Saturday, September 25, 2027 · Winnipeg
PubCon 2027 · Canadian Publishing Conference 2027
A one-day Canadian publishing conference connecting authors, publishers, editors, researchers, educators, librarians, designers, booksellers and publishing-technology professionals.
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About the conference
PubCon 2027 will be a one-day Canadian publishing conference connecting authors, publishers, editors, researchers, educators, librarians, designers, booksellers and publishing-technology professionals.
The conference combines literary publishing, self-publishing, academic and scientific publishing, science communication, AI, publishing business and networking.
A major attraction is the opportunity for delegates to experience Nuit Blanche Winnipeg on the evening of September 25, followed by an informal Winnipeg tourism and networking day on Sunday, September 26.
Who should attend
Conference objectives
Authors, literary publishers and the changing journey from manuscript to bestseller.
Independent and hybrid paths from manuscript to marketplace.
Scholarly journals, books and the standards that underpin quality and integrity.
Strengthening how research and knowledge reach society.
AI's impact on publishing and research, and the tools reshaping how books and papers are made.
Showcases, partnerships and a B2B marketplace connecting the publishing ecosystem.
The program
Saturday, September 25, 2027. Literary & creative publishing in the morning, academic, scientific & knowledge publishing in the afternoon. A preliminary outline — speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Welcome from IMAQPRESS Inc. and Nations College of Canada, and an introduction to the day. (9:00–9:20)
How the path from first draft to readers has changed — and what it takes for an author to succeed today. (9:20–10:05)
Editing, design, production, distribution and marketing for independent authors. (10:05–10:45)
Authors, publishers and editors on the models, markets and technologies shaping literary publishing. (10:45–11:30)
10 selected authors × 3 minutes each — short, sharp presentations of new and upcoming books. (11:30–12:20)
Key takeaways from the literary and creative publishing sessions. (12:20–12:30)
Meet authors, publishers and publishing partners over lunch and explore the Publishing Showcase. (12:30–1:30)
Featured panel on peer review, research integrity, indexing and international standards in scholarly publishing. (1:30–2:10)
Why communicating research to the public matters, and how to do it well. (2:10–2:40)
10 selected scientific authors and researchers × 3 minutes each. (2:40–3:30)
How artificial intelligence is changing research, authorship, peer review and scholarly communication. (3:30–3:55)
Closing remarks and an invitation to Nuit Blanche Winnipeg. (3:55–4:00)
Tickets
All prices are in CAD, before applicable taxes. There is no virtual delegate category initially. Early Bird, Regular and Late registration dates will be announced.
| Category | Early Bird | Regular | Late | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Delegate | $249 | $299 | $349 | Choose |
| Author / Writer | $199 | $249 | $299 | Choose |
| Academic / Researcher | $199 | $249 | $299 | Choose |
| Student / Emerging Professional | $99 | $129 | $159 | Choose |
| Presenter | $179 | $219 | $249 | Choose |
| International DelegateIncludes official conference visa-support documentation for eligible registered participants. | $499 | $499 | $549 | Choose |
CAD, before applicable GST/PST. Pay online by card or by Interac e-Transfer to info@imaq.ca.
Buy tickets onlineInternational delegates
Includes conference participation plus official conference visa-support documentation for eligible registered participants.
The international rate is intentionally higher because PubCon provides additional administrative support and documentation for international participants. The organizers intend to pursue the appropriate IRCC international event process / Special Event Code so eligible international participants can identify PubCon in their Canadian visitor-visa applications.
Providing conference documentation does not guarantee the issuance of a Canadian visa or entry into Canada.
International participation
There is no virtual delegate category initially.
PubCon Publishing Showcase
The Publishing Showcase runs throughout the conference and particularly during lunch — a B2B publishing marketplace alongside the program.
$299 CAD
For individual authors.
Approximately 0.5 m² display area
The author provides their own bookshelves/display stands, books and promotional materials.
$995 CAD
For publishing houses.
Approximately 1 m² display area
The publisher provides books, roll-up banner, banners and additional display materials.
$1,995 CAD
For organizations serving the publishing ecosystem.
This creates a B2B publishing marketplace alongside the conference.
Organizers
Publishing partner
A Canadian publishing house supporting authors and researchers through editing, design, production and distribution — championing new and diverse voices in print and digital formats.
www.imaqpress.comAcademic partner
A Canadian college committed to career-focused education, bringing the perspective of students, educators, researchers and the next generation of publishing professionals.
www.nationscollege.caRegister
Register in under a minute and choose your ticket and any showcase package. We'll email you payment details, venue information and the final program as the day approaches.
PubCon Secretariat
Visit Winnipeg, Manitoba
The September 25 date creates a particularly attractive weekend. PubCon becomes more than a one-day professional meeting — it becomes a Winnipeg experience.
Friday, Sept 24
International delegates arrive in Winnipeg.
Saturday, Sept 25 · 9 AM – 4 PM
A full day of literary, scholarly and science-communication sessions, the Publishing Showcase and networking.
Saturday evening
Delegates can experience Winnipeg's contemporary arts and cultural scene at the city's free, all-night celebration of art.
Sunday, Sept 26
Optional sightseeing, informal meetings and networking before delegates depart or continue their Canadian travel.
Canoe or kayak the Red and Assiniboine rivers, or paddle the calm lakes of nearby Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Walk the trails of Assiniboine Forest and FortWhyte Alive, or head out to the Canadian Shield in the Whiteshell.
The Red River is famous for trophy channel catfish, and Manitoba’s lakes offer walleye, pike and more.
Fall is waterfowl and big-game season in Manitoba, with outfitters a short drive from the city (licences required).
Ride the riverside paths and the growing network of trails linking downtown, The Forks and Assiniboine Park.
September brings spectacular migrations — thousands of geese gather at FortWhyte Alive and Oak Hammock Marsh.
A 6,000-year-old meeting place at the junction of two rivers, with a market, food hall, shops and riverwalk.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Qaumajuq at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Manitoba Museum and Royal Aviation Museum.
Gardens, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and Journey to Churchill, home to polar bears.
A National Historic Site of century-old architecture, independent bookstores, galleries, cafés and theatres.
From St. Boniface’s French-Canadian heritage to a thriving multicultural food scene and fall harvest markets.
Lake Winnipeg beaches, Lower Fort Garry, Whiteshell and Riding Mountain National Park are all within reach.
PubCon's core identity
Morning
Books • Authors • Literary Publishing • Self-Publishing
Lunch
Networking • Publishing Showcase • Connections
Afternoon
Research • Scholarly Publishing • Science Communication • AI
Evening
Winnipeg • Nuit Blanche • Culture • Networking
Author→Publisher→Researcher→Editor→Journal→Communication→Society→Reader
PubCon 2027 aims to establish itself as a distinctive Canadian publishing forum that connects literary publishing, scholarly communication, publishing business and emerging technology — while giving Winnipeg a central role in connecting Canadian and international publishing communities. Where Ideas Cross Bridges.
FAQ
PubCon 2027 takes place on Saturday, September 25, 2027, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The venue is to be announced and will be shared with all registered delegates by email.
PubCon is jointly organized by IMAQPRESS Inc. and Nations College of Canada. It is a biennial conference, held every two years.
PubCon 2027 is planned for approximately 150 participants — around 100 Canadian and visa-exempt international delegates and around 50 international delegates from visa-required countries.
Tickets range from $99 (Student / Emerging Professional, Early Bird) to $549 (International Delegate, Late). All prices are in CAD, before applicable taxes. See the Tickets section for the full table. There is no virtual delegate category at this time.
The International Delegate package includes official conference visa-support documentation for eligible registered participants. The organizers intend to pursue the IRCC international event process / Special Event Code so participants can identify PubCon in their visitor-visa applications. Providing conference documentation does not guarantee the issuance of a Canadian visa or entry into Canada.
Ten authors (morning) and ten scientific authors/researchers (afternoon) will each present for three minutes. Register as a Speaker or Author and describe your book or research in the bio field — selected presenters will be contacted by the organizing team.
Yes — choose a showcase package when registering (Author Book Showcase, Publisher Showcase or Publishing Partner Showcase), or select "Sponsor" as your attendee type. Approved exhibitors and sponsors appear on the matching page of this website.
The agenda is a preliminary outline and may change. Speaker names and session details will be published as they are confirmed.