This was meant to be the year we all saw coming.
This was meant to be the year when all of the plans set out in ‘2020 Vision’ strategies were finally realised.

As we all know, the reality has been very different - more different than we could have ever imagined.

For most, it has been a tough; for a few, it has been a test of survival. New opportunities may have opened up along the way for some, but, for all, it is a situation that continues to have a lasting impact on our businesses and our day-to-day lives.

That’s why, this year, it’s more important than ever that the PPA Independent Publisher Conference & Awards provides a platform for the entrepreneurial publishers within the wider PPA network to unite, reflect, and ready themselves for what comes next.

While ongoing coronavirus restrictions prevent us from being together in a physical sense, we have put the technology in place to make sure this year’s online gathering brings increased opportunities for collaboration with positive outcomes.

And that’s not the only thing we’ve changed. We’ve split the event into two, with the Awards taking place on November 18 and the Conference on November 26. The Awards will be an open celebration of the strides independent publishers have taken in the last 12 months to keep their audiences engaged, informed and entertained – and recognise how many have overcome challenges to grow or reshape their businesses. The Conference this year will offer a programme of multi-streamed content for the first time, focusing on peer-to-peer engagement rather than the usual stream of keynotes. So expect something completely different – it’s not “business as usual” for any of us, and this year’s IPN event is no different!

" It’s very important to engage smaller independent publishers, to make sure we are part of the conversation and can pick up on what others are doing well. "

Kate Austin

Commercial Director, DJ Murphy

" It was at this very conference that we created the idea to merge Wanderlust and Think and that changed our business forever. This is where the magic happens! "

Tilly McAuliffe

Co-Founder, Think
MD, Wanderlust

" There isn’t another association within this industry or another place where you can make those important connections or find the same level of learning. The network is so strong, the strongest for publishers like ourselves. "

Duncan Siegle

Portfolio Director, Mash Media