Christian publishing executives will take stock of the impact of the economic downturn and the challenge of new technology, when they gather in California later this week to consider "Leading Through a Tsunami of Change."

That is the theme of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association's (ECPA) 2009 executive leadership summit, to be held at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, April 26-28.

Organizers say that with "seismic shifts" occurring in publishing due to tighter budgets, the digital revolution, and new distribution models, the event is intended to bring together experts outside and inside the industry "to best equip the industry's leadership to strategically navigate and lead" through change.

Among the presenters will be former ECPA information and technology officer Kelly Gallagher, now vice president of publishing services for R.R. Bowker. He will speak on "Hitting a Moving Target: Tracking the Consumer Book and Media Landscape."

Other presenters include Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio, who will co-lead a case study session on audiobooks, and Tim Close, senior vice president of Symtio, who will talk about Zondervan's digital content program.

In addition, ECPA President Mark Kuyper will present a "State of the industry" briefing and association leaders will meet to discuss the future of the Christian Book Expo, which fell far short of its anticipated attendance in Dallas, last month.

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