Press Release: The ICv2 Comics, Media, and Digital Conference, held in conjunction with SDCC, will bring together thought leaders from the comics, media, and digital worlds to discuss how the two most powerful trends in comics are shaping the future. Speakers and panelists at the Conference will look at the state of comics now; how comics are being used in other media; how digital comics are interacting with the transmedia uses of comic properties; and a panel discussion on “Comics at Comic-Con 2013,” in which digital, retailing, distribution, and creator panelists will look ahead two years to answer key questions about the future of comics.

“Comics are changing more rapidly and in more profound ways than at any time since the mid-80s,” ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp said. “This Conference can help us understand and profit from the powerful forces that are transforming the industry.”

The ICv2 Comics, Media, and Digital Conference is sponsored by Publisher's Weekly, Heidi MacDonald's The Beat, and Media and Entertainment Technologies.

The Conference will be held at the Marriott next to the San Diego Convention Center on Wednesday afternoon, July 20th. All four sessions of the Conference have now been announced, along with the initial slate of speakers:

The ICv2 White Paper
This ICv2 White Paper will present a comprehensive look at the comics market and the trends in comics, their media uses, and digital distribution.
Presented by Milton Griepp, ICv2.

Selling Comics in Hollywood—State of the Market
Panelists including Hollywood agents and managers discuss the market for comic properties in film, TV, and videogames—what types of projects are getting made, and why.
-- Scott Agostoni, Agent
-- Rick Jacobs, Producer and Manager, Circle of Confusion
-- Nick Harris, Co-head of Media Rights, International Creative Management

Digital Comics and Transmedia Properties
Panelists from the comic and digital worlds discuss how awareness from other media is creating unique opportunities to sell digital comics to new customers, and how digital comics are being used to enhance interest and revenues in other media.
-- Ted Adams, CEO, IDW Publishing
-- Alvin Lu, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Viz Media
-- Michael Murphey, CEO, iVerse
-- Mike Richardson, CEO, Dark Horse Productions

Comics, Paper and Digital, at Comic-Con 2013
Our panelists look ahead two years to answer key questions about the future of comics. At Comic-Con 2013, what is a comic? How do consumers buy them? How are comics tied to other media? And who were the winners and losers in the previous 24 months?
-- Joe Field, President, ComicsPro; and CEO, Flying Colors
-- Bill Schanes, Vice President, Diamond Comic Distributors
-- David Steinberger, CEO, comiXology
-- Mark Waid, Writer and Editor