Its unprecedented success in 2021 and 2022 has resulted in SIBF being recognized as the world’s largest publishing event for two consecutive years….reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah, a cultural hub in the United Arab Emirates, is gearing up to welcome professionals from the global publishing industry as they gather for the 13th annual Publishers Conference.
This event, set to begin on Sunday, October 29, is a prelude to the highly anticipated Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and forms an integral part of SIBF’s professional program.
Delegates from 106 countries, including 12 debutant nations such as Benin, Ivory Coast, the Czech Republic, Mauritius, Paraguay, Burkina Faso, Zaire, Malawi, Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, will descend on the Expo Centre Sharjah for a three-day congregation of literary minds.
The Publishers Conference, with a longstanding tradition of enhancing industry knowledge and promoting global interconnectedness, has played a significant role in shaping the world of publishing.
Its unprecedented success in 2021 and 2022 has resulted in SIBF being recognized as the world’s largest publishing event for two consecutive years.
The 13th annual Publishers Conference will see the participation of 42 speakers and experts who are influential figures in the publishing industry. Among them are Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Núria Cabutí Brull, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo; Ian Chapman, Chief Executive and Publisher of Simon & Schuster UK and International; and Cheolho Yoon, Chairman of the Korean Publishers Association.
The first day of the conference will feature 31 panel discussions and sessions led by these experts, covering a wide array of topics. These discussions will delve into the evolving landscape of digital publishing, the promotion of literary diversity and inclusivity, strategies for building industry resilience, and the embracing of innovation.
Days 2 and 3 of the conference will be bustling with business networking and matchmaking sessions. Publishers will engage in negotiations over various critical topics, including buying and selling rights and translation agreements. These sessions offer a platform for forging new collaborations and business opportunities among industry professionals.
The conference will also be the stage for announcing the winners of the 2nd edition of the Sharjah Rights Connection Awards. This highly anticipated award received 58 entries, including submissions from 42 literary agents and 16 publishers representing 58 countries. These awards aim to honor and celebrate excellence in the domain of international publishing rights.
Additionally, the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) will announce the winners of the 2nd edition of the ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing. This award recognizes and promotes accessible publishing practices, ensuring that literature is inclusive and accessible to all, including individuals with print disabilities.
After the conclusion of the three-day Publishers Conference, the 42nd annual Sharjah International Book Fair will open its doors to the world on November 1. This event promises a remarkable 12-day celebration of books, creativity, arts, and culture, all under the theme “We Speak Books.” With a rich lineup of authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the world, SIBF is poised to be a must-visit event for all those passionate about literature and culture.
In summary, the 13th annual Publishers Conference in Sharjah is set to unite global publishing professionals for three days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and recognition of excellence in the industry. With its diverse and comprehensive agenda, this event serves as a crucial precursor to the Sharjah International Book Fair, further cementing Sharjah’s status as a global hub for literature and culture.
