SBA opens registration for the 14th Publishers Conference

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has officially opened registration for the 14th edition of the Publishers Conference, scheduled to take place from November 3-5, 2024, and serving as a precursor to the highly anticipated 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024).

As an annual highlight for the global publishing sector, this year’s conference will provide a platform for industry professionals to explore the evolving challenges within the publishing world. The discussions will focus on aligning innovative solutions with the latest market trends and consumer preferences, as well as covering the latest advancements in digital publishing, audiobooks, and artificial intelligence, ensuring the sector’s sustainability while expanding the reach of books to diverse audiences and new markets.

The event will bring together a distinguished lineup of prominent publishers, literary agents, book trade press and industry leaders from both the Arab world and internationally.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised the conference’s importance in addressing industry developments and challenges. “The Publishers Conference is essential in navigating the complexities of knowledge production and the book industry. We aim to formulate solutions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for publishing, which is crucial for the sector’s development and progress.”

While, Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, underscored the conference’s position in advancing the publishing industry, saying, “The Publishers Conference has proven to deliver a substantial intellectual and technological boost to local and global publishing sectors. Participants will gain invaluable insights into industry advancements, hear firsthand accounts of successful ventures, and engage in rights trading and partnership agreements. This emphasis on professional development underscores the conference’s significance as a vital component of the publishing sector, providing attendees with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.”