Sharjah: The fourth edition of the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference is poised to begin tomorrow at the Sharjah Expo Centre, gathering over 661 booksellers, publishers, and distributors from 94 countries. This event aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise, exploration of industry trends, and expansion of professional networks among global participants.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and reflects substantial growth in scale and thematic breadth. Attendees will engage in discussions on pressing issues in the publishing and distribution industries, assess emerging global challenges and opportunities, and shape the sector's future. The program is structured to provide a strategic environment for forming partnerships and exploring avenues for innovation and sustainable growth.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, will deliver a keynote address to open the conference. Her speech will focus on the conference's achievements, the importance of international collaboration in the publishing sector, and the essential role of distributors in making knowledge globally accessible.
The opening day features a panel discussion with Renato Salvetti, CEO of Messaggerie Libri, Italy, and Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives. This will be followed by a session with Serban Radu and Nicoleta Jordan, co-founders of Romania's leading bookshop chain, Carturesti.
On the second day, Michael Busch, founder of Germany's Thalia bookstores, will deliver a keynote address discussing the evolution of Europe's publishing and distribution landscape, shifting consumer behaviors, and emerging business opportunities.
PublisHer, a platform supporting female publishers, will host panel discussions and expert-led workshops addressing crucial topics in the sector. Female leaders will share their professional journeys and mentor the next generation of industry professionals.
Ajay Mago of OM Books, India, will lead a session on "AI for Booksellers: Enhancing Discovery, Sales, and Operations," exploring artificial intelligence's role in the bookselling business. Kristine Pikenena will present a session on effective collaboration with social media influencers in "Working with Instagram and Book Bloggers." Fernando Pascal will discuss "Data Management for Booksellers," focusing on best practices for data handling and leveraging. Steve Jones will conduct a session titled "Diversifying Your Bookshop's Offerings," examining strategies for broadening a bookshop's product range.
Rome Quezada will lead a session on the potential of "Coffee Table" books in community engagement. Maddalena Fossombroni will address the cultural impact of literary events in "The Literary Festival Effect: Catalyzing Culture and Community." Rodrigo Larrubia from Libreria Luces, Spain, will conduct a workshop on developing and managing book clubs, while Elena Martnez Blanco from Librera Serendipias, Spain, will present on encouraging reading among children and teens.
Harriet Vocking of Supadu, UK, will offer advice in a session on building a sustainable e-commerce business for bookshops. Jeremy Cammy of Rock the Bus Productions, Canada, will lead a session on running successful bookstore events, sharing strategies for effective event planning and execution.