For Immediate Release — September 17, 2026

ECPA PubU 2026 Program Tackles the Changing Work of Christian Publishing

More than 40 peer-led sessions address AI, discoverability, global markets and more, as publishers invest in developing their teams

EARLY BIRD RATES END IN ONE WEEK

CHANDLER, AZ — Sep. 17, 2026 — As Christian publishing professionals navigate rapid changes in technology, markets, reader discovery, and workplace practices, ECPA will bring the industry together for practical, peer-led training at ECPA PubU 2026, November 4–5 at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s Publishing University features more than 40 sessions across five tracks—Editorial, Marketing, Sales, Production & Operations, and Design tracks—plus Master Classes and Emerging Leader development, which will be presented by publishing peers and experts. Attendees can move freely among tracks to build a schedule around their own responsibilities, interests, and professional development needs.

“PubU continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the people behind Christian publishing,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “This gathering brings together the collective wisdom of our industry to train, connect, and inspire professionals at every stage of their careers.”

Program Reflects a Changing Publishing Landscape

Artificial Intelligence is among the issues crossing traditional departmental boundaries at this year’s PubU. Editorial leaders will examine both positive and negative uses of AI in publishing, marketers will explore how AI search is changing book discoverability, and designers will consider responsible uses of AI and where human judgment remains essential.

The program also addresses how publishers can better understand and reach readers.

The Marketing Track will explore segmentation intelligence, audience growth, publicity, global YouVersion trends, AI search, and building owned audiences through Substack.

The Sales Track, making its first in-person appearance at PubU after debuting online in 2025, focuses on finding new opportunities in a changing marketplace. Sessions address special markets, international sales, customer relationships, adaptability, and professional growth.

The Editorial Track will tackle acquisition trends, editing craft, style guides, AI, and creating a publishing community reflective of the Kingdom.

The Production & Operations Track will bring publishers, printers, and vendors together around greater efficiency, collaboration, and innovation with sessions on the paper market, supply chain, fine print, and a combined session with Design professionals on “Building Better Books Together.”

The Design Track will explore creative product design, innovative materials and manufacturing, emerging technologies, AI and other hot topics, a stronger collaboration between design and production, and a session with Pete Peterson (Rabbit Room) on “Designing for the Years Ahead.”

The five tracks were developed by industry publishing leaders:

Katara Washington Patton, Publisher of UMI (Editorial)
Robin Bermel, Backlist & Brand Director for PRH Christian (Marketing)
Dave Almack, Director of Sales, Marketing, Acquisitions for P&R Publishing (Sales)
Linda Walz, Production Director at Tyndale House Publishers, (Production & Operations)
Brian Conley, Production, Design, & Digital Publishing Manager, Ave Maria Press (Production & Operations)
Torrey Sharp, Owner and Principal of Faceout Studio (Design)
Jenn Butenschoen, Director of Production & Digital Content at Harvest House Publishers (Content Lead)

A 100-Year Vision for Christian Publishing

Opening PubU will be Douglas McKelvey, bestselling author of the Every Moment Holy series, with his keynote, “Cultivating a 100-Year Vision.” The opening session will also celebrate excellence in Christian publishing design with the announcement of the 2026 Top Shelf Book Cover Award winners.

In addition to the live program, PubU attendees will have access to a collection of on-demand master classes from expert industry vendors, extending the learning beyond the conference sessions.

Investing in Emerging Publishing Leaders

PubU also serves as the centerpiece of ECPA’s Emerging Leaders Program, which invests in promising publishing professionals through industry training, meaningful connection, and year-long mentorship. Selected Emerging Leaders attend PubU on scholarship, participate in two special sessions led by Andrea Garcia, Senior Marketing Manager at Tyndale House Publishers, and are matched with an experienced industry mentor for a year-long mentoring relationship. ECPA encourages nominations from emerging professionals whose diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will broaden the voices shaping the future of Christian publishing.

Nominations for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program are open through tomorrow, September 18.

Extend the Experience with The Christy Award®

PubU attendees are invited to stay an additional day at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel for The Christy Award events on November 6 at the same hotel, creating an opportunity for three days of professional development, industry connection, and celebration of Christian publishing. PubU registrants can attend the morning Beyond the Book: Get to Know the Finalist Authors gathering and afternoon Art of Writing Seminar at no additional charge. The day concludes with The Christy Award Gala, where the 2026 winners will be announced. Gala tickets are available as a paid addition on your PubU registration form.

Register Soon for Early Bird and Multi-Employee Savings

With the September 25 early bird deadline quickly approaching, publishing companies are encouraged to make plans now to send their teams to PubU. In addition to discounted early bird rates, ECPA member companies receive multi-employee discounts when registering multiple staff members, making PubU an affordable opportunity to invest in professional development across departments.

Complete program, registration, and multi-employee discount information is available at ECPAPubU.org.

ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

ECPA PubU has delivered training, connection, networking and inspiration to the industry’s frontline practitioners since 2004. Industry leaders develop the program to invest in the expertise of their colleagues, and train up the next generation of leaders. ECPAPubU.org

Media Contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA president, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 802
Sheri Toomb, ECPA communications manager, stoomb@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 805

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