The 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), opens today at Expo Center Sharjah. Running through November 5, this significant three-day event on the global publishing calendar brings together 1,065 professionals from 108 countries, including the first-ever participation from the Central African Republic.
Serving as a precursor to the Sharjah International Book Fair, the conference features 30 intensive roundtable discussions chaired by industry experts and thought leaders, delving into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in publishing.
Today’s opening includes keynote addresses from Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, and John Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Content Group, Lightning Source. Attendees will also enjoy a live discussion between Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer and CEO of International Foreign Language for HarperCollins Publishers, and Porter Anderson of Publishing Perspectives.
A highlight of today’s sessions will be the announcement of the winners of the 3rd Sharjah Rights Connection Awards, celebrating remarkable achievements in rights trading and international partnerships in publishing. This year’s awards honor two Rights Professionals of the Year—one from a publishing company and another from an agency or independent background—each receiving a $2,500 prize.
Another notable announcement today will reveal the winners of the “She’s Next in Publishing” initiative, sponsored by Visa (MENA Region) in partnership with PublisHer, a global network founded by Sheikha Bodour that champions diversity in publishing. The top award provides $50,000 and a Sharjah Publishing City license to an emerging female leader, while all five finalists gain access to a three-month mentorship program focusing on business development and growth.
Over the following two days, the conference will address pressing topics such as advancements in digital publishing, the rise of audiobooks, the impact of artificial intelligence, and sustainable growth strategies for the industry. Additionally, workshops on content marketing, audiobook production, AI applications, digital distribution, and sustainability will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
With an engaging program and a rich array of discussions, the Sharjah Publishers Conference reinforces Sharjah’s role as a dynamic hub for the international publishing industry, supporting collaboration and innovation across borders.