SSP 2023 was one for the record books. Our scholarly publishing colleagues from around the globe descended on Portland, Oregon, for 3 glorious days of learning, networking, meeting with industry vendors, and so much more. And 100+ more of you joined virtually — what a phenomenal opportunity that SSP provides. From the volunteer breakfast to the evening receptions to the many painstakingly planned sessions, it was amazing to see what our community does best: engage with one another. SSP’s core values of community, inclusivity, adaptability, and integrity were woven into every detail of the meeting so sincerely and adeptly. And hearing squeals of delight when long-lost publishing buddies found one another and witnessing overjoyed reunions throughout the course of the meeting were the icing on the SSP 2023 cake.

The SSP 2023 vibes were immaculate. We are already psyched for SSP 2024 in Boston and can’t wait to see you all there. But before we close the chapter on SSP 2023, we wanted to reflect on what made this year’s meeting so special. There is no better way to do that than to ask all of you, our community, about what SSP meant to you. As the co-chairs of the MarComm Committee, we agree that we got everything we wanted out of the meeting and more. The most special part about going to any SSP meeting is thinking, “NOTHING will ever top this meeting.” And then the next one is always, without a doubt, better. 

Pooja Aggarwal (she/her/Mrs), Director of Academic and Professional Publishing, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

It meant having the opportunity to find out what else is going on out there in the scholarly communications world. To meet new people, to network, to find out how others are dealing with the post-covid research world, to hear from key speakers, and to widen my horizons in terms of debates and opinions. It was also a great way to catch up with old colleagues and see somewhere new. It did show me how skewed we are towards scientific literature in journals and that it would be great to have more of a balance with the humanities and social sciences and the book world which is still thriving and adding value. I hope to see that next year in Boston!! Overall, it demonstrated the need for our industry to have time to get together and exchange ideas and feedback so that we can collectively move towards a better future for everyone which is transparent, trustworthy and engaging when thinking about the future of research, teaching and learning.

Maxine Aldred, Director, Books and Journals Production, American Society of Civil Engineers

It’s been a very long time since I attended an in-person SSP Annual Conference. My experience this year was remarkable! The sessions I attended were clearly aligned with the conference theme of “Transformation, Trust, and Transparency”. I had the opportunity of participating as a panelist on “Locally Sourced, Locally Owned: Independent Society Journal Publishing to Seed Trust and Transformation” which brought to light concerns of commercial partnership with society and small publishers as a sustainable outlet; this clearly highlighted the many pros and cons to consider. There was plenty of great information on (AI, Metadata and Open Access). I must mention one favorite session, “Metadata: The Musical.” It was so much fun yet very enlightening.

Martin Borbone, Digital Publishing & Platform Migration Consultant

As a long-standing member of SSP, the value that the Society brings both personally and professionally is incalculable. Not only are the conference papers relevant to the issues and concerns that many of us are grappling with today, but the conference also provides a platform for us to meet, mingle and exchange ideas with our peers. The networking opportunities are an incredible opportunity to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.

Adrianna Borgia, Managing Editor (Microbiology Spectrum, Microbiology Resource Announcements), American Society for Microbiology

This SSP, I had the opportunity to experience the program from different perspectives. As an attendee, SSP was a chance to soak in new knowledge, experiences, and insights. As a speaker and poster presenter, it was a platform to share my experiences and receive feedback and ideas from my peers. And finally, as a volunteer, it reinforced for me the importance of strengthening my connection to the community by giving back. 

A.J. Boston, Scholarly Communication Librarian, Murray State University

The 45th annual meeting in Portland Oregon was the first SSP I had ever attended. Thanks to Danielle Padula and Brian Cody at Scholastica for inviting me to join their panel, along with Adam Hyde, Jennifer Regala, Maxine Aldred, and Robert Harrington. Charlotte Roh organized an informal librarian gathering and it looked like there were just fewer than 30 of us there. I’ve since encouraged other scholarly communication librarians to consider attending this meeting, at least once. Librarian interactions with publishers are often confined to vendor/customer interactions; my experience at SSP was far wider than that, with the one constant being warm cordiality.

The networking opportunities were really good and the panels were all interesting. One motif that appeared across sessions was the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. Dr. Elizabeth Bik’s opening keynote covered her experiences spotting image duplication in scientific publications and concern for how A.I. could exacerbate the situation. The closing plenary, moderated by Chef Rick Anderson, saw Dr. Jessica Miles and Dr. Tim Vines debate whether A.I. would fatally undermine the integrity of scholarly publishing.

The food and cocktails at SSP were very nice, but it was the food for thought that left the biggest impression. At an Industry Breakout session I attended, Research Square discussed a pilot that Springer Nature ran with American Journal Experts’s Digital Editing tool. Results from the pilot indicated a jump in manuscript acceptance rates based solely on copyediting. While A.I. may present risks for scholarly publishing, hearing about this pilot made me consider the opportunity costs if artificial intelligence-based tools are not used.

 For example, reducing the “time authors need to spend preparing their research for publication” sounds like a valuable proposition, given the amount of money and time wasted in other areas of manuscript preparation. Delivering more polished manuscripts with fewer distractions of readability to peer-reviewers (a resource in precariously short supply) likewise seems a responsible step for publishers to consider adopting. Finally, it seemed notable that simply improving readability – leaving the underlying science unchanged – could affect the odds of a paper’s acceptance. 

I could have read about this editing tool pilot outside of SSP, but I didn’t. I heard about it at SSP, where I was able to immediately discuss it at some length with the presenters and fellow attendees. That level of intentional and concentrated idea sharing, along with the networking it entailed, is what #SSP2023 meant to me.

Brian Cody, Co-Founder and CEO, Scholastica

I was reminded of how much we’re resources to each other, that we’re a community. I think this came partially from the theme of potential threats from AI that permeated the conference sessions, which I think created a sense of shared focus and emphasized common experiences within the community rather than our differences. I also had many fortuitous and chance conversations with people who had ideas or experiences that addressed challenges I’ve been thinking about, and this emphasized that feeling of community for me, that we can (and do!) help each other navigate this ever-changing scholarly publishing world.

Janaynne do Amaral, Ph.D. (she/her/hers), Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The SSP 2023 Annual Meeting meant to me a great opportunity to meet and interact with stakeholders of scholarly communication, understand better the role of each one of them in the scholarly communication cycle, and how I can work with them in my role as a researcher to help to improve and make science and the scholarly publishing more accessible, diverse, and inclusive. In addition, the Meeting made me realize how it is important for people in different stages of their careers to support each other not only for developing their careers but to promote a healthy workplace open to different perspectives and complementary expertise. The meeting also is excellent to think about the impact of culture on scholarly communication, and the importance to observe the local needs of communities to improve scholarly journals.

Adrienne Fisher, Product Manager, Clarivate

As a first-time attendee of SSP, I was excited to go into the conference and avail myself of all the prescriptive reasons to be there: meet, learn, network. And while much of the aforementioned was done (so, so much!), what I found myself valuing most turned out to be what one might consider “off-label” benefits of attending an industry conference, which in fact are much more nuanced. It’s quite easy to lose sight of the big picture of things when sitting behind a desk day in and day out, trying to solve problems or calculate margins, regardless of whether that desk is in the office or your office. But being at SSP and listening to many folks speaking passionately and eloquently about all of the things going on in scholarly communications helped pull back the zoom for me a bit (no pun intended) and provided a much needed refocusing of perspective. 

All things considered, the whole event was a great reminder that we work in a community that’s not just a marketplace of ideas in the service of profit, but with shared objectives for the greater good of science and society at large. For example, while I am, affectionately, a bit burnt out from talking with the same people daily about the looming event horizon of AI, I found the closing debate (and audience-submitted questions) on whether or not AI will be the industry’s downfall to be one of the more thought-provoking sessions on a topic that’s been, bluntly, quite exhausting for everyone. I also especially appreciated the opening keynote from Elisabeth Bik and her foray into image fraud vigilantism; I found the spirit with which she’s taken matters into her own hands to be particularly inspiring as we continue to discuss, year over year, the challenges that publishing faces in the realm of research integrity.

Plus, how much fun is it to respond when your friends ask “How was your work trip?” with “There was a bona fide musical theater production about metadata”? Can’t wait to see how SSP tries to top that one next year!

Latoya Fladger, MA, Editor Engagement Manager, American Chemical Society

The months leading up to SSP 2023 was like preparing for a championship game or awesome vacation. I started the year unemployed. Being a member of the SSP Annual Meeting Committee allowed me to stay engaged with colleagues while I looked for the right opportunity. It also signified that scholarly publishing is the right industry for me. The kindness in this community is unmatched.

Leading up to the meeting, I reached my goals of finding a great position with a highly respected organization as well as becoming more involved in SSP. Serving as MC of the Previews Session with the magnificent Erin Foley allowed me to refuel my passion for public speaking. Although I’m not an early career professional, I’ve received invaluable mentorship from members that I will pass along to others. For me, SSP 2023 was more than just another networking event. It was an affirmation that I belong.

I’m grateful to be part of the SSP community.

Nikesh Gosalia, President, Global Academic and Publisher Relations, Cactus Communications

I have attended SSP since 2015 and it is one of the most important events on my professional calendar. I was slightly apprehensive if people would travel all the way to Portland but it was great to see such a huge turnout. It has always been a great opportunity to meet colleagues, clients, friends and new connections. I feel welcomed and the community is very supportive. With the current focus, all the sessions were very relevant too. I look forward to attending many more SSP meetings. Thank you for all the hard work. 

Darrell W. Gunter, SVP  Strategic Partnerships, Underline Science Inc.

SSP 2023 provided me with an opportunity to achieve many things.  First, let me start with the opportunity to meet with my mentee Sarah Gordon. Meeting Sarah in person brought alive our zoom sessions and established what I believe will be a lifelong friendship.

SSP 2023 allowed me to catch up with old friends and establish new industry friends. Just as important, it allowed me to represent my client, Underline Science, and discuss the phenomenal virtual conference platform and their state-of-the-art video library.

SSP 2023 reminded me of the importance of the industry coming together to debate the key issues and share the new advances in the scholarly publishing industry.

Gabe Harp, Director of Product, Research Square/Springer Nature

For me, SSP 2023 meant all of the following and more: the chance to reconnect in person with current and former colleagues, to meet many new people, to hear great presentations and debate (from Elisabeth Bik’s opening keynote on research integrity to the closing plenary debate between Tim Vines and Jessica Miles on AI and trust in scholarly publishing), to see new products attempting to solve some of the most important challenges that our industry faces, to gaze in wonder at the Foucault pendulum hanging above the lobby, to review the fabulous posters (especially those of the SSP Fellows), and to enjoy a hike that passed ten waterfalls in the luscious temperate rainforest of Oregon. 

Laura Harvey, Chief Customer Officer, Ex Ordo

Saying my goodbyes after SSP felt a lot like the wind down from a good friend’s wedding. You’re happy, you’re sad, you can’t believe it’s over, your feet hurt… SSP 2023 was a milestone for me professionally and personally. It was my first international conference since 2019. My first in person speaking engagement since 2018. SSP was the chosen venue for Ex Ordo to announce ourselves and share some exciting news. It was a chance for me to connect in person with much-loved industry colleagues, some of whom I’ve worked with for years and was meeting in person for the first time. Like all good conferences I arrived excited and left better informed and more connected to the community.

Leah Hinds, Executive Director, Charleston Hub

I always look forward to the SSP annual meetings, and the 2023 event met and exceeded my expectations. The agenda was top-notch, and it was great to catch up with so many of my friends and colleagues in the industry with a multitude of meetings that week, both planned and serendipitous. I’ve especially come to look forward to the Charleston Trendspotting session that I host alongside Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe. This was our sixth iteration of the event, which is held in Charleston and at SSP. It’s been fascinating to see how the session has evolved over the years and how the outputs have changed with the times. I deeply appreciate the ongoing relationship between the Charleston Conference and SSP, and how we can mutually benefit our respective members/attendees by providing quality educational content for both events. Can’t wait for Boston 2024!

Patti Lockhart, Director of Publishing and Outreach, Technical Activities Division, TRB, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

This was my first SSP since 2019. I had forgotten how invigorating it is to share ideas and best practices with other publishers. My colleagues and I left feeling energized and ready to take on the many issues and opportunities facing our community. Thanks, SSP!

Kevin Lomangino, Head of KGL Consulting, KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd.

SSP 2023 was undoubtedly the most valuable two and half days I’ve spent on the job this year. Where else could I have made real connections with dozens of clients and colleagues whom I’ve only interacted with through a Zoom screen? The conference also helped hone and enhance my knowledge across a number fast-evolving areas of publishing, empowering me to navigate this landscape with greater confidence and enthusiasm. The meeting was impeccably organized and so easy to navigate with the Whova app. I felt truly engaged on the important things and spent little time on the logistics and details that can prove very tiring at some conferences. I will definitely be marking my calendar for SSP 2024 in Boston!

Mithu Lucraft, Senior Consultant, TBI Communications

It was my first time at SSP in 2023 having followed it from a distance for many years. It didn’t disappoint: every session I attended was lively, with excellent speakers and engagement from attendees. The two sessions where I was a speaker made me truly appreciate how diverse the programming is for the conference, covering open access at one end and leadership at the other. I really enjoyed the chance to connect with new and familiar faces, especially over great local drinks! Huge thanks to the organizers and everyone involved for making it so welcoming.

Chris Reid, Director, Product and Publishing Development, American Association for the Advancement of Science

As a first time attendee, I’m now wondering how I’ve been in publishing for so long without the SSP meeting in my life. It meant so much to see so many familiar faces, make new friends and enjoy inspirational talks. My only regret is that I can’t be in all the sessions/meetings/conversations all the time. Roll on Boston 2023!

Matthew Salter, PhD, CEO and Founder, Akabana Consulting

SSP was the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 that I had the chance to meet in person with friends and former colleagues in the scholarly publishing industry, and the first major meeting I had been to since founding Akabana Consulting. I’d forgotten how important the face-to-face aspect of such meetings are to me. One of the things I value so much about our industry is how collegial and convivial it is — it’s the people that really make scholarly publishing so great. I was also struck anew by the vital societal role that our industry plays in ensuring the integrity of the scholarly record and disseminating high-quality content to the research community and the wider world. As to high points, there were many: fanboying at Dr. Bik’s plenary, hearing more about the latest issues and products, the passionately argued closing debate on trust in scientific publishing, and of course, appearing as Dung Beetle in “Metadata: The Musical”, a role I was born to play!

Dustin Smith, Co-Founder & President, Hum

SSP is one of our favorite events to connect with folks in the industry and get face time with present and future customers. Coffees, lunches, cocktails, dinners. Serendipitous swings by the booth. Drive-by “hellos.”  “So great to bump into you!” Really meaningful time. Everyone undistracted and happy to be there.

We timed our annual sock release (pink this year, a big hit, especially among Mean Girls fans and Jennifer Regala!) and cocktail (“The Alchemist”, a blue-purple-pink ombre fruit fest honoring Hum’s AI engine) to the annual meeting. It feels like we’re not the only ones who treat SSP as a key milestone, with others like Silverchair’s Sensus launch and Ex Ordo’s funding announcement (congrats, both!) taking similar advantage. Bring out the good stuff for the big party 🎉.

Karen Stoll Farrell, Head, Scholarly Communication Department, Indiana University Libraries

As a not-yet-member of SSP, this was my first year in attendance at the conference, which was an overall wonderful experience. The Charleston Trendspotting session was particularly engaging. It made use of a tool called the ‘futures wheel’ that I plan to make use of in my own work. This session had participants working together to find the potential implications of current challenges and trends. Not surprisingly, many focused on AI, while other challenges were around the OSTP memo, the lack of public trust in scholarly publishing, the lack of peer reviewers, and the proliferation of coauthors on publications. I was particularly interested in parallel discussions that occurred around the CRediT taxonomy for scholarly authors. Another session engaged funders in conversation around their perspectives on the OSTP memo. I was particularly interested in how they were trying to think about green vs. gold open access and the equity implications of the APC model, which has gained so much traction and is generally covered within their grants, but that they continue to think critically about. Finally, the closing debate about the future of AI and scholarly communication left me with so many lingering thoughts and questions about what our work may be like in the future, and how to refocus our work on building trust.

I would also like to send a deep thank you to my fellow panelists, Mithu Lucraft and Will Schweitzer, as well as to our moderator, Julie Nash, and organizer, Stephanie Lovegrove Hansen, and to the audience themselves. Our session about introverted leadership was very lively and full of thoughtful questions about how to best work with people who work in different ways, how to advocate for oneself as an introverted person, and how to manage teams of introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. 

As an introvert myself, I greatly appreciated all of the opportunities to connect with other attendees, while still having time to step away. The SSP conference gave me many ideas to take back home with me, and I fully look forward to attending again next year.

Shelley Withers, Associate Director, Journals, Wolters Kluwer

SSP has provided me with a sense of community throughout my publishing career and the 45th Annual Meeting in Portland, OR, was no exception. The chance to spend time away from the day-to-day with people I admire, who contribute so much to the scholarly publishing community, is invaluable to me.

The meeting provides a unique opportunity to mingle with past and present publishing colleagues, society, and industry partners. It grounds me and gives me great pride in the important work that we all do to advance our community!