PLS Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce that the PLS Conference 2026 will be held on Thursday 2nd July, at 1 Wimpole Street, London.
About this Event

PLS Conference returns July 2026

Join us for the PLS Conference 2026 on Thursday, 2nd July at 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE.

Since its launch in 2023, the PLS Conference has become an established fixture in the publishing calendar, providing attendees working in or with an interest in copyright, rights and licensing with practical advice and expert insights, in-person networking opportunities, and the chance to hear from leaders and experts across the publishing industry.

It’s your opportunity to:

· Meet in person: With chances to network, meet industry contacts, and catchup with the PLS team, PLS Conference is an opportunity build valuable relationships with colleagues from across publishing.

· Know your rights: Attendees will hear from experts across the industry about rights and licensing developments and can learn more about copyright and how potential changes may impact publishing.

· Gain practical skills: Informative speaker sessions and workshops throughout the day will equip attendees to make the most of licensing opportunities and maximise their content’s value.

PLS Conference welcomes professionals from across publishing with an interest in developments in copyright, rights and licensing.

Register for free today.

Please note there will be a photographer in attendance and photographs taken at the event may be used on PLS' social media channels, website and/or in print. Please contact us if you would prefer not to be photographed: [email protected].

Agenda

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration Open
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Conference Welcome
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Introduction to PLS

Info: With speaker Amy Byrne, Publisher Relations Executive, PLS.

🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Yearly licensing agent’s update

Info: With speaker James Bennett, Head of Rightsholder Relations, CLA.

🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:25 AM
From Requests to Rights: What Permission Data Tells Us in 2025–26

Info: With speakers Helen Jennings, Product Manager, PLS; and Natalia Kornioukhova, Product Manager, PLS.

🕑: 11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
The AI Licensing Market

Info: With speaker Ritch Sibthorpe, CEO, Muwzo AI.

🕑: 01:05 PM - 01:40 PM
CEO's Panel: Licensing Generative AI

Info: With speakers Barbara Hayes, Chief Executive, ALCS; Simon Hutson, Chief Executive, CLA; Tom West, Chief Executive, PLS; and chaired by Ritch Sibthorpe, CEO, Muwzo AI.

🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:30 PM
Humans and Machines; the Everywhere Equation.
Host: Professional Publishers Association

Info: Highlights from the PPA report in partnership with Enders Analysis.

With speaker Mel McVeigh, Strategic Consultant (Digital Product), PPA.

🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:30 PM
AI in action: A publishing case study
Host: Independent Publishers Guild (IPG)

Info: Where can publishers deploy Artificial Intelligence to improve engagement with content and developing new sales opportunities? This session delivers examples of good practice from Rob Burleigh of Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, winner of the PLS AI Award at the 2026 Independent Publishing Awards. Rob explains how innovative use of AI tools are making Burleigh Dodds’ content easier to use while protecting copyright.

With Rob Burleigh of Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing; and chaired by Bridget Shine, Chief Executive, Independent Publishers Guild (IPG).

🕑: 02:40 PM - 03:20 PM
What’s next in AI policy, litigation, legislation?
Host: Association of Learned & Professional Society Publishers

Info: With speaker Elinor Cavil, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Simmons and Simmons; and chaired by Leslie Lansman, Head of Permissions and Licensing, Springer Nature.

🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:15 PM
Making Rights Visible: Changing Internal Perceptions of Licensing

Info: Despite being a high‑margin revenue stream, rights is often under‑represented internally. This panel discusses how to raise awareness of licensing value, integrate rights into business planning, and shift perceptions from “support function” to “growth driver”. Chaired by Jessica Rutt, International Rights and Licensing Manager, RCNi; and Claire Harper, Associate Director, Global Rights and Licensing at SAGE Publishing.

🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Keynote Address: Baroness Thangam Debbonaire

Info: Baroness Thangam Debbonaire comments: “As AI continues to transform the creative economy, ensuring that creators and publishers are properly recognised and protected will be critical. The publishing industry has a major role to play in shaping how innovation and copyright work together, and I’m delighted to be joining this year’s PLS Conference to discuss these issues with leaders from across publishing, rights and the wider creative industries. Bringing together expertise and perspectives from across the sector to shape policy and inform politicians is essential and urgent.”

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Post-Conference Drinks Reception