Bolognabookplus Preparing For 2026

Designed to extend Bologna’s reach beyond children’s books, BolognaBookPlus has become a key stop on the international publishing calendar, offering a mix of business focus, creative exchange and forward-looking insight. Next year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet.

A busy year on the road: Frankfurt, India and more

Since wrapping up the 2025 edition, the BolognaBookPlus team hasn’t been still. The post-fair “grand tour” has taken them across key publishing hubs, with Frankfurt being the most recent major stop, but also Norway, USA, Sharjah, Shanghai and Guadalajara. In Frankfurt the team were honoured to meet with Indian representation, strengthening relationships with publishers, distributors and rights professionals. These discussions have helped shape next year’s agenda and reinforced BolognaBookPlus’s commitment to supporting India’s important and expanding role in the global book business. Looking ahead to January 2026, the team will head to Chennai Book Fair.

BolognaBookPlus plays a partner role in the UK Bestseller Awards in London, with the ceremony taking place early January. These awards are predicated on sales data alone, and celebrate authors, publishers and booksellers. Watch this space for further expansion of the awards at BolognaBookPlus 2026.

Norway as Guest of Honour: a celebration of literary richness

A major highlight for 2026 is Bologna’s guest of honour: Norway. Known for its deep literary heritage, strong reading culture and globally respected authors, Norway’s participation will bring a spotlight to its thriving book industry. Attendees can expect a rich programme of cultural events, industry discussions, rights meetings and author showcases that will introduce Norway’s contemporary voices as well as its long-standing storytelling traditions. For international publishers—including those from India—the guest of honour programme offers a valuable window into the Norwegian market and fresh opportunities for translation and rights exchange.

AI Summit: clarity, practicality and responsible adoption

By popular demand the AI Summit, in partnership with award-winning company, Shimmr AI, will return, shifting the conversation from speculation to strategy. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in publishing workflows, the Summit will tackle the most urgent questions facing editors, rights managers, marketers and production teams.

Audio Forum: A growing market gains a bigger stage

Audio remains one of the most exciting and fast-growing segments in global publishing, and the 2026 Audio Forum, in partnership with Beat Technology, will reflect that momentum. Building on the popularity of previous years, the Forum will expand its scope to cover audio innovation, audio and bookshops and human v AI. Publishers, studios, distributors and platform leaders will gather to examine trends in audiobook production, performance craft, discoverability challenges, rights deals and emerging audio-first storytelling formats. With India’s audio market booming—fuelled by mobile-first consumption and linguistic diversity—the Forum offers fertile ground for new collaborations between Indian players and international partners.

Returning strengths and new directions

Alongside these headline features, BolognaBookPlus will bring back its cornerstone initiatives, including the Bologna Rights Centre, the translation forum, a rich seminar programme, Author and illustration Ambassadors, plus a bigger focus on design and illustration. Visitors will enjoy a new Design Studio at BolognaBookPlus, offering a mix of inspiration, portfolio reviews and business intelligence. The popular Jackets Off exhibition returns also, focussing on diverse cultural jackets of an iconic classic title, to be announced very soon. Each year the Italian Pavilion grows, providing a stage for the depth and breadth of the impressive Italian book scene, hosting meetings and a seminar programme.

A strategic opportunity for India

For Indian publishers, BolognaBookPlus 2026 offers more than an exhibition and showcase —it offers a strategic gateway. With its blend of creative inspiration, technological insight and rights-driven business activity, the fair provides Indian companies with opportunities to expand global partnerships, explore translation channels, and engage with emerging formats like AI-enhanced publishing and audio storytelling.

April 2026 will bring an ambitious programme and diverse exhibitors. BolognaBookPlus is set to be a vibrant meeting point for a rapidly evolving global industry. As the new year approaches, anticipation is building for a fair that promises not just participation, but meaningful progress for publishers worldwide. We look forward to welcoming you!