questions, please email info@newyorkbookforum.org.

Presidents Night with Madeline McIntosh
2026-01-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
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

Watch on YouTube! | Listen on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!

Diversity in Stories
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Google Meet
Join us on Wednesday, February 18th at 6:00PM EST, from whereever you are, for our virtual program on Diversity in Stories. 25% of children’s books feature a protagonist who is a minority. The numbers are lower in adult publishing, with research suggesting that less than 10% of published authors are people of color. Diverse storytelling provides a window into other worlds and is a panacea to cultural myopia. In our virtual program we discuss how the demographic makeup of authors affects diverse stories and how more diversity in authors and storytelling could shape our progress as an industry and as a society. Join us to hear about efforts that are helping the industry move the needle.
Our featured speakers on this program are:

Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO and Co-founder, First Book
Elissa Petruzzi, Program Director, We Need Diverse Books

This program will be moderated by Irene Chan, Program Chair, New York Book Forum

Watch on YouTube!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Publishing Bootcamp 103
2026-03-23 09:00 - 17:30 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
New York Book Forum is proud to host a One-Day Workshop: Boosting Book Sales in a Changing Marketplace
Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed specifically for publishing professionals looking to sharpen their sales strategies and stay competitive in today’s evolving book market. From understanding shifting reader behaviors to mastering metadata, crafting compelling pitches, and integrating sales with marketing efforts, this one-day intensive covers it all. Ideal for sales reps, marketers, and publishers alike, you’ll leave with actionable tools, fresh insights, and a clear plan to elevate your book sales across channels.
This workshop is ideal for sales, marketing, and publishing professionals at any stage in their career.
Program Agenda:
Registration and Welcome Breakfast — 9:00 – 9:30 am

Icebreaker: “Your favorite book and how would you sell it?”
Overview of objectives for the day

Session 1: Understanding Today’s Book Buyer — 9:30 – 10:30 am

Who’s buying books in 2025? Trends & demographics
Consumer behavior post-pandemic
What drives purchases: price, platform, genre, social proof

Morning Break – 10:30 – 10:45 am
Session 2: Sales Channels Deep Dive — 10:45 am – 12:30 pm

Retail (independent bookstores, chains, online retail)
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales strategies
Libraries & educational markets
International & rights sales

Networking Lunch – 12:45 – 1:45 pm
Session 3: Pitching to Buyers — 2:00 – 3:15 pm

How to craft a compelling pitch for different types of buyers
Tailoring messaging for various audiences (booksellers vs libraries vs DTC customers)
Mock pitch breakout groups and peer feedback

Session 4: Leveraging Metadata & Discoverability? — 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Why metadata matters
Tips for optimizing keywords, BISAC codes, and book descriptions
Case study: The impact of metadata on sales
Quick audit exercise: Fix the metadata on a sample book

Wrap-Up & Action Planning — 4:45 – 5:15 pm

Recap key takeaways
Q&A and feedback survey
Happy Hour

RSVPs are now closed

Greener Pages: Alternate Materials and Measuring Emissions
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Google Meet
Join us on April 15th at 6:00 PM for a virtual event exploring sustainability in print and publishing. At this session featuring Susan Lee, Vice President of Environmental Health & Safety at Lakeside Book Company, we will discuss how publishers can engage with vendors to minimize carbon footprints, methods for measuring scope 3 emissions, product emissions and life-cycle assessments, and the use of alternative eco-friendly materials and design practices.
Join us to gain valuable insights and actionable ideas to help drive meaningful change in the industry.
This program will be moderated by Claudia Pilcher, Sustainability Manager at Scholastic Inc.

RSVPs are now closed.

Bingo Book Bash 2026
2026-04-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
Back for our THIRD YEAR!
New York Book Forum wants to acknowledge the ongoing support of its members by hosting this special Members-only social event! Light refreshments will be provided followed by a few rounds of Bingo with book prizes!
Admission is open to and free for active NYBF members, but space is limited so you must RSVP to attend. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@newyorkbookforum.org.

RSVPs are now closed. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night!

AI Has Entered the Chat: Artificial Intelligence in Publishing
2026-05-20 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
Join us for an engaging and forward-looking conversation on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the publishing industry, featuring industry expert Keith Riegert.
We’re excited to discuss with Kieth how AI is reshaping the way content is created, edited, produced, and distributed—from automated workflows, optimization of marketing, to data analytics and audience insights. We hope to uncover and share practical perspectives on how publishers can thoughtfully integrate AI into their processes while maintaining editorial integrity, creativity, and ethical standards.
Keith Riegert is the President of The Stable Book Group, which includes Ulysses Press, She Writes Press, VeloPress Books, Trafalgar Square Books, and Skybox Press, as well as Stable Distribution (in partnership with Hachette Book Group). Keith is also CEO of Perfect Bound Technologies Corporation and a co-founder of the book publicity and digital marketing firm, Pacific & Court. Keith is a member of the board of advisors at NYU’s School of Professional Studies in the Center for Publishing where he also teaches Analytics and Consumer Insights. Keith also serves on the board of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).

In-Person Program RSVP and Payment

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Sunset Social on the Hudson Fundraiser 2026
2026-06-17 18:00 - 21:00 | The Baylander, West Harlem Piers, New York, NY, 10027, United States
Back for our THIRD year!
Please join us for a wonderful evening of food, drinks, and conversation while taking in the spectacular views of the Hudson River in support of the New York Book Forum, Inc.
Proceeds from this event will ensure NYBF’s continued sponsorship of programs, events, and literacy advocacy.
Admission is $100 per person, which includes two drink tickets for beer & wine and served hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. A cash bar will be available.

Sunset Social RSVP and Payment

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Quantity
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Other/Additional AttendeesIf you are purchasing multiple admissions and/or purchasing admission for others, please supply attendee names and emails below.You will be brought to Stripe's website to complete your payment, then brought back here.

Battle of the Specs: A Picture Book Publishing Panel
2026-10-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Macmillan Publishing, 120 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10271, United States
Program info TK!
