Society Publishing Leadership Forum:
Navigating AI Licensing: Opportunities, Risks, and Community Stewardship
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
10 am–12 pm ET
SSP’s semi-annual Society Leadership Forum offers an opportunity for invited leaders from scholarly societies and associations to gather virtually to network and exchange ideas on topical issues. We have invited leaders from societies and associations representing a range of disciplines across science and the humanities.
As AI rapidly reshapes scholarly publishing, society publishers are facing new questions about licensing, commercial partnerships, and long-term value. This Society Leadership Forum will explore the evolving AI licensing and sales landscape with a focus on practical decision-making, risk awareness, and alignment with society missions and communities. Discussion will consider what makes AI-related licensing agreements attractive—or problematic—including key terms, common pitfalls, and how societies can evaluate opportunities while maintaining trust and protecting their author, editor, and member communities. The forum will also touch on how AI licensing intersects with editorial and product strategy, renewal planning, and emerging models for innovation in deals, including considerations that may differ for self-published versus third-party content. Designed for society publishing leaders, the forum will offer a candid, high-level exchange of perspectives to surface shared challenges, compare approaches, and identify principles for responsible engagement in this rapidly changing environment.
The following topics will be framed and attendees will then join hosted breakout groups for discussion:
- Licensing deals—what’s out there, what to look for, challenges, etc.
- Representing and maintaining trust with our society communities
- AI opportunities beyond training
Moderator/Organizer:
TBA
Hosts and Speakers:
TBA
Members of SSP may register at no charge. The registration fee for non-member participation is $50.00. All invitees must register.
(Membership in SSP includes a number of benefits, including access to news and career resources as well as discounted rates for events.)
(Please note that space for the event is limited to those in senior leadership roles. If you cannot attend but would like to recommend another person from your organization, please contact us at spatton@sspnet.org.)
Registration Pricing:
SSP Member: FREE
Non-Member: $50.00
No refunds will be processed for this event. SSP encourages you to send a substitute in your place if you cannot attend. SSP reserves the right to cancel any program. SSP is not responsible for any costs, damages, or other expenses of any kind incurred by registrant. Speakers are subject to change without notice.
To register please create an account or log in.
