FAPAcon2021 for Florida authors and publishers on July 30 & 31, 2021, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida. (Special conference rates for attendees. Check with the hotel for more information at (407) 827-2727.
Reserve your FAPAcon2021 hotel room NOW. https://book.passkey.com/event/50146848/owner/1461794/home
Special conference rates in effect.
Eddie Price
Saturday kicks off with the Welcome from FAPA president Pat Sanford followed by award-winning author Eddie Price at 8:45 am. Eddie is an international award-winning author of historical novels, illustrated children’s books, and a sports history book speaking on how authors can “Take it to Your Readers.”
A retired history teacher from Kentucky, Price is now in high demand as a speaker/ presenter/ performer. He represents the Kentucky Humanities Council Chautauqua program and Speakers Bureau, performing at numerous historical sites in the United States, Canada, and England. These events provide the perfect platform for selling his books. “Widder’s Landing” and “One Drop–A Slave!” have garnered tens of thousands of readers, and have sold at frontier reenactments, historic encampments, pioneer festivals and national celebrations in state and national parks, historical and genealogical societies, arts councils and museums. His children’s programs with their safety themes are popular in elementary schools throughout several states.
Lorna Owens
The 10:45 speaker is Lorna Owens, a Member of the FL Bar Entertainment Section & International Public Speaker who will be addressing common legal issues for authors and publishers.
Jamaica-born Lorna Owens is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Law and has operated her own law practice since 1993, practicing in the area of criminal law and entertainment law. She has represented major clients in negotiating management contracts, distribution deals, recording contracts, performance contracts, and advised them on advertising and marketing.
April O’Leary
After lunch with keynote speaker Steve Berry, April O’Leary, founder of O’Leary Publishing & Host of the I’m Booked Podcast, will talk about “Increasing your sales with three simple book launch strategies” at 1:30 pm.
The author of six books, she is committed to creating books that exceed the industry standards for her aspiring authors. Because of her knowledge of the industry trends, and her team of seasoned professionals, their titles frequently achieve top rankings on Amazon. She a member of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and is a judge for their national Benjamin Franklin book awards contest. She is also the host of the I’m Booked podcast.
Julia S. Demkowski
At 3 pm Julia S. Demkowski, founder of the Boot Camp Series—Fitness for your Business will present Success by Design: How to plan for or grow a successful business in the publishing industry. Julia is a leading business expert and founder of the Boot Camp Series – Fitness for your Business. Her 30 years of professional experience includes strategic planning, financial and business analysis, organizational development, and executive coaching. She helps business owners and executives discover the fastest path to Productivity, Efficiency, and Profits.
She combines her MBA and over 30 years of professional experience to teach business owners and executives to develop and implement strategies for improved performance, growth, and profitability. She also is a trusted adviser to companies seeking effective strategies to streamline business operations, control cost, eliminate waste, and successfully manage by objectives.
Julia currently serves as a Director, Institute of Management Consultants USA and is Chapter Treasurer and past Program Chair for IMC National Capitol Region (IMC NCR).
All of this information will be followed (cheerfully) by the FAPA Book Winners Reception at 6:00 pm and the FAPA President’s Book Awards Celebration. There were more than 80 finalists and medals will be awarded to the winners in the categories. In addition, there will be a celebration of the 2020 winners who did not get properly recognized last year because of the pandemic.
For details of other FAPAcon speakers and workshops, click here and choose the articles with the FAPAcon2021 logo. Or go to the FAPA website www.MyFAPA.org
Saturday’s sessions will feature four topics: growing your book business, pre-launch strategies, understanding legal issues, and exploring out-of-the-box marketing strategies. Sponsors and vendors will also be available to answer questions about their products and services.
NETWORKING:
The President’s Annual Book Awards Celebration is on Saturday night. It’s an exciting night of celebrating the book award finalists and honoring the people who are making a difference in our publishing community. Please note that this year, FAPA has switched from a sit-down banquet to a more affordable heavy hors d’oeuvres menu to accompany our celebration of our esteemed book award winners.
So… bring your questions. Bring your enthusiasm. And plenty of business cards so you can make some valuable connections. Remember, there’s no need to go it alone when you’re with FAPA!
The Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to providing the highest quality of information, resources, and professional development to members and others interested in the writing and publishing profession in the state of Florida. Hallard Press is a member of FAPA.
