Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is set to organize the fourth edition of the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference from April 7-8, 2025 at the Sharjah Expo Centre.
The event will gather more than 661 booksellers, publishers and distributors from 94 countries to exchange expertise, explore industry trends, and expand their professional networks.
The program will also serve as platform to forge strategic partnership and explore avenues for innovation and sustainable growth. Attendees will delve into key issues of the publishing and distribution industries, highlight emerging global challenges and opportunities, and engage in discussions to shape the sector’s future.
The opening keynote address will be delivered by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA. The chairperson will highlight notable achievements of the conference, the significance of international collaboration in shaping the future of publishing, and reaffirm the key role of distributors in making knowledge accessible across the globe.
The first day will feature a panel discussion with Renato Salvetti, CEO, Messaggerie Libri, Italy, and Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Publishing Perspectives. It will be followed by a session featuring 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 opening keynote address. Michael will explore the transformation of Europe’s publishing and distribution landscape, the evolving consumer behaviors, and emerging business opportunities.
During the conference, PublisHer, a platform that focuses on promoting and assisting female publishers, will conduct panel discussions and expert-led workshops on the sector’s key issues. Female leaders will also share their success stories and inspire the next generation of industry professionals.
Ajay Mago, owner of OM Books, India, will lead the “AI for Booksellers: Enhancing Discovery, Sales & Operations” session, exploring AI’s potential in enhancing key aspects of the bookselling business.
Under the session “Working with Instagram and Book Bloggers,” Kristine Pikenena will provide guidance on collaborating with social media influencers in the book space. Fernando Pascal will present “Data Management for Booksellers,” which centers on best practices for handling and leveraging data.
Steve Jones will deliver a session titled “Diversifying Your Bookshop’s Offerings,” exploring strategies to expand a bookshop’s product range. Rome Quezada will present “What Are ‘Coffee Table’ Books and How Can They Build a New Community?” highlighting their role in engaging readers.
Maddalena Fossombroni will lead “The Literary Festival Effect: Catalyzing Culture and Community,” assessing the broader cultural impact of literary events. Rodrigo Larrubia, Libreria Luces, Spain, will carry out the “Workshop on Developing and Managing Book Clubs,” to provide practical insights for fostering community engagement.
Elena Martínez Blanco, Librería Serendipias, Spain, will deliver “How Bookstores Can Encourage Reading Among Children and Teens,” to promote youth readership initiatives.
Harriet Vocking, Supadu, UK, will provide expert advice in “Building an E-Commerce Business: How to Add Value to Your Bookshop and Be Sustainable at the Same Time,” while Jeremy Cammy, Rock the Bus Productions, Canada, will present the session titled “Running Successful Events in Bookstores,” highlight strategies for event planning and execution.
