Sharjah Publishers Conference 2025: an update

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference, held before the main SIBF event, attracts leading rights professionals from over 100 countries. The 15th Sharjah Publishers Conference will take place from November 2-4, 2025, as a precursor to SIBF. This event is aimed at sellers of translation rights across all genres and languages, as well as buyers of published works in translation. The three-day programme offers seminar sessions on key global publishing trends, alongside dedicated matchmaking appointments for business transactions. Attendees can also participate in organised social events, providing a relaxed environment to network.

One of the unique aspects of the conference is the SIBF Translation Grant, a $300,000 fund available for rights agreements made during the event, ensuring a tangible benefit for participants. New and returning publishers are encouraged to apply online to attend.

The Welcome address will be given by Gvantsa Jobava, Intelekti Publishing – Georgia, President, IPA while the Keynote Speech will be given by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson, Sharjah Book Authority; Madeline McIntosh, CEO – Authors Equity in conversation with Jo Henry, Book Brunch; and Phaedon Grigorios Kidoniatis, founder Eurasian Partners, Eurasia Publications and Vice-President Federation of European Publishers (Greece, Guest of Honour).