14th Sharjah Publishers Conference Welcomes Over 1,000 Professionals To Discuss Publishing Innovations

The 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference is set to take place at Expo Center Sharjah from 3rd to 5th November, 2024. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this event precedes the Sharjah International Book Fair. It is a key event in the global publishing calendar, drawing professionals and experts to discuss industry trends and challenges.

On the first day, notable figures will deliver keynote speeches. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, will open the conference. John Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Content Group, Lightning Source, will also speak. Additionally, Chantal Restivo-Alessi from HarperCollins Publishers will engage in a live discussion with Porter Anderson of Publishing Perspectives.

A significant highlight on the opening day is the announcement of winners for the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Rights Connection Awards. These awards honour exceptional contributions to rights trading and international partnerships in publishing. The Rights Professionals of the Year are recognised with a US$2,500 prize each.

The "She's Next in Publishing" initiative winners will also be revealed on this day. This programme, created by Visa (MENA Region) with PublisHer, celebrates emerging female leaders in publishing. The winner receives US$50,000 and a Sharjah Publishing City licence to operate in the UAE.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees will participate in 30 roundtable discussions led by renowned speakers. These sessions aim to provide insights into current industry dynamics and encourage collaboration among participants. Topics include digital publishing advancements and strategies for sustaining and expanding the sector.

The conference will host 1,065 professionals from 108 countries, including first-time participation from the Central African Republic. This diverse gathering underscores its significance as a platform for global publishing dialogue.

Workshops and Professional Development

In addition to discussions, small-group workshops will offer professional development opportunities. These sessions cover crucial topics like content marketing, audiobook production, AI applications in publishing, digital distribution strategies, and sustainability practices.

The second and third days focus on addressing challenges in publishing while exploring market trends and consumer preferences. Key areas include the growing audiobook market and AI's impact on publishing.

This conference not only provides valuable networking opportunities but also fosters skill enhancement through mentorship programmes for finalists of initiatives like "She's Next in Publishing." Participants gain insights into business development and creativity over three months.

The Sharjah Publishers Conference continues to be an essential event for those involved in publishing worldwide. It offers a platform for discussing innovations while recognising outstanding contributions within the industry.

With inputs from WAM