Sharjah Bookseller’s Conference

On the 7th and 8th of April we had the honour to be invited to Sharjah in the UAE to attend the  International Booksellers Conference, this is the 4th edition of the conference led by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. 

This conference offered us an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in a dynamic environment for global insights, innovation and opportunities for collaboration with its aim to inspire the next chapter for book sellers. 

In attendance were over 750 participants from 92 countries. Over the 2-day event, thought provoking key notes were given by international booksellers and workshops which provided us with innovative and engaging insights into book selling.  

This event was a great chance for us to also network with new contacts within the field of publishing. 
 
During the conference discussions surrounded new ways to strengthen our position in publishing, how we are navigating a difficult landscape with discoverability, digital disruption and consumer retention. There is a strong need to carve out and overview new niche markets. 

Thalia in Germany, the largest omni-channel bookseller in Europe delivered a powerful speech on bookstores. As well as useful insights into bookstores and publishing in the future. Thalia presented talks about the Global South Literacy Project that supports children to read and make a difference in children’s reading habits. 

We also had the pleasure to attend a talk on ‘Book Tok’ with the engaging and passionate panel members of Sara Dahe, Zahara Abdalla, Sandra Tamele and Fatima Al Khatib who spoke about the power TikTok has and the evolution of ‘Book Tok’. They gave guidance on how authors can develop their brand and unique voice so that they can be heard on this platform. Their key points where ‘What is your message? And what do you want to achieve?’  

We thank Sharjah Book Authority for giving us the opportunity to attend, for their hospitality and for the platform they provide to all international booksellers.