Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) kicked off the 13th Sharjah Publishers Conference with inspiring keynotes by industry leaders. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, emphasized the importance of the publishing industry in shaping history. She highlighted the need for adaptation in the face of rapid changes and the responsibility publishers have to deliver well-researched content.
During her opening keynote speech, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi discussed the prevalence of misinformation and the role of publishers in restoring faith in humanity. The conference, attended by publishing experts from 106 countries, aims to address challenges facing the global publishing sector and create growth opportunities.
The conference featured keynotes from industry leaders such as Yoon Chul Ho, President of the Korean Publishers Association, who discussed the advancements in the Korean publishing landscape. Núria Cabutí Brull, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, discussed the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the publishing market and emphasized the importance of human creativity.
Roundtable sessions at the conference provided platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and the acquisition of publishing rights. Discussions covered a range of topics including the South Korean book market, Asian nations, the Americas, and the Indian and African book scenes. Attendees also explored emerging innovations in publishing, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
The conference also focused on the expansion of publishing genres and formats, including graphic novels and audiobooks for children. Participants learned about the art of pitching books for translation, book-to-screen adaptations, contract negotiations, and the evolving landscape of digital business models.
The conference aims to enhance access to international markets, foster cross-country collaboration, and formulate effective social media strategies. Additionally, experts shared their insights on standardization in the industry and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in publishing.
The Sharjah Publishers Conference provides invaluable networking opportunities and emphasizes the significance of the publishing industry in shaping the future of literature and knowledge dissemination.
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