Sharjah To Host 4th International Booksellers Conference With 575 Publishers From 92 Countries

The fourth International Booksellers Conference will be held on April 7–8 at Expo Centre Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said in an announcement.

The event will bring together 575 booksellers, publishers, and distributors from 92 countries and will focus on key industry topics, building partnerships, exploring business opportunities, and sharing insights.

The conference aims to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing while identifying new opportunities in book distribution and innovative strategies for global market growth. The event will include panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches by industry experts.

"While modern technology has brought markets closer together, the book distribution sector continues to face significant challenges," SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri was quoted as saying by WAM.

"Since its inception, the International Booksellers Conference has aimed to address these challenges by fostering dialogue among distributors, publishers, and industry leaders while offering practical solutions," he added.

Under the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, the conference has grown into a major global platform.

Al Ameri explained that it plays a key role in developing book distribution, expanding publishing opportunities, and helping publishers and booksellers reach larger audiences. The event highlights Sharjah's dedication to strengthening the publishing industry, creating a supportive space for book distribution, and adapting to digital advancements.

The event provides an important opportunity for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and develop new strategies to ensure the global book market's sustainability.

The conference will explore key trends in the book market, including AI's role in boosting sales and improving efficiency, modern social media marketing, and the impact of book influencers on Instagram. It will also highlight the importance of data management in book distribution to enhance customer experience and sales strategies.

Sessions will focus on diversifying bookstore offerings, using book placements in public spaces to promote reading, and leveraging cultural events to support publishing. Discussions will cover how literary festivals connect authors with audiences and how book clubs can encourage reading among children and teenagers.