The ConferenceGraphic novels are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity.
Trends since the beginnings of the comics industry in the late 1930s tell us that in tough economic times people look for entertainment to divert their attention from a grim reality, and comics offer among the best values of any form of entertainment. As a result, comic sales have been predictably countercyclical with the economy for over half a century.
We do know that we’re entering a period of rapid change in the industry.
- The channels through which comics and graphic novels are sold have been changing dramatically over the past decade, and will undoubtedly change again as retailers gain and lose share in a tough climate.
- Price points and packages are going to evolve, as consumers look for the best values.
- The stories that consumers want to read will change, with familiar brands and characters competing with new ideas that capture the zeitgeist of this new era.
- Comic publishing on the Web is going to continue to expand, with impacts on print that are difficult to predict.
- Social networks are gaining new force as a way for publishers and creators to communicate with readers.
Get the latest intelligence on the market and network with the best at the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, now in its fourth year. The 2009 Conference will play a more critical role than ever in helping publishers, retialers, librarians, creators, and agents continue the growth of graphic novels into a dominant medium in American culture.
Time and Place
The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference will be held at the
Who Should Attend
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Publishers
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Retailers
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Librarians
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Creators
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Agents
Morning Sessions (10 a.m. to noon) -- Graphic Novels and the Web
Comics on the Web -- Marketing Tool or Revenue Stream?
Are comics on the Web a way to build audiences for properties that can then be monetized by sales of collections and licensing, or a critical source of advertising, DTO, or subscription revenue on their own? Join our panelists as they discuss what’s working and what’s not in this potentially transformative arena.
- Eric Beaulieu—General Manager, Transcontinental Transmedia
- Richard Bruning—Sr. Vice President/Creative Director, DC Comics
- Stu Levy—Chief Executive, Tokyopop
- Dave Roman—Associate Editor, Nickelodeon Magazine
- Ira Rubenstein—Executive VP Global Digital Media Group, Marvel Comics
- Moderator: Milton Griepp—President, ICv2
Comics and Social Networks
Publishers and creators are increasingly using social networks to nurture communities of readers. Hear from the most advanced practitioners of this new technique on how it’s helping them connect with their audiences in a deeper way than ever before.
- Scott Allie—Senior Managing Editor, Dark Horse Comics
- Joe Keatinge—PR & Marketing Coordinator, Image Comics
- Joe Quesada—Editor-In-Chief, Marvel Comics
- Filip Sablik—Publisher, Top Cow Productions, Inc.
- Moderator: Milton Griepp—President, ICv2
Keynote Address: Art Spiegelman -- "What the !@##*! happened to comics?!"
The only graphic novelist ever to win a Pulitzer Prize, Art Spiegelman has been a leader and innovator in comics and graphic novels for four decades, both creatively and in how his work reaches the market. Hear his thoughts on the changes in the medium, plus a Q&A session.
- Art Spiegelman—Writer, Artist, Pulitzer Prize Winner
Literary Adaptations -- Building on Success
Adapting prose novels into graphic novels has been one of the most successful areas of graphic novel publishing in the last couple of years. Publishers Weekly’s Calvin Reid moderates a discussion of what’s working, why it’s working, and where the opportunities are for the future.
- Jennifer Besse—Editor, Disney Book Group
- Les Dabel—V.P. Business Operations, Dabel Brothers Productions
- Ruwan Jayatilleke—Sr. V.P. Strategic Development-Acquisitions & Licensing, Marvel Comics
- Sherrilyn Kenyon—Bestselling Author
- Betsy Mitchell—V.P./Editor-in-Chief, Del Rey Books
- Marco Pavia—Associate Publisher, Tokyopop
- Moderator: Calvin Reid—Senior News Editor, Publishers Weekly
ICv2 Graphic Novel Survey Report and White Paper
This year, the ICv2 White Paper presentation will be expanded to include an exclusive look at the results of a major survey of graphic novel buyers from comic stores, bookstores, and libraries conducted by ICv2 with the support and help of Reed Exhibitions. The survey will give a look at the reasons for the trends reported in the numbers, making this session even more invaluable.
- Milton Griepp—President, ICv2
Graphic Novel Industry Summit
Executives from the largest comic and manga publishers, the largest book chain, the largest comic distributor, one of the largest direct market retailers and a representative of ComicsPro, the comic retailer association, and an important librarian gather to discuss the future of the graphic novel industry.
- Robin Brenner—Teen Librarian,
- Dan Buckley—President and Publisher, Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
- Liza Coppola—Sr. V.P., Corporate Relations & Partnerships, VIZ Media
- James Killen—Buyer, Barnes and Noble
- Chris Powell—General Manager, Lone Star Comics / mycomicshop.com
- Bill Schanes—V.P. Purchasing, Diamond Comic Distributors
- Moderator: Milton Griepp—President, ICv2
For more information on the panelists for the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, click here.
Transcontinental Printing Cocktail Reception (5 p.m. -- 6 p.m.)!
After the final session of the day, enjoy a chance to meet and mingle with fellow attendees, speakers, and guests, courtesy of event sponsor and major graphic novel printer Transcontinental Printing.
Register Today!
For only $99 to $199, depending on your category, you can take part in this important gathering of the graphic novel industry at New York Comic Con.
Retailers, Librarians, and Educators = $99
Publishers, Agents, Licensing, Distributors, all others = $199
NOTE: This conference is open only to those who hold a Professional or
Register now for the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference! -- Click here
New York Comic Con Exhibitors are also invited to attend the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference. Exhibitors can add this option when registering for their Exhibitor Badges or may do so by calling 888-605-6059.
Press
The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference will honor New York Comic Con press credentials. Please e-mail Milton Griepp to let us know you're coming, or with any questions: MGriepp@ICv2.com
The largest printer in
Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.A, TCL.B) has more than 15,000 employees in
Publishers Weekly is the leading publication serving all segments involved in the creation, production, marketing and sale of the written word in book, audio, video and electronic formats. It is the prime source of comprehensive news and provides unique industry data including an annotated bestseller list, hot deals and retail news. A 134-year old magazine -- with over 100,000 dedicated readers -- PW is recognized as the leading publication for international and
Headquartered in
New York Comic Con is operated by Reed Exhibitions which is the world's leading events organizer. In 2006 Reed brought together over six million industry professions from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held in 34 countries throughout the
