Home   »   News
03.03.2021 | SSP News & Releases

Register Now for our 43rd Annual Meeting!

March 2, 2021 – Mt. Laurel, NJ – The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) is pleased to announce that registration for our 43rd Annual Meeting, “Charting a New Course from Chaos to Innovation,” is now open! Our first ever fully digital conference invites attendees to catch up on industry trends and network with colleagues in scholarly communications from May 24–27, 2021. Early bird registration rates are available until April 24. Register now

Without dwelling on the tumultuous events of the past year, we recognize their impact, igniting—and sometimes forcing—innovation to meet changing demands. This year’s meeting will explore the many new paths that materialize if we are willing to embrace the unexpected. The structure of the meeting will reflect our changing world. What new insights and strategies have been discovered and implemented? What are the possibilities that have yet to be realized?  As we move from reacting to adapting, how will our responses change the future of scholarly communications? 

The virtual meeting features 18 educational sessions over four days led by top industry experts. This year’s keynote speakers are Dr. Laura Helmuth, Editor in Chief of Scientific American, and Dr. Joseph M. Williams, Associate Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Virginia. Wrapping up the meeting, the Scholarly Kitchen Chefs will lead a wide-ranging discussion picking up on the themes presented throughout this year’s Annual Meeting and looking into the future.

Attendees won’t want to miss these extra meeting highlights:

  • Networking opportunities include real-time integrated text and video chat, persistent discussion forums, small group discussions, and guided networking sessions. Attendees can also join a Community Group with regular check-ins to discuss trending topics, share experiences, ask questions, or act as a sounding board.

  • Virtual posters will be available for viewing throughout the meeting. During the Poster Session, you can text and video chat with presenters as you browse the various posters.  

  • Industry Breakout Sessions share advice, case studies, expertise, and the latest market solutions. Live chat with presenters during the sessions. 

  • Schedule time with an experienced scholarly communications professional for one-on-one career coaching to discuss potential career paths or receive feedback on your resume/CV. 

  • Meet with exhibitors and sponsors and see what innovations are being offered by industry service providers in the Marketplace Gallery.

  • A “lightning round” preview session offers the chance to learn more about the industry’s newest and most innovative products, platforms, and content in 5-minute, back-to-back presentations. 

  • Our sponsors and exhibitors will show off the talents of their staff in our first-ever Virtual Talent Showcase. Exhibitors and sponsors are competing for the ultimate bragging rights! Join us in some light-hearted fun and show your support for your favorite industry service provider.

Complementing the annual meeting this year, we have three engaging pre-meeting seminars happening May 18-20. The Books Quick Starter Training and the Journals Quick Starter Training will provide attendees with a complete overview of the academic books or journals ecosystem, giving them the “quick start” they need to navigate this evolving landscape. The training touches on all major facets of publishing—from financial skills and business models to editorial and production—with each module led by experts in their respective fields. The Charleston Hub Trendspotting Initiative is also back for another year to collaboratively explore social, policy, economic, technology, and educational trends and forecast their impacts on scholarly communication, publishing, and academic libraries.  

“While the Annual Meeting will certainly be different this year, the Program Committee and the staff have worked hard to leverage technology and creativity to maximize the virtual experience,” said Melanie Dolecheck, SSP Executive Director. “Alongside some familiar mainstays of the typical Annual Meeting, attendees will have new ways to connect with colleagues and advance their knowledge.” 

Meeting sponsors include 3Play Media, American Geophysical Union, Aries Systems Corporation, Atypon, Cabells, Cadmore Media, KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd./Sheridan, Silverchair, and TrendMD.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship, please contact partnerships@sspnet.org.

Join the vibrant community of publishers, librarians, academics, service providers, funders, technologists, and others with a stake in how research is shared as we chart a new course and embrace the chaos to ignite innovation.

In addition to early registration discounts, special rates are available for Librarians, Students, Retirees, Funders, Researchers, and groups. Rate information and program details available now. For more information, email info@sspnet.org.


About the Society for Scholarly Publishing The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and advance communication among all sectors of the scholarly publication community through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field. SSP members represent all aspects of scholarly publishing—including publishers, printers, e-products developers, technical service providers, librarians, and editors. SSP members come from a wide range of large and small commercial and nonprofit organizations. They meet at SSP’s annual meetings, educational seminars, and regional events to hear the latest trends from respected colleagues and discuss common and mutual (and sometimes divergent) goals and viewpoints.

Contact Melanie Dolechek, Executive Director | info@sspnet.org | 303-422-3914

View Comments

Be the first to write a comment!

Join the Conversation