One of the innovative features of this year’s New York Comic-con was the graphic novel conference held the day before. Organized by ICv2’s Milton Griepp, it was a chance to catch up with a number of GN movers and shakers, and a good kick-off for the more consumer-oriented part of the show. The conference will be back in ’07, as this press release reminds us:

Pop culture publishing and consulting company ICv2 has announced the second annual ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference at New York Comic Con next February. “The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference: The New Trends Shaping Pop Cultureâ€? will be held on Thursday afternoon, February 22, 2006 at the Javits Center in New York City.

“Graphic novels were the most dynamic area of pop culture again in 2006,â€? said ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp about the Conference. “Whether as literature, mass entertainment, or education, the graphic story medium is increasingly the choice. The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference is where the industry gathers to talk about the future and how to keep it bright.â€?

Confirmed panelists include graphic novel buyers from specialty retail chains, wholesalers, and comic stores; top executives from manga companies and book publishers; experts from the library and educational markets; a top new graphic novel creator; and more. Among the many notable panelists and moderators are Liza Coppola, Executive Vice President of Viz Media, LLC; Regina Deppin, Graphic Novel Buyer for Baker and Taylor; Michele Gorman, MLS, Young Adult Librarian, Author, Consultant; James Killen, Graphic Novel Buyer at Barnes & Noble; Marisa Acocella Marchetto, the creator of Cancer Vixen; Ed Masessa, Category Manager for Scholastic Book Fairs; Chris Powell—General Manager, Lone Star Comics; and Calvin Reid, Senior Editor at Publishers Weekly.

Publishers, retailers, librarians, creators, literary agents, and licensors and licensees will all find the ideas they need to inform and inspire their growth for the coming years.

Three sponsors have signed on to support this important event for the future of graphic novels: VIZ Media, LLC; Transcontinental Printing; and Publishers Weekly.

Tickets for the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference are now on sale on the New York Comic Con Website.

For more information on the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, go to:
http://www.ICv2.com/articles/news/7838.html

For a full list and more information on the panelists at the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, go to:
http://www.ICv2.com/articles/news/7878.html