Q: Who should attend the AALA People of Publishing Conference?
A: The conference is focused on the professional development of agents, and those working in agencies and behalf of agents, editors in publishing houses, other staff working at publishers and professionals working in various capacities in the book publishing industry. While many wonderful writing conferences exist, this one is not geared for authors and writers. If you are unsure whether the conference is for you, please email us at conference@aalitagents.org.
Q: Is this the same as the US Book Show’s AALA Day? What’s the difference between the two events?
A: After two successful years of co-hosting AALA Day within the U.S. Book Show, we evolved the concept into an independent gathering in 2025. This stand-alone event allows us to deepen our focus on agent and editor career development while continuing to celebrate the spirit of connection and collaboration that defined our earlier partnership with Publishers Weekly, who will continue to produce the U.S. Book Show separately.
Q: What is the registration deadline?
A: Registration is open and closes on September 16, 2026 or whenever we reach capacity, whichever is earliest. Please note that in 2024, we sold out weeks before the event so please get your tickets early.
Q: Are there any early bird discounts?
A: A limited number of tickets are available at an early bird rate for AALA membership and general admission tickets. The early bird discount is $50 off the regular AALA membership and general admission rates.
Q: Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
A: If you purchase a ticket and cannot attend you may transfer your ticket to another party, provided you inform us of the change before September 15, 2026.
Q: What if I can’t attend after registering? Can I get a refund?
A: Yes, please contact us for a refund before August 1, 2026. Platform fees will not be refunded.
Q: Is there a group registration option?
A: Yes, please contact us for group registration of 10 or more registrants. Many publishers, including the five big publishing houses, have purchased group tickets. To check if your employer has purchased group tickets, please contact us.
Q: Can I attend the conference virtually?
A: We are not offering virtual attendance this year, due to the prohibitive costs of live broadcasting.
Q: Will sessions be recorded and available for viewing later?
A: No, we will not be able to provide recordings of the sessions for this event.
Q: How do I view the conference schedule?
A: The latest conference schedule will appear on the website under the Sessions tab. We also will provide periodic notices of sessions and speakers as they are confirmed. Please sign up to receive email updates at the bottom of this page.
Q: Are there any networking opportunities during the conference?
A: The conference contains many opportunities to meet other attendees, including networking breaks, roundtable discussions in specific genres, and cocktail reception.
Q: What meals and refreshments will be served at the conference?
A: TBD
Q: What is the best transportation to the venue?
A: Please see the Location page for full info.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept for registration?
A: We accept all major credit cards as payment.
Q: Can I pay for my registration using a check or purchase order?
A: If you would like to pay by check, purchase order or another form of payment than listed above, please contact us.
Q: How can I become a sponsor or exhibitor at the conference?
A: Please contact us about sponsoring or exhibiting at the conference.
Q: How do I contact the conference team?
A: If there are any questions not answered here, please contact us.
Q: Can I volunteer at the event?
A: Please contact us if you would like to volunteer for the day of the event.
Q: How do I stay updated about the conference?
A: Stay tuned to announcements about speakers, sessions and other news by signing up for email updates and by following the AALA’s social media accounts on Instagram, Blue Sky and LinkedIn.
Q: I’m interested in sponsoring or speaking at the event. Who should I contact?
A: Please see our Sponsorship Page for more information about sponsorship or email us.
AALA People of Publishing Conference 