MARKETING TRACK 2026
Beyond the List: Building Better Reader Relationships with Segmentation Intelligence
This presentation explores how a segmentation taxonomy transforms reader data into actionable marketing intelligence. Rather than relying on lists, it demonstrates how identity, preferences, behavior, attribution, and lifecycle data work together to power smarter targeting, personalization, reporting, and automation. Attendees will learn how this framework enables marketers to build meaningful email journeys that nurture reader relationships across multiple marketing touchpoints.
Daniel Cordell
Daniel joined Tyndale House Publishers in 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in publishing, creative services, and marketing operations. Since beginning his career in 2001, he has worked across book production, marketing technology, and digital strategy. Daniel has deep expertise in marketing automation, CRM strategy, data operations, and cross-functional collaboration. He has led complex marketing technology initiatives and supported campaign strategy for organizations ranging from publishers to global brands.
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find.” John 21:6
Join us as we talk about audience curation and growth through the seeker lens. Casting your marketing “net” accurately to expand your audience is key in the information journey.
Davina Powell
Davina Powell is the Consumer Marketing Services Manager for Ingram Content Group. She is a creative sales and marketing expert who is known for connecting publishers to key audiences. She has spent more than 10 years in the digital marketing space developing new resources that ensure publishers and booksellers marketing budgets are used in a productive way.
From Exposure to Connection: Reaching Audiences That Matter
Successful publicity campaigns are built on two essential foundations: strong media relationships and messaging that resonates. While both are critical, knowing how to leverage them strategically is what separates a good campaign from one that consistently delivers meaningful coverage.
Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman
Alisse has been in publishing for over 15 years, working for independent religious publishers, small indie presses, distributors, and the Big Five. She’s primarily worked in publicity on campaigns of all sizes, from celebrities to pastors to spiritual leaders. Some of her favorite campaigns have been Cole Arthur Riley’s Black Liturgies, Brené Brown’s Strong Ground, Ian Crohn and Suzanne Stabile’s The Road Back to You, Jeff Chu’s Good Soil, and Kate Bowler’s Joyful, Anyway. She is currently a publicity manager within the Random House Publishing Group, and works primarily on the Convergent, Harmony, and Rodale imprints. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and two dogs, Seamus and Orla.
What AI Says About Your Books When You’re Not in the Room: Discoverability in the Age of GEO & AI Search
As readers increasingly turn to AI tools for recommendations, book discoverability is moving beyond traditional search rankings and retailer listings. This session will explore how publishers can help AI systems better understand who a book is for, what need it addresses, and why it deserves to be recommended. Attendees will learn practical ways to strengthen product pages, metadata, author authority, topic connections, and supporting content without chasing every new AI trend. No constraints.
Rob Annese
Rob Annese is a digital marketing leader with deep experience in content strategy, SEO, and emerging technology. Before joining Cook Media Global, he spent 12 years leading a national digital marketing agency serving clients including Four Seasons, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Selah Freedom. Today, he leads digital strategy and AI governance for Cook Media Global. Based in Colorado, Rob is a passionate problem solver and self-proclaimed bibliophile.
Insights to Action: Global YouVersion Trends and What They Mean for Your Authors and Content
What does it look like when millions of people around the world open the Bible App every single day? In this workshop, we’ll pull back the curtain on the trends we’re seeing across the globe and dig into what they mean for the authors and content you’re bringing to market. You’ll walk away with practical ways to shape your content strategy around how people are engaging with Scripture and our in-app content today. If you’re a publisher, author, or thought leader who wants your work to meet people right where they are, this session is for you!
Justin Tarsiuk
Justin Tarsiuk currently serves as the Director of Partnerships at YouVersion and the Bible App. For 25 years, Justin has pastored churches, led ministry and marketplace teams, and helped faith-based ministries find success navigating the digital landscape while staying true to their mission.
Imprint-Led Newsletters: Building an Owned Audience on Substack
Is Substack just another newsletter platform—or is it becoming the future of reader engagement? In this practical session, we’ll explore how publishers can use Substack to strengthen their own imprints, support authors on the platform, and create new opportunities beyond traditional distribution networks and frustrating social algorithms. With an honest discussion of Substack’s strengths and limitations, you’ll leave with practical examples, setup recommendations, and strategies your team can implement immediately, whether you’re ready to launch a Substack or looking to strengthen your existing marketing ecosystem.
Pete Ford
Pete Ford is the general manager of Apricot Services, a digital marketing agency serving Christian authors, publishers, and non-profits. He is a work-from-home/stay-at-home dad who enjoys biking around the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By night, he reads on topics including nonviolence, time, the built environment, and spiritual practices like Sabbath. He shares book reviews at WrongVsWrite.com.
TRACK LEAD
Robin Bermel
Robin Bermel has marketed books for 20 years, starting with entrepreneurship, business, and personal finance books at Dearborn Trade, and then at Tyndale House Publishers, partnering with NavPress and Focus on the Family. She moved to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing as the Backlist & Brand Director in 2025. In her role, Robin collaborates with influential Christian authors, notable brands, and internal teams across the company to bridge creative and commercial priorities that drive revenue and audience growth. Her ultimate goal is for more people to experience the life-changing love of a God who pursues us!
We are grateful for the support of our sponsors:
PREMIUM
GENERAL
For more information on sponsoring this event, contact [email protected]