Sharjah is set to welcome over 661 booksellers, publishers, and literary distributors from 94 countries as the fourth edition of the International Booksellers Conference kicks off on Monday. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the two-day event will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah, reaffirming the emirate’s role as a global hub for the publishing and book distribution industries.
The conference continues to grow in scope and diversity, positioning itself as the first global platform dedicated to uniting key players in the field of book distribution and publishing from across the continents. This year’s edition will address a range of pressing issues facing the industry, explore global market trends, and foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry professionals. The event also provides a fertile ground for forming new partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and sharing insights on the future of publishing.
Shaping the Future of Publishing
On the first day, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, will deliver the keynote address. She will highlight the conference’s achievements over the past editions and emphasize the importance of international cooperation in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for the publishing industry, especially in enhancing the role of distributors in expanding global access to knowledge.
The conference will then open with a session featuring Renato Salvettie, CEO of the Italian book distribution company Messaggerie Libri, in conversation with Porter Anderson, followed by a panel with Șerban Radu and Nicoleta Jordan from Romania’s leading bookstore chain, Cărturești.
European Market Insights
Day two will begin with a keynote by Michael Busch, founder of Germany’s Thalia bookstores. He will share insights on the current landscape of the European publishing and retail book sectors, including consumer trends and commercial opportunities in bookstore management.
Empowering Women in Publishing: ‘Publish Her’ Initiative
The conference will continue its Publish Her initiative, aimed at empowering women in the publishing sector. This year’s program includes panel discussions, professional development workshops, and interactive sessions with leading women in publishing, who will share their experiences and advice with the next generation of industry professionals.
Workshops include a session by Ajay Mago on the role of artificial intelligence in discovery, sales, and operational efficiency. Kristine Pekinina will explore how to work with book influencers on Instagram, while Fernando Pascal will lead a workshop on data management for booksellers. Steve Jones will discuss how to diversify offerings within bookstores, and Roma Quesada will explore the cultural and commercial value of coffee table books in cultivating new reading communities.
Community Building Through Books and Events
Roma Quesada will also present a session titled “What Are Coffee Table Books and How Do They Build New Communities?” Other featured sessions include Madalina Fosombroni discussing the cultural impact of literary festivals, Rodrigo Laroupia on best practices in book club management, and Elena Martínez Blanco on methods to encourage reading among children and teens.
Harriet Vocking will delve into how to build a sustainable e-commerce model that adds value to bookstores, while Jeremy Cami will lead a workshop on organizing successful events in bookstores.
Now in its fourth edition, the International Booksellers Conference continues to cement its status as a premier annual gathering for booksellers, publishers, distributors, and literary agents from around the world. The event plays a strategic role in strengthening book supply chains and expanding global distribution networks, reinforcing Sharjah’s position at the forefront of the international publishing industry.
