Confirmed panelists and moderators to date include graphic novel buyers from specialty retail chains, wholesalers, and comic stores; top executives from manga companies and book publishers; experts from the library and educational markets; a top new graphic novel creator; and more.  More panelists are being added regularly--check back for new info.

Chris Butcher -- Manager, The Beguiling

Liza Coppola -- Sr. Vice President, VIZ Media

Regina Kanicki -- Graphic Novel Buyer, Baker and Taylor

Larry Gonick -- Graphic Novelist, Cartoon Guide and Cartoon History series

Michele Gorman -- MLS, Young Adult Librarian, Author, Consultant

Milton Griepp -- Publisher, ICv2

Kurt Hassler -- Co-Publisher, Yen Press, former graphic novel buyer, Borders Group

Glenn Kardy -- President and CEO, Japanime Co.

Mike Kiley -- Publisher, Tokyopop

Jim Killen -- Graphic Novel Buyer, Barnes and Noble

Thomas LeBien -- Publisher, Hill and Wang

Marisa Acocella Marchetto -- Graphic Novelist, Cancer Vixen

Ed Masessa -- Category Manager, Scholastic Book Fairs

Dallas Middaugh -- Associate Publisher, Del Rey Manga

Chris Powell -- General Manager, Lone Star Comics

Calvin Reid -- Senior Editor, Publishers Weekly

Bill Schanes -- Vice President Purchasing, Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.

Tomoko Suga -- Senior Manager, Foreign Rights Department, Kodansha

For more details on the panelists, see 'Conference Panelists.'

THE PANELS

ICv2 White Paper--Graphic Novels:  Growth and Change

ICv2 will present the results of its annual graphic novel industry survey, along with special conference-only info that will not be published in its magazines or on the Web.

Non-Fiction -- The Real World of Graphic Storytelling

The memoir, historical storytelling, and education are among the fastest growing areas of the graphic novel (and we use the term loosely) category in North America.  Is the N.A. market going to look more like Japan's, where manga is a favored form for non-fiction as well as fiction?

Manga Ratings, Redactions, and Freedom of Speech

Japanese culture is very different than American when it comes to controlling access to adult content, and publishers have taken a wide range of approaches when deciding how to deal with those cultural differences in their American editions.  Retailers, libraries, and publishers all have their concerns.

Buyers Panel -- Graphic Novels, the Next Three Years

A panel of key graphic novel buyers from multiple channels will discuss what's selling and why, how the market's changing, and what kinds of products will grow the market in the next three years.

Transcontinental Printing Cocktail Event!

A chance to meet, mingle, and have a refreshing beverage, courtesy of event sponsor and major graphic novel printer Transcontinental Printing. 

REGISTER TODAY!
For only $189, you can participate in this exciting event on the future of the graphic novel industry with the companies and people making it grow.

Click here for the New York Comic Con Website

Click here to be taken directly to the registration page.

SPONSORS

The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference is sponsored by Publishers Weekly, Transcontinental Printing, and VIZ Media, LLC.

Publishers Weekly
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 U.S. book publishing needs. PW's website, PublishersWeekly.com is packed with great information from the hottest industry news to book reviews to the popular e-newsletters and much more.

Transcontinental Printing
Transcontinental is the largest printer in Canada and seventh in North America, and is also the country's leading consumer magazine publisher and second largest community newspaper publisher.  From mass to highly personalized marketing, the company offers its clients integrated solutions which also include a diverse digital platform and a door-to-door distribution network of advertising material.  Transcontinental is a company whose values, including respect, innovation and integrity, are central to its operation.  Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.SV.A, TCL.MV.B) has more than 14,000 employees in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and reported revenues of C$2.2 billion (US $1.9 billion) in 2005.

VIZ Media, LLC
VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content.  Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, to television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.