Register for the New Directions in Scholarly Publishing Seminar, taking place on September 15, 2026, at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and online. This year we’re trying something new: a single, focused day of programming in Cambridge, MA.
This year’s program is being developed by the New Directions Working Group co-led by Ginny Herbert (Clarke & Esposito) and Jamie Devereaux (Sage). The theme is “What Is a Journal in 2030? Co-Creating the Near-Term Future in Scholarly Publishing.” Moving beyond passive prediction, we will explore how stakeholders can collectively define the structures, standards, and values that will guide the next era of scholarship. Through a series of forward-looking discussions, from translating core principles into policy and advocacy with key stakeholders to examining the evolving role of editorial judgment in the age of AI, we will confront both the opportunities and complexities of this transition. Together, these conversations will challenge us to reimagine not just what journals are, but what they should be, and how we can intentionally build that future.
Program Highlights
- A streamlined format: This year’s seminar condenses our signature programming into one day, making it easier to fit into your schedule.
- A new setting: We’re heading to Cambridge, MA, hosted at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing.
- Designed for virtual engagement: As always, virtual attendees can join the live-stream and connect with peers via the SSP Engage App, with full access to session recordings after the event.
- Networking: There will be multiple opportunities for discussion and networking for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Keynote Address: Trust, Science, and Strategy
Our keynote will be delivered by Dr. Xiao-Li Meng, Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Data Science Review and the Whipple V.N. Jones Professor of Statistics at Harvard University. After the keynote, there will be five roundtable discussions featuring panelists with diverse expertise and opinions.
Registration Information
Register now to secure your spot—space is limited for in-person attendance! The early registration deadline is August 25, 2026. Additional discounts are available to staff at organizational members.
- In-person registration includes coffee, lunch, and the reception on September 15, access to the event via SSP Engage, and 90-day access to session recordings.
- Virtual registration includes access to the live-stream, access to the event via SSP Engage, and 90-day access to session recordings.
- Group watch parties: organizations can register for unlimited viewers at a single location, with a single login for 90 days of access to recordings.
Accommodations
SSP has arranged a courtesy rate at the Lark Hotels 907 Main, located about a 12-minute walk from the venue, at $279/night for a king room plus tax (approx. 14.5%, or ~$40/night). Space is limited—book by July 13 to take advantage of this rate.
We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge or online this September!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We thank Cadmore Media, Silverchair, and The MIT Press for sponsoring this year’s seminar. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Christen Pruitt at cpruitt@sspnet.org for more information.
About the Society for Scholarly Publishing The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and advance communication among all sectors of the scholarly publication community through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field. SSP members represent all aspects of scholarly publishing—including publishers, printers, e-products developers, technical service providers, librarians, and editors. SSP members come from a wide range of large and small commercial and nonprofit organizations. They meet at SSP’s annual meetings, educational seminars, and regional events to hear the latest trends from respected colleagues and discuss common and mutual (and sometimes divergent) goals and viewpoints.
Contact Melanie Dolechek, Executive Director | info@sspnet.org | 303-422-3914
