ACP/PCPA 2027 Joint Conference
Registration for the 2027 ACP/PCPA Joint Conference, April 7-9, 2027
Hyatt Regency Deerfield
1750 Lake Cook RoadDeerfield, IL 60015
Join us for an extraordinary event as the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) and Protestant Church-owned Publishers Association (PCPA) again partner to host a joint educational and networking conference.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Speakers: Hear from industry leaders and church researchers who will inspire, educate and challenge you.
- Practical Workshops: Gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques for Christian publishing.
- Exhibitor Booths: Engage with 30+ company representatives sharing their expertise.
- Peer Group Meetings: Join discussions with people in similar roles as yours about your common joys, challenges and problems to be solved.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues from across the industry over food, beverages, and during your free time.
- MissionMatch: For sponsors at the $2,000+ level, join our “speed-dating” style, 10-minute meetings with Publishing Members.
- Directory of Attendees: Continue the collaboration beyond the event with a complete directory of all registrants.
Keynote
Publishing Trends Today and What to Watch
Keynote Description
TBD
Keynote Speaker
Jane FriedmanIn addition, Jane will present a workshop on What Publishers Can Learn from Innovative Authors.
Keynote
AI Choices, Opportunities & Risks for Publishers
Keynote Description
Readers of George Walkley's weekly eNewsletter, Context Window, will know that he pays close attention to the impact of AI on the media and publishing industries. He summarizes the key developments each week in five minutes of reading time, and explains their relevance to your business. For this keynote, he will elaborate on his research and experience with the most up-to-date content and trends focused on the needs of Christian publishers during this time of extremely rapid change.
Keynote Speaker
George Walkley is an independent strategy consultant and one of publishing's leading voices on artificial intelligence. Since founding his UK-based practice, Outside Context, in 2020, he has advised more than 35 clients in ten countries on strategy, AI and digital transformation, and scenario planning. He brings deep senior executive experience in publishing and media, including fifteen years at Hachette.
In 2023, George created the first independent, accredited generative AI training course designed specifically for publishers, in partnership with the Independent Publishers Guild. It has since reached delegates from nearly 300 organizations worldwide and earned a 2024 Association Excellence Award. He writes Context Window, a weekly briefing on AI in media and publishing, and is author of the forthcoming The Intelligence Multiplier, which shows leaders how to build strategy with AI, not just for it. He also serves as Chairman of Midas and holds an MBA from Bayes Business School.
In addition, George will also present a workshop called The Intelligence Multiplier.
The joint conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield, a shuttle ride from Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Some of the benefits offered to ACP and PCPA members by the Hyatt include:
- Conference meeting space
- Free parking
- Free guest room Wi-Fi
We have arranged for a block of rooms at the deeply discounted rate of $149++ including complimentary hot breakfast. Reserve hotel rooms online here. The hotel cut-off date is March 10, 2027. The group code is "PCPA & ACP Conference."
Important Info for ACP Associate and PCPA Adjunct Members!
Here are three ways to take part--all in 1 form!
1. Exhibit (free for Adjunct & Associate members in good standing)
Receive a complimentary display table and two chairs. Space is limited to 50 tables, reserved first come, first served. Reserve your table today!
2. Sponsor the conference
Sponsorships range from $600 to $6,000 and put your organization in front of publishing leaders. Reserve your sponsorship today!
Marketing and networking benefits are outlined in this sponsorship document.
3. Meet publishers one-on-one at MissionMatch
Sponsors at the $2,000+ level may join our “speed-dating” style, 10-minute meetings with Publishing Members on Thursday, April 8, 5:45–7:15 p.m. CDT. There’s no additional cost, and it’s limited to 25 sponsors.
All spots are first come, first served!
Here is the exhibit and sponsorship reservation form. Deadline: January 31, 2027
Exhibitor details
- Set-up: Wednesday, April 7, 3–5 p.m. CDT. Teardown: Friday, April 9, 3–4 p.m. CDT.
- Location: Exhibits will be in the Regency Ballroom or in the pre-function area just outside it (see the attached sketch). Please note your preference on the form.
- Ballroom exhibitors: Our plenary sessions share the ballroom, so we ask that you keep conversations to a minimum during the opening and closing plenaries and keep your exhibit up until the final plenary ends at 3 p.m. CDT. If you need to leave earlier, please choose the pre-function area.
Thank you to our 2027 Annual Conference Sponsors!
This conference wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors
For More Information:
Key Info
- Hotel Reservation Cut-Off Date: 3/10/2027
- Hotel Room Rate: $149++ (including complimentary hot breakfast)
- Registration (Early-Bird):
- Registration (Final):
- Sponsor Forms Due: 1/31/2027
- To reserve rooms online
Cancellation Policy
- Registration may be cancelled at any time.
- A partial refund minus a $25 cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made before March 6, 2027.
- No refunds will be given after March 6.