Sharjah Hosts World’s First International Booksellers Conference

by Deeplata Garde
Sharjah Hosts World’s First International Booksellers Conference

All you bibliophiles in the town, pack your bags and head to Sharjah. More than 385 bookstores, distributors, publishing specialists, and business consultants from 56 nations have gathered in Sharjah. It’s the world’s first international booksellers conference to explore the present and future trends in bookselling. The forum demonstrates the Emirate’s commitment to promoting a reading culture in the region.

One-Of-A-Kind Emirati Booksellers Conference

Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), reminded bookstores that they are not alone in their efforts to encourage a reading culture in their communities. Bodour Al Qasimi further stressed that the event demonstrates Sharjah’s commitment to supporting every link in the book business chain. This will act as a part of the Emirate’s objective to foster a robust reading culture.

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The Emirate of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a literary powerhouse in the desert, can jam more worldwide literary activities into a month than many market economies can in a year.

 

What To Expect At This Conference?

The event, which will actually occur on the margins of the approaching 13th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), was to take place over two days at the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone on May 15 and 16. But due to the death of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the event seemed to be further postponed by a day.

Also Read: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President Of UAE Since 2004, Passes Away

The day’s events will resume with a panel discussion on how to run a successful bookshop by cultivating strong partnerships with stakeholders such as publishers, authors, festivals, and schools. A panel of eminent speakers from around the world representing major publishing companies, retailers, book fairs, and libraries will share best practices for leveraging partnerships with these essential audiences.

The conference’s final panel session will focus on adjacent potential for bookshop enterprises. Three presenters will discuss their insights about recent trends in diverse bookshop offers. This includes cafes and non-book products, as well as the benefits of print-on-demand technology.