Klaus Erik Krogh was born on January 26, 1952, in Frederiksberg, Denmark. A designer, publisher, and visionary, he has shaped the art of communication across borders. Educated in Copenhagen and Oslo, he began his career in Norway before founding 2K/Denmark in 1987—today a world leader in Bible design and typographic innovation. His creative ventures span publishing, children’s media, and digital development. Krogh has served as Honorary Consul of Mexico, chaired societies for book and Bible craftsmanship, and external examiner at Danish universities. Married to Liv Sødal Krogh since 1984, he is father to two daughters, Lea and Oda.

Description:

Rewiring the brain to learn to read is complex. Around 80% succeed, but many struggle. The Inclusive Reading Collaborative aims to identify and describe the various forms of reading disabilities and then develop effective solutions. One successful example is The Grace Dyslexia Project, which provides innovative design and typographic tools that have helped many readers overcome their challenges and improve comprehension. By combining research, design, and accessibility principles, the IRC seeks to make reading inclusive for all — ensuring that no one is left behind simply because their brain processes written language differently.

As Global Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) for Cambridge University Press, Valarie Guagnini leads the global integration of EDIB principles across the books, journals and Cambridge Online portfolio—with a strong focus on people, culture, and inclusive publishing practices. My work centers on embedding equity into every stage of the publishing lifecycle, from recruitment and retention to data transparency around authorship, contributors,reviewers and partnerships.

As a member of the Academic Board, she serves as a “critical friend,” advocating for colleagues and ensuring their products reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and remain accessible to all.

Description:

Accessibility isn't one-dimensional — it encompasses physical, economic, and content-based access. Accessibility is not just a feature — it’s a commitment to inclusion, dignity, and spiritual engagement. Our goal is to make our publications available to as many people as possible, in ways that suit their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Whether through format, price, or translation (Bibles program), we aim to remove barriers and invite everyone into the richness of our peer reviewed subjects.

Jeff Singleton shares how a career that began in software testing at Microsoft led to a lifelong passion for digital accessibility. From early lessons working on the Narrator screen reader to founding a consulting firm built on legal, policy, and technical expertise, Jeff’s story shows how inclusive design not only improves websites but makes technology meaningful. His journey sets the stage for his hands-on workshop, Fast & Free Accessibility Checks You Can Do Yourself.

Description:

Jeff Singleton shares how a career that began in software testing at Microsoft led to a lifelong passion for digital accessibility. From early lessons working on the Narrator screen reader to founding a consulting firm built on legal, policy, and technical expertise, Jeff’s story shows how inclusive design not only improves websites but makes technology meaningful.

Michael Johnson is VP of Content for Benetech. He brings almost 40 years of experience in the blend between technology,publishing, distribution. He has worked on digital database and content projects around the world.

In his role at Benetech he works directly with publishers, conversion houses,

technology platforms, retailers, and educational institutions to help them understand and implement processes that allow for fully accessible content to get from authors

all the way through to the end reader.

Andy Hunter is the founder and CEO of Bookshop.org, an ecommerce platform launched in January 2020 to support independent bookstores and provide socially conscious readers with an alternative to Amazon.

Since its launch, Bookshop.org has raised more than $40 million for independent bookstores and was certified by B-Lab as a “Best for the World” company, in the top 5% of B-Corp’s worldwide. Hunter is also the co-creator and publisher of the websites Literary Hub, Crime Reads, and BookMarks, as well as the cofounder and chairman of Electric Literature. He was previously publisher at Catapult, Counterpoint, and Soft Skull press.

Among the many recognitions for Hunter’s work keeping literature a vital part of our culture in the digital age are the 2011 Innovations in Reading Prize from the National Book Foundation, the 2021 BISG Industry Innovator Award, and inclusion in Bloomberg Business Week’s The Bloomberg 50: “Ones to Watch” in 2021.

Description:

Learn why independent bookstores remain powerful allies for Christian publishers. Andy Hunter of Bookshop.org highlights collaborative strategies that boost visibility, diversify sales channels, and support vibrant local book communities—showing how publishers and booksellers can grow together.

Ian Lamont is the founder of i30 Media and the creator of the Lean Media framework. He started his publishing business in 2012 with a single how-to guide, which has since expanded to a complete line of utility nonfiction (the IN 30 MINUTES series) as well as several ancillary product lines. Ian uses a range of Amazon programs, including Amazon Advertising, Seller Central, Vendor Central, and the Amazon Brand Registry to develop and market new products. He is a frequent speaker at publishing events on Amazon-related topics. He is a graduate of Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Description:

In CEO Andy Jassy’s 2024 letter to Amazon’s shareholders, he declared “Generative AI is going to reinvent virtually every customer experience we know.” He also revealed more than 1,000 AI applications are being built across every area of Amazon.

The shopping experience is an obvious area for reinvention, which will impact how publishers present their books and connect with readers. But publishers also need to prepare for big changes in back-end interactions with Amazon, especially when it comes to support.

Karen Pavlicin is founder (1997) and publisher of Elva Resa Publishing, a mission-based independent publisher in St Paul, Minnesota, specializing in resources by, for, and about military families. Elva Resa’s primary business model is bulk sales to government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations that support military families, fulfilled through its Military Family Books distribution marketplace. A natural changemaker, Karen has served on a variety military-connected and publishing industry advisory boards and think tanks. In 2019, Military Spouse magazine named her the “Godmother of the Milspouse Book Movement” for her advocacy representing the voices and stories of military families. She is also an award-winning author, songwriter, hot pepper grower, and collegiate hall of fame athlete.

Description:

Many publishers place bulk sales under a category of special sales, often as passive, occasional transactions. A few strategic considerations could inspire your team to approach bulk sales as an essential, mission-fulfilling component of your business plan.

We’ll talk about how to identify potential long-term collaborations, prepare for success and repeatability, and evaluate bulk sales opportunities that align with your mission, extend your reach, amplify your brand, and financially sustain the foundation of your publishing program.

Becky Loyd, Vice President, Go-to-Market Strategy and Women's Leadership Development

Becky serves as an advocate for women in the local church through her work at Lifeway, where she has served since 2001. During her tenure, she has served in many different roles, including leading marketing and business strategy in both Kids' Ministry and Women's Ministry.

Becky holds a bachelor's in marketing and a master's in business administration from Louisiana State University. Although her education centers on business and marketing, her call to ministry led her to Lifeway, where she is able to use her calling and her gifts to serve the local church.