Sharjah To Host 3rd Booksellers Conference With Global Publishing Leaders
This weekend marks a significant event in the publishing industry as the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) hosts the 3rd edition of the Booksellers Conference at the Expo Centre Sharjah on 27th and 28th April, 2024. The event, set to precede the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, will gather over 550 booksellers, distributors, and publishing professionals from 76 countries. The conference aims to serve as a crucial platform for industry leaders to discuss the future of publishing and distribution.
The opening will feature a keynote address by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, highlighting the conference's achievements and its role in shaping the industry's future. Andrea Giunti, Executive Vice-President of Giunti Bookstores in Italy, will lead a discussion, contributing to over 30 speakers sharing insights through various sessions and workshops.
Key topics include challenges facing the industry, innovative strategies for growth, and discussions on ensuring major distributors carry titles. The conference will also spotlight new opportunities within the sector, aiming to drive its global success.
Empowering women in publishing is a focal point of this year’s conference. The PublisHer organisation will host a panel featuring Dr. Raja Al Gurg, who will discuss the landscape and prospects of the publishing and distribution sectors. This session offers attendees a chance to engage with Dr. Al Gurg and receive a signed copy of her autobiography.
Sessions such as "What Not to Wear" will provide guidance on enhancing publishers’ global visibility, while "Meet a Mentor" offers interactions with prominent female figures in publishing. The second day begins with Emile Tyan discussing his experiences in publishing and distribution, followed by Ahmed Rewihel sharing his vision for the sector’s future.
The PublisHer initiative’s "Breaking Barriers in Publishing" session with Kritee Sharma will discuss women’s evolving role in the industry. Additionally, a series of workshops will cover topics from "Bookstores in Shopping Malls" to "Making the Most of Social Media", offering insights into professional development and industry practices.
Workshops like "Publishing in the AI Era: Unveiling the Multi-Format Makeover" and sessions on distributing children’s books highlight innovative methods and strategies for success. These discussions aim to foster a unified vision among publishers and distributors from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the global publishing industry's future.
The Booksellers Conference in Sharjah stands as a testament to the SBA’s commitment to advancing the publishing industry by facilitating dialogue among professionals worldwide. It promises to be an enriching experience for all participants, offering valuable insights into current trends and future directions.
With inputs from WAM
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