Every year, I have the pleasure of working with a creative and talented group of course organizers while planning the PMA University. We will be holding the event at the Marriott Hotel in Chicago on June 1, 2, and 3, just prior to the start of Book Expo America (BEA). Our theme is Independent Book Publishing: The New Frontier,and we have an exciting course lineup to present to you, with more new courses than ever before. In fact, we will offer 45 new courses, which means that a whopping 64 percent of the 70 lectures, courses, and special event opportunities at PMA University will be new!

Betting This Is the Best

PMA University represents the very best of what our organization stands for and tries to accomplish on behalf of its members. All the speakers and course organizers are volunteers, and no one is paid for presentations or expenses. In other words, the people who present courses at PMA Universities are truly dedicated to giving back to the publishing industry and helping others succeed in their publishing endeavors. Our history and experience proves that PMA University offers the best speakers, the best courses, and the best educational program at an extremely affordable price. No other course, company, academic institution, or regional program comes close.

Now, I realize that’s a pretty bold statement, and as the PMA University chair, I admit I’m a bit prejudiced, but I’m willing to stand behind the statement and prove it to you. The proof is simple. Here’s our guarantee: Come to PMA University, and when it is over, if you don’t agree that it has been the most productive and valuable publishing educational program that you’ve ever attended, we will cheerfully refund your money. (Yes, cheerfully!)

If you’re a new PMA member and have never attended the University, you will want to make sure to come to the First Time Attendee Day on June 1. This day is free for all first-time attendees and provides a broad-brush introduction to all the types of courses and information you’ll encounter throughout the next two days.

If you’ve come to PMA University before, be sure to take note of our new offerings as described in the 2004 PMA University brochure. And, if it’s been quite a while since you’ve attended, don’t you think it’s time you came back for an educational tune-up, some fresh brain food, and the best networking opportunities available in publishing?

PMA University is our opportunity to give back to new people and help publishers at all levels, just as others did for many of us years ago. I encourage you to come to the 2004 PMA University and catch the spirit of The New Frontier!

Robin Bartlett is director of sales and corporate relations for the American College of Physicians in Philadelphia. A former member of the PMA Board of Directors, he chairs the PMA University and can be reached at rbbartlett@aol.com.

The PMA-U Speakers’ Bookstore

We are delighted to welcome back last year’s successful PMA University Speakers’ Bookstore. If you’re a PMA University presenter with a book about writing, publishing, book promotion, speaking, or anything else that pertains to books and/or publishing, you’re welcome to sell your book through the Speakers’ Bookstore. For more information, please contact FernReiss@PublishingGame.com.