We are pleased to introduce Member Talks. Member Talks are an opportunity for any WMG member to contribute to the professional development, enjoyment and personal interactions of WMG members.
Tuesday, July 27th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members only
Have you missed the exchange of ideas, industry information, pop culture recommendations, random conversations about topical events, and general camaraderie that used to happen in the “before times” at the water cooler, in front of the restroom sink, and in the lively chatter before the start of a WMG event? As we optimistically look forward to more in-person communication, we could all use a little TLC, so come Talk, Listen, and Connect! Join WMG board member Jennifer Perry for an hour of chit-chat about whatever you want to discuss the day we meet, with an emphasis on current media events and media buzz. Maybe it’s the virtual nature of book fairs or the newest best sellers or the rise of TikTok as a marketing platform for books. Or perhaps you've been following how media companies are responding in different ways to the need to increase diverse voices. Or you can't wait to share thoughts about book-based TV series. Jennifer will have a short list of suggested topics to jumpstart the meet-up, and welcomes and encourages your ideas, too. jennifer's area of special interest is Publishing, but members from all areas of media are very encouraged to attend. No homework necessary: just a willingness to share ideas and opinions about anything you’d like to discuss with a group. Our very own WMG brand of TLC!
About Jennifer
WMG Board member Jennifer Perry is focused on reaching all kids and families with meaningful literacy opportunities. She has created educational resources as a publisher, museum educator, Sesame Street brand ambassador, and consultant for child-focused media companies and non-profits. Currently, she is Director of Audiobooks at Barnes & Noble. She is a frequent speaker on ways to reach and teach kids with effective, engaging, and empowering digital experiences.
Wednesday, August 4th, 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members & non-members
The bestselling author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code returns with a viciously funny, deeply felt collection of essays on friendship among grown-ass women. Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light reads like the best cocktail party of your life. Plan to join us on August 4, as we gather (virtually) with Helen Ellis for a happy hour filled with questions, conversation and likely, more than a few laughs.
Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light is twelve gloriously comic and moving essays! Helen dishes on married middle-age sex, sobs with a theater full of women as a psychic exorcises their sorrows, gets twenty shots of stomach bile to the neck to get rid of her double chin, and gathers up the courage to ask, “Are you there, Menopause? It’s Me, Helen.”
Kirkus calls it “Darkly hilarious” and Martha Steward Living says it’s “an uproarious joyride, best enjoyed with a souvenir cup of white wine”. Come find out for yourself on August 4 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern at this Zoom event moderated by WMG board member, Kelly Hoey.
The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to be collaborating with Shakespeare & Co. for this Happy Hour with Helen. Purchase your copy of Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light here.
About the Author:
Helen Ellis is the author of Southern Lady Code, American Housewife and Eating the Cheshire Cat. Raised in Alabama, she lives with her husband in New York City. You can find her on Twitter @WhatIDoAllDay and Instagram @HelenEllisAuthor.
About the Moderator:
Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World. Raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Kelly has called NYC home since 1998. You can find her on Twitter @jkhoey and Instagram @jkellyhoey.
About Shakespeare & Co:
Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.
Wednesday, September 15th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members and non-members
According to Forbes, influencer marketing spend is projected to hit $15 billion in 2022 a rise from $8 billion in 2019.
Influencers are reaching more consumers than ever. Importantly, influencers have credibility with their followers and are successfully building awareness & sales for brand and retail partners.
Why are marketers so excited about influencer marketing? Because influencers are successfully driving action both online and increasing foot traffic in-store.
During this 1 hour webinar, you'll learn:
How to effectively leverage influencers to drive impact for your brand/business.
A how-to guide to ensure influencer marketing campaign success.
How to Measure Campaign Success & deliver ROI.
About the Speaker:
WMG member Aliza Freud is the founder & CEO of SheSpeaks and award-winning influencer marketing company that works with some of the world's most respected brands. Aliza is also the host of top rated podcast, SheSpeaks: How She Does It which is dedicated to telling women's stories.
Thursday, September 23rd, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET
Writer and editor Michelle Burford has co-authored ten memoirs and six New York Times best sellers (three of which debuted at #1) including Just As I Am written with legendary actress Cicely Tyson (who tragically passed away on January 28, 2021, two days following publication of her memoir). Michelle’s celebrity collaborations also include books with Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton and Simone Biles (to name just a few) - plus there are more in the pipeline (this past summer Michelle was working on no less than three memoirs). Her extraordinary ability to deliver dazzling life stories under tight deadlines is just one of Michelle’s many strengths as an author and editor.
The Oprah Magazine calls Just As I Am an “essential, passionate, raw, revelatory account of a woman who refused to allow any obstacle to thwart her quest for excellence—racism, misogyny, poverty, single motherhood—and today stands as one of the greatest actresses of all time.”
The New York Times book review of Just As I Am noted “A throng of admirers has been eager to hear whatever she [Cicely Tyson] wants to tell. [Michelle] Burford, a sensitive listener, has organized 96 years’ worth of stories with grace. Right about now, the autobiography of Miss Cicely Tyson is a balm for the afflicted.”
In this WMG conversation with Michelle on September 23, we’ll explore not only the extraordinary careers of her memoir collaborators but Michelle’s own career story: how her writing career started, why she’s passionate about book collaborations and her secret to getting things done.
The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to partner with Shakespeare & Co. for this conversation with Michelle. Purchase your copy of Michelle’s book Just As I Am.
About Michelle Burford:
Michelle Burford is a #1 NYT bestselling collaborative writer and a founding editor of Oprah Magazine. Michelle has written memoirs for iconic actress Cicely Tyson, whose memoir debuted at #1 on the New York Times' list; singer Alicia Keys; Olympic champions Simone Biles and Gabrielle Douglas, singer Toni Braxton, "Dancing With the Stars" sensation Amy Purdy, "Orange Is the New Black" actress Diane Guerrero, and Cleveland survivor Michelle Knight, the first young woman kidnapped and brutalized by Ariel Castro. She has co-authored 10 books and six NYT best sellers. More about Michelle: michelleburford.com.
Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World (her first book, though she is bravely embarking on her second). More about Kelly: jkellyhoey.co.
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