The Book Manufacturing Mastered Conference

BookCAMP magazine by Printed Word Reviews recently attended and sponsored a table at The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI)’s "Book Manufacturing Mastered" conference on September 16, 2025. This event brought together suppliers, manufactures, printers, and publishers as well as association publishing industry professionals to discuss key trends and challenges. 

The conference, which was organized in partnership with several other industry associations, provided a forum for different disciplines to collaborate, build understanding, and propose solutions. The day was structured around a series of panels, discussions, and networking opportunities.

The conference was structured around a series of panels, discussions, and networking opportunities, to establish a shared goal, foster understanding, and propose solutions.

The day kicked off with the panel “Supply Chain Panel – Where do things stand today?” Experts such as Dom DeSapio (Boston Consulting Group), Bill Rojack (Midland Paper), and Andy Fetherman (Muller Martini) discussed the current state of the supply chain, a topic of critical importance in today's global market. With tariffs and EUDR in focus, a robust supply chain discussion transpired.

Next, “The Economics of Printing” delved into the financial aspects of printing. Panelists Rich Letchinger (Sheridan), Dwight Vicks (Vicks), Matt Kennell (Versa Press), and Jonathan Huddart (CPI) offered insights into the costs and economics driving the printing sector. Comments centered around the additional cost of compliance.

The last panel “The Economics of Publishing” had Todd McGarity (Hachette), Jenn Paulson (Johns Hopkins Press), and Claudia Pilcher (Scholastic) shared their expertise on the economic pressures and business models within publishing.

The afternoon was dedicated to interactive roundtable discussions on AI, EUDR, Printing, Distribution, and other topics. These discussions provide a platform for attendees to engage directly with peers and experts on specific topics, fostering collaboration and problem-solving.

The day concludes with a reception and table-top exhibitions, offering a chance for attendees to network and explore new technologies and services from sponsors like Bradford & Bigelow and Alberta Newsprint Company.

BookCAMP’s assessment of the "Book Manufacturing Mastered" conference was that it’s an opportunity for industry publishing professionals from different parts of the publishing industry to understand the big picture issues and attempt to achieve common goals.  There was sharing of valuable knowledge, networking with colleagues, and being informed about the latest developments shaping the future of book manufacturing that made this conference worthwhile.