APAC Schedule Set

The Audio Publishers Association has announced the agenda for its annual conference (APAC), to be held May 31 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.

The morning membership meeting will be followed by two concurrent panel discussions. "An Ear to the Marketplace" will cover the future of audio at retail and other outlets. Among the topics to be explored are the following: Will the unabridged format become the retail standard? Will CDs replace cassettes? How can the audio industry use libraries to bring new customers to audio? The panel, moderated by Paul Jobling of Chivers North America, will also look at alternative distribution channels and audio on the Internet.

The second discussion, "The New New Thing?: The E-Book/Audiobook Connection," will look at the possibilities of audio combined with e-books. Niso/ Daisy technology allows audio to be added to e-books; could the added value of audio expand the market for e-books? Elaine Verna of isSound moderates.

The APAC luncheon will feature an awards ceremony for "Audiobook Heroes," described by the APA as "those who have made audio important in their lives and others' lives." James Brannigan, president of Brannigan & Associates, will host.

Afternoon seminars will follow lunch. Audio Partners president Grady Hesters will moderate a panel on what makes an audio project successful. "Napster: What Can We Learn?" looks at digital downloading, piracy and rights issues. Jessica Kaye, president of the Publishing Mills, moderates. "Getting the Word Out" explores ways that the industry can promote audiobooks as entertainment and bring in new listeners. Carol Fass, president of Carol Fass PR, is the moderator. "Digital/2001," moderated by Monty Hudson of Rioport, shows off the latest gadgets for audio downloading and listening and discusses the opportunities of using audio clips online, as well as ways to reach the youth market.

In addition, award-winning narrator Frank Muller and narrator/producer Carol Stewart will present a special panel on audiobook narration. APAC will conclude with a cocktail party honoring audiobook narrators.

Throughout the day, an exhibition area will be set up, featuring exhibits from AFB Talking, Books, American Media International, Brilliance Audio, Cassette Communications, Cinram, Disc Graphics, Dynapak Cassette Manufacturing Inc., Eva-Tone Inc., Nexpak and other companies.

Registration for APAC is $125 for APA members, $95 for each additional person from a member company and $175 for nonmembers. Those who register by April 10 will get a discount. To register, go to www. audiopub.org.