BolognaBookPlus Events

ENG

Sala Concerto

Services Centre - Wing D

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Award-winning Ukrainian book design meets European illustration in a conversation on visual storytelling across cinema, literature, and contemporary book culture.

Moderator

Yuliia Kozlovets, Cultural Manager and Director, International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine

Panel

Anita Wincencjusz-Patyna, historian and art critic, Ph.D. in Art History, Assistant Professor, Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, Associate Dean, Faculty of Painting and Sculpture, Poland; Halia Verheles, llustrator, designer, Art Director, Osnovy Publishing House, Art Editor, Creative Women Publishing, Kyiv, Ukraine.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, International Book Arsenal Festival, Ukraine

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Elisabeth Perez Fernandez, Director, Irudika-International Professional Illustration Fair, Spain

Panel

Yihfen Chou, Editor in Chief, Heryin Books, Inc, Taiwan; Hsu-Kung Liu, author, Taiwan; Bei Lynn, Founder, SiLoo Story, Taiwan.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

DJ Stout, Arabelle Liepold, and Steve Compton trace the evolution of the Annual Competition, featuring archival highlights, book design, insights into the application process, and selection criteria.

Panel

DJ Stout, Pentagram partner, Art Director, designer, author, Principal of the Pentagram Austin, Texas office, USA; Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

In cooperation with

Pentagram Austin

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the publishing landscape, raising urgent legal and commercial questions for publishers, authors, and agents alike. This session will examine how generative AI intersects with copyright law, including issues of authorship, ownership, training data, infringement risk, and the protectability of AI-assisted works. It will also explore how existing publishing contracts address — or fail to address — AI-generated content, text and data mining, moral rights, warranties, indemnities, and the evolving definition of “the Work” in an age of machine collaboration.

Moderator

Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK

Panel

Marcin Hamkało, Deputy Director, Book Institute, Poland; Searsha Sadek, Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI, UK; Kevin Stewart, Director, Contracts People, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

2025 was a complicated year for Italian publishing, in which children’s books represented a welcome exception: they were the category with the best performance in terms of value, and the only one that did not reduce the number of copies sold compared to 2024. The focus of this event, aimed at foreign operators, will therefore be a presentation of the latest available data of the Italian publishing market: sales, titles published, translation rights sold. Followed by an insight on the children’s book market.

Panel

Bruno Giancarli and Rachele Marziolo, Research Department, AIE, Italy.

Organised by

AIE - Associazione Italiana Editori

In cooperation with

BolognaBookPlus

With the support of

ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The masterclass explores the complex challenge of designing covers for fiction series. While a "one-shot" cover must capture a single soul, a series requires the creation of a visual DNA—a system capable of evolving across multiple titles without losing its core identity. How do we balance the artist's hand with the publisher’s need for brand recognition? How do we build a "grid" that allows for creative freedom rather than just repetition?

Panel

Jon Gray, book cover designer, UK; Riccardo Vecchio, Chair, MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, School of Visual Arts, visual artist, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

This session presents a detailed analysis of what people are buying in Europe, based on NielsenIQ BookData data, with a focus on Manga in Europe.

Panel

Andre Breedt, Managing Director, NielsenIQ BookData, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Literary Agents are at the core of the industry, yet it is not clear how to become one, nor the full range of activities that agents can carry out. Hear more about the role of the agent, and some tips on getting started.

Moderator

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.

Panel

Jane Acton, agent, UK; Lora Fountain, agent, France; Gergana Pancheva, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria; Louise Lamont, agent, LBA Agency, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The 2026 Talking Pictures Award celebrates Norway's visual book excellence. A dedicated jury selected winners for their creative innovation and outstanding visual impact.

Moderator

Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin, Italy

Panel

Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Hamelin and Steven Guarnaccia

With the support of

NORLA-Norwegian Literature Abroad

In the framework of

Talking Pictures

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Norway Guest of Honour 2026

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The session introduces Tarjim a flagship initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, advancing global cultural exchange through the translation of high-impact literary works to and from Arabic, with a special focus on children’s literature to ensure every child has access to diverse stories that foster empathy, imagination, and cross-cultural understanding.

Panel

Dr. Hailah Alkhalaf, General Manager, Translation Sector, Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Saudi Arabia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

L’intelligenza artificiale utilizza già contenuti editoriali per generare risposte e nuovi testi: cosa implica questo per chi scrive? L’intervento approfondisce come gli autori possano tutelare i propri diritti nell’economia dell’AI e trasformare l’uso delle proprie opere in una nuova opportunità di reddito. Verrà presentata Amlet, piattaforma che permette di identificare, registrare e gestire l’impiego dei contenuti nei sistemi di intelligenza artificiale, garantendo controllo, trasparenza e possibilità di compensazione.

Panel

Giacomo D'Angelo, CEO, StreetLib, fondatore di Amlet, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

StreetLib

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Norway Guest of Honour 2026

ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

La meraviglia di scoprire la bellezza della Natura e il prepotente desiderio di proteggerla: può un albo illustrato contenere tutto questo?

Panel

Giulia Pancot, illustratrice, Italia; Francesca Bianchi, autrice, Itala; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Explore the intersection of editorial illustration and poster design, learning how to "distill" an image for maximum visual impact without losing the raw, expressive energy of the hand-drawn mark.

Panel

Mari Kanstad Johnsen, illustrator, Ambassador BolognaBookPlus, Norway.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

L’autopubblicazione non è solo una scelta tecnica, ma un vero progetto editoriale. In questo workshop Nike Ror, tra le autrici più lette nel romance su Amazon KDP, condividerà la propria esperienza diretta: dalla costruzione di una serie alla gestione delle uscite, dall’ottimizzazione di metadati e categorie alle strategie promozionali che aiutano a consolidare una community di lettrici. Un incontro concreto, dal punto di vista di chi scrive e vende, per capire come trasformare la pubblicazione in self in un percorso professionale strutturato e sostenibile.

Panel

Naike Ror, autrice, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

La meraviglia di scoprire la bellezza della Natura e il prepotente desiderio di proteggerla: può un albo illustrato contenere tutto questo?

Panel

Giulia Pancot, illustratrice; Francesca Bianchi, autrice; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Accessible fixed-layout e-books are an emerging frontier in inclusive digital publishing. This event will explore the opportunities and challenges faced by publishers working with complex-layout books—such as illustrated titles, children’s books, educational materials, and other richly formatted publications. The session, by Fondazione LIA, will offer participants insights into the ongoing work aimed at enabling publishers to create accessible fixed-layout EPUBs, as well as guidance on how to leverage their accessibility features during reading, in line with the requirements and recommendations of EPUB Accessibility 1.1.

Moderator

Elisa Molinari, Project Manager, Fondazine LIA, Italy

Panel

Gregorio Pellegrino, Chief Accessibility Officer Fondazione LIA, Italy; Sebastiano Bagarotto, Head of AI Strategy & Innovation, Mondadori Education, Italy; Gautier Chomel, Project manager EDRLab, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Un titolo autopubblicato può arrivare in libreria in modo strutturato e sostenibile? E a quali condizioni? Dopo il primo confronto ufficiale tra operatori della filiera, presentiamo criticità emerse, nodi irrisolti e possibili strade: dalla selezione dei titoli più solidi ai modelli di distribuzione già esistenti, fino al ruolo – decisivo – del libraio. Un momento aperto per capire se il dialogo tra self publishing e filiera tradizionale può diventare un percorso concreto, e non solo un’eccezione.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

How to partecipate

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Dr. B Chandra Mohan, I.A.S, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, India

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ITA

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Only for Italian illustrators and graphic designers

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AI is already reshaping trade publishing and opening up new ways of working. Where is it actually delivering value and how are publishers using it right now? This session showcases concrete, current use cases from trade publishers using AI across editorial, rights, marketing, sales and production. Veristage CCO Hannah Johnson will host a conversation with a trade publisher using AI in their daily workflow. They will walk through real processes and measurable outcomes: from manuscript analysis and metadata optimisation to marketing activities and backlist revitalisation. This tandem session examines real use cases from publishers working hands-on with AI today.

Moderator

Thomas Minkus, Co-founder, Veristage, USA

Panel

Caroline Fortin, President, Groupe Québec Amérique, Canada; Mauro Morellini, CEO Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Struttura, ritmo, colpi di scena: gli ingranaggi essenziali di un thriller che cattura e non lascia scampo. Un workshop per romanzieri che vogliano imparare a orchestrare tensione, sospetto e rivelazioni in una narrazione capace di tenere il lettore con il fiato corto fino all’ultima pagina.

Panel

Livio Gambarini, autore, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Rotte Narrative

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AI as the New Apex of Human Creativity, Speaker: Nadim Sadek, Founder & CEO of Shimmr AI and author of Shimmer, don’t Shake and Quiver, don’t Quake , two best-selling guides on AI.

Panel

Nadim Sadek, Founder, CEO, Shimmr Ai.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Agentic systems are beginning to influence editorial, design, production, and marketing. This fireside-style session explores real examples of AI agents embedded in publishing operations—and the human side of adoption.

Moderator

Searsha Sadek, Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI, UK

Panel

Sara Lloyd, Group Communications Director & Global AI Lead, Pan Macmillan, UK; Njål Hansen, Founder and CEO, Beat Technology, Norway; Mauro Morellini, CEO Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Integrating AI into the illustrator’s daily practice: how new technologies can serve and streamline the professional creative process.

Panel

Anna Castagnoli, children books authorand critic, Italy; Giacomo Benelli, coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Is it better to self-publish or work with a traditional publisher? What are the real advantages, risks and responsibilities of each path? A direct comparison of different publishing models to help authors navigate rights, distribution, marketing, investment and creative freedom — and make an informed, strategic decision.

Panel

Miriam Fracavallo, CEO, Charlie Creative Lab - Literary Agents and Publishing Company, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Charlie Creative Lab

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AI is transforming publishing from intuition-led to evidence-informed. This session explores “predictive publishing”—the use of AI and data models to support earlier, smarter decisions across the publishing lifecycle, from manuscript triage and acquisition to pricing, positioning, and investment.

Moderator

Samir Patil, Founder and CEO, Scroll Media Inc. India

Panel

Gavin Marcus, CEO and Co Founder, Storywise, Israel; Arsim Shillova, CEO, Libraro, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

As Indian storytelling finds a growing audience across global markets, the session will explore the rising international appetite for Indian narratives. It will highlight key genres gaining traction, unpack what global editors and publishers are actively seeking from India, and share market-led insights from leading Indian publishers. The discussion aims to decode emerging trends, opportunities, and pathways for Indian content to travel, translate, and succeed worldwide.

Moderator

Mr. Ajay Mago, Co-Chair, FICCI Publishing Committee & Publisher, Om Books International, India

Panel

Mr. Anuj Chawla, Director, Dreamland Publications, India; Ms. Payal Jaipuria, Executive Publisher, Wonder House Books, Prakash Books, India; Ms. Mudit Mohini, Managing Director, Delhi Press and Vishv Books, India.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Marking the centenary of Agatha Christie’s passing, this talk explores her literary success from an editorial perspective alongside the visual design of her book covers, exploring the intertwined threads that keep the Queen of Crime a timeless icon.

Panel

Ivan Canu, illustrator, author, Italy; Cecilia Flegenheimer, Art Director, Mondadori, Italy; Paolo Verri, Director, Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Senja Požar, Managing Editor, JAISD & International Projects Coordinator, IRCAI - International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence under the auspices of UNESCO, Slovenia; Nadim Sadek, Founder, CEO, Shimmr AI, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Autori o illustratori self, quali strategie social funzionano davvero? Un workshop operativo per esplorare le differenze con la promozione editoriale fra autori self e case editrici, analizzando canali, contenuti e tecniche per costruire un brand personale e raggiungere più lettori.

Panel

Giorgia Indipendenza, Social Media and Digital Strategist, Italia

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

DgLine

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

2026 marks the move from ethics discussions to real enforcement and operational change. As Europe advances regulation and US creators press for clearer protections, publishers now face concrete decisions about licensing, data use, and compensation. This panel unites US, EU, and international creator perspectives to examine what responsible rights management looks like in practice — and how publishers can protect creative value while embracing intelligent, AI-driven workflows.

Moderator

Regina Brooks, CEO, Serendipity Literary Agency, President, Association of American Literary Agents, USA

Panel

Piero Attanasio, AIE, Member IPA Copyright Policy Committee, Italy; Rafal Kosik, BolognaBookPlus Author Ambassador, Poland; Friederike Fuxen, Rights Manager, dp DIGITAL, Germany.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Daniela Fav, CEO, Kosmos Language & Technology, Italia

Panel

Sara Allegrini, avvocatessa, Italia; Gianluca Piroli, Direttore Editoriale, Arsfolio, Luxury Lovers e Casa ed Eleganza, Italia; Antonio Scuderi, Fondatore, Capitale Cultura Group, Docente di Digital Heritage, Italia; Cristiana Paolini, Responsabile di Progetto Senior, Kosmos Language & Technology, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Leadership discussions on the economics and governance of AI adoption in publishing: leadership, ROI, and first-mover advantage. How forward-thinking houses are integrating intelligent creativity responsibly and competitively.

Moderator

Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK

Panel

Paul Kelly, CEO, DK, UK; Mary McAveney, President and CEO, Agrams Books, USA; Edward Nawotka, Senior News & International Editor, Publishers Weekly, USA

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

What happens when a book is a space to be bridged? Join Steven Guarnaccia and Øyvind Torseter for a playful yet profound exploration of the book-as-object, focusing on the tool of the hole.

Moderator

Emilio Varrà, President, Hamelin, Italy

Panel

Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA; Øyvind Torseter, cartoonist, illustrator, Norway.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Hamelin and Steven Guarnaccia

With the support of

NORLA-Norwegian Literature Abroad

In the framework of

Talking Pictures

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

L’autore non si presenta più “da solo”, ma con una struttura da editore: distribuzione nazionale, promozione professionale e un modello chiaro che rende semplice e sostenibile proporre presentazioni e firmacopie in libreria. Un sistema che riduce il rischio per il libraio, integra gli ordini nei flussi già in uso e offre all’autore uno strumento concreto per portare il proprio libro in libreria in modo credibile e strutturato.

Panel

Sabrina Perrero, responsabile marketing, Passione Scrittore, Italia

Organised by

Passione Scrittore

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

As publishers plan for 2026, one thing is clear: readers are finding books in more places and at a faster pace than ever before. Discovery now happens across search, social media, marketplaces, and publisher websites—not just through traditional channels. To keep up, publishers are rethinking how they reach readers. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce is becoming an important part of this mix. Publishers are investing in better metadata, stronger SEO and GEO, and reliable e-commerce platforms to improve visibility, reach new audiences, and sell globally. Hear from three publishers who have successfully introduced D2C strategies. They will share practical insights into how they improved discoverability, reached more readers, and grew international sales.

Panel

Joe Matthews, CEO, Independent Publishers Group, USA; Sanjee de Silva Publisher, Sweet Cherry Publishing, UK; Courtney Kerrigan, VP Operations, Topix Media, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

There has been an increase in translated book titles from the region in the last few years as curiosity has been aroused towards Bulgarian authors... More and more Bulgarian titles reveal authentic voices that discuss modern topics like domestic violence, life right after the end of the Cold War, feminist issues or global warming.

Moderator

Yana Genova, cultural manager, Bulgaria;

Panel

Zornitsa Hristova, translator, publisher, author, Bulgaria; Gergana Pancheva, Sales Manager Foreign Rights & Managing Director, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Il talk approfondisce l'arte del poster design attraverso lo sguardo di un grande illustratore e di un art director, svelando come una singola immagine possa trasformarsi in uno strumento di comunicazione ad alto impatto.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Come si cattura davvero l’attenzione di un agente? In questo incontro un agente letterario spiegherà cosa rende un manoscritto interessante, come costruire una proposta efficace e quali errori evitare nella fase di invio. Un’occasione per capire dall’interno le dinamiche dell’agenzia, i criteri di selezione e il percorso che può portare dalla proposta alla pubblicazione.

Panel

Jacopo Viganò, agente letterario, Lorem Ipsum, Italia; Stefania Maruelli, agente letterario, Lorem Ipsum, Italia.

In cooperation with

Lorem Ipsum

ENG

Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

In the framework of

The Society of Illustrators Annual

How to partecipate

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

This seminar explores the "renaissance" of poetry in the digital age, specifically focusing on the cross-cultural exchange between the Chinese and European markets. With a panel of international publishers and cultural strategists, we will examine how poetry transcends linguistic boundaries and what "international appeal" looks like in 2026.

Moderator

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus

Panel

Li Ruihua, Vice President, Yilin Press, China; Francesco De Luca, publisher and translator, Delufa Press; Ewa Bolińska-Gostkowska, senior foreign rights manager, Kiw Znak, Poland; China; Alicia Liu, CEO, Singing Grass UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Janna Morishima, Literary Agent, Janna Co, USA

Panel

Mike Lowery, author, illustrator, USA; Claudia Rueda, author, illustrator, USA; Anna Maria Jung, illustrator, Austria.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Italian artist duo Anna & Elena Balbusso join Pentagram’s DJ Stout and SI’s Arabelle Liepold to reflect on their 25-year career and upcoming New York show in a conversation moderated by Steven Guarnaccia.

Moderator

Steven Guarnaccia; Illustrator and designer, USA.

Panel

Anna & Elena Balbusso; award-winning Italian artist duo working internationally in the fields of illustration, art and design, Italy; Dj Stout, Pentagram partner, art director, designer, author and principal of the Austin, Texas office, USA; Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators New York, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

In cooperation with

Balbusso Twins, Pentagram, Bologna Children's Book Fair

With the support of

Pentagram

In the framework of

Balbusso Twins: Illustrating with Two Souls - A Special Preview, Society of Illustrators, New York. April 15 - July 11, 2026

ENG

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Artificial intelligence already relies on editorial content to generate answers and new texts — but what does this mean for authors? This session explores how writers can protect their rights in the AI economy and turn the use of their works into new revenue opportunities. It will introduce Amlet, a platform that helps creators track and manage the use of their content within AI systems, ensuring control, transparency, and fair compensation.

Panel

Giacomo D'Angelo, CEO, StreetLib, founder, Amlet, Italy.

In cooperation with

StreetLib

ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Una chiacchierata sugli albi illustrati scelti dagli editori esteri: analisi dei casi di successo

Panel

Silvia Dotti, illustratrice, responsabile della collana Le Tomoleggende, Italia; Beatrice Negri, illustratrice, Italia; Stefania Gualerzi, illustratrice, Italia; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Enrico Proietti, Project Officer, Ministry of Culture, DG-CC, Creative Europe Desk, Italy

Panel

Dag Asbjørnsen, Project Manager, European Commission, Directorate-General Education and Culture, Norway; Anna Conticello, Project Advisor, Ministry of Culture, DG-CC, Creative Europe Desk, Italy; Elisa Molinari,Project Manager, Fondazione LIA, Italy; Teresa Mossbauer, Achse Verlag, Austria; Nika Susman, Miš Založba, Slovenia; Letizia Trunfio, Project Advisor, European Commission, European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Belgium.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Creative Europe Desk Slovenia

ENG

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

For self-published authors and illustrators, which social media strategies really work? This hands-on workshop explores the key differences between self-promotion and traditional publisher-led marketing, examining platforms, content types, and practical techniques to build a strong personal brand and reach more readers.

Panel

Giorgia Indipendenza, Social Media and Digital Strategist, Italy.

In cooperation with

Dgline

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Dive into the creative dialogue between the Art Director and the Visual Designer. During the workshop, participants will experience the editorial workflow, rom the initial brief to the very first sketches, exploring the synergy between the AD and the illustrator.

Panel

Jon Gray, Book Cover Designer, UK; Cecilia Flegenheimer, Art Director, Mondadori, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Author Ambassador Rafał Kosik, in conversation with Natasha Poliszczuk

Panel

Rafal Kosik, author, Poland; Natasha Poliszczuk, Editor in Chief, BookBrunch, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Grazie a un’ampia rete di professionisti, La bottega dei traduttori affianca editori e autori lungo tutto il percorso editoriale, offrendo servizi su misura quali scouting, valutazioni, traduzioni, revisioni, editing, curatele e supporto alla promozione. Ogni progetto è seguito con cura, garantendo qualità elevata. Durante l’incontro saranno presentati i servizi messi a disposizione di editori e autori e il metodo di lavoro: un’occasione per conoscere da vicino un approccio fondato sul dialogo costante, cura dei dettagli e attenzione alle tempistiche, con l’obiettivo di garantire qualità, continuità e valorizzazione di ogni progetto editoriale.

Panel

Mariangela Di Grado, Lorena Lombardi, Rosangela Amato, La bottega dei traduttori, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

In the framework of

The Society of Illustrators Annual

How to partecipate

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Dalla creazione all'uso di testo, fotografie e illustrazioni alla promozione sui social, fino ai contenuti generati con l’intelligenza artificiale: quali sono le regole? Cosa è lecito fare? Quali rischi si corrono? Un incontro operativo per evitare errori.

Panel

Beatrice Cunegatti, IT, Law Firm, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Today, the ability to fully leverage proprietary content has become a strategic priority. Print and digital integration is no longer a technical choice, but a key editorial decision that can strengthen sustainability and long-term competitiveness. Multiformat publishing allows publishers to extend the lifecycle of their content, reduce duplication of work, and optimise investments already made in their catalogues. At the same time, digital content can enhance the value of print books through updates, supplementary materials, multimedia elements, and new forms of reader engagement, without undermining the central role of the book.

Moderator

Mauro Morellini, CEO, Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.

Panel

Diego Beelloni, Digital Transformation & Business Development Consultant, HarperCollins, Italy; Maruo Morellini, Founder, CEO, Punto Media, Italy; Giancarlo Russo, publisher, Sophie Verlag; Antonella Fabbrini, Editorial Director, Unicopli Editore.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Contemporary Eastern European literature has aroused palpable interest in the last few years. The market saw a wave of titles from the region translated to “big” languages. It’s encouraging to observe also the regional exchange of titles--neighbouring countries have seen more translated local books hitting the shelves recently than in the past 3 decades. Are there any specific mechanisms behind this? Is it important to base strategies on awards, grants, exchange programs or newly emerged and more enthusiastic literary translators.

Moderator

Benas Berantas, Founder, Senior Rights Agent and Scout, Book Smugglers' Agency.

Panel

Manca Masnik, International Cooperation Manager, Foreign Rights Manager, Goga Publishing, Slovenia; Nevena Milojevic, Foreign Rights Manager, Laguna, Serbia; Gergana Pancheva, Sales Manager Foreign Rights & Managing Director, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The connections between the publisher, the illustrator, and The World of DOT studio—from the initial brief to the collaborative exchange that transforms a book’s text into its cover.

Panel

Francesca Leoneschi, Art Director, the World of DOT, Italy; Mauro De Toffol, Graphic Designer, the World of DOT, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Based on findings from a recent Translation ThinkPub.eu report, this session looks at the dynamics of translation markets across Europe, including insights into source‐language trends, the impact of Global English, and the evolving role of publishing. The report provides rich in-depth data, from a wide range and size of countries, spanning from Spain to Slovenia, to Bulgaria, the Baltics, Germany, France and the Nordics.

Moderator

Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK

Panel

Yana Genova, cultural consultant and Founder, Sofia Literature and Translation House, Bulgaria; Anja Kamenarič, doctoral student in Publishing Studies, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Mihael Kovač, Professor of Publishing Studies, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Rudiger Wishenbart, publishing consultant, author of the Global 50 Publishing Ranking, Austria.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

In un workshop dedicato, cogli l’occasione di entrare in una storia “classica" che tutti, ma proprio tutti, conoscono, per capire i meccanismi che la muovono, la sostengono e ne fanno, appunto, un classico. Avrai modo di scoprire che sono molto più profondi e, forse, anche più sorprendenti di quello che potresti mai immaginare.

Panel

Antonello Grassi, autore, sceneggiatore, docente, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia.

Organised by

Fondazione Bottega Finzioni

ESP/ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

An exploration of visual synthesis with Pablo Amargo: how image and book design merge into a poetic, rigorous aesthetic.

Panel

Pablo Amargo, illustrator, graphic artist, Spain; Elizabeth Pérez Fernández, Publisher, Bonito Editorial, Spain.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Literature in translation enables the the circulation across borders of diverse contemporary European literature. Prizes assist in the promotion of these, in particulare the The European Literature Prize (Prix Européen de Littérature). The discussion between authors, publishers and experts in translation will shine a light on the wealth of hidden gems across Europe.

Moderator

Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK

Panel

Anne Bergman-Tahon, Director, FEP-Federation of European Publishers, Belgium; Kasia Bidston, Production Manager, First Editions, UK; Philippe Marczewski, author; Rūta Nanartavičiūtė, Head of international Programs, Lithuanian Culture Institute, Lithuania.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Come nasce davvero un libro? Dalla stesura del manoscritto all’editing, dalla progettazione grafica alla distribuzione e promozione. Un confronto tra percorso tradizionale e self publishing, con il contributo di professionisti della filiera – editore, grafico, editor – per comprendere ruoli, passaggi chiave e scelte strategiche lungo tutto il processo.

Panel

Mauro Morellini, CEO, Morellini Editore, Italia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

A reflection on the book as a crafted design object, where paper plays a defining role—not just as a container of creativity but as content itself—starting from the presentation of Best of Publishing, Fedrigoni’s tool for choosing the right paper for editorial projects.

Panel

Luca Amoroso, Backseller Creative Communication, Fedrigoni, Italy; Pietro Corraini, Corraini Edizioni, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, Fedrigoni

In cooperation with

Corraini Edizioni

ENG

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The audiobook market continues to grow at pace, offering authors new ways to expand their audience and revenue streams. This session provides a practical overview of what authors — especially self-published writers — need to consider before moving into audio: production routes, distribution models, rights management, and realistic expectations in a fast-evolving market.

Panel

Marco Ferrario, Director, Bookwire Italy, CEO, Bookrepublic, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Bookwire

ENG

Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

How to partecipate

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Introducing Zig Zag Festival: a program celebrating "graphic alliances" between Italy and the US, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Moderator

Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin

Panel

Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer; Felicita Sala, illustrator; Marianna Coppo, illustrator; Arabel Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators.

Organised by

A project by BolognaFiere, Hamelin, Steven Guarnaccia

In cooperation with

Istituto Italiano di Cultura di New York

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

This session explores how books, authors, translation, and publishing ecosystems contribute to soft power and cultural diplomacy beyond traditional political and institutional channels. Bringing together perspectives from publishers, cultural institutions, and international practitioners, the discussion will examine how publishing supports cross-cultural understanding, promotes diverse voices, and strengthens global cultural exchange. It will also consider the role of international book fairs, translation initiatives, and rights markets in enabling cultural outreach and long-term collaboration.

Moderator

Mohammed Laatar,

Panel

Gvantsa Jobava, President, International Publishers Association, Georgia; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technology, Sweden

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Scrivere è un atto individuale, ma oggi fare rete è una scelta strategica. L’incontro approfondisce perché associarsi e creare network rafforza diritti, rappresentanza e opportunità professionali. Dalla tutela contrattuale alla condivisione di competenze, l’associazionismo diventa uno strumento concreto per affrontare le trasformazioni del mercato editoriale.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

FUIS - Federazione Unitaria Italiana Scrittori

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Duncan Bruce, Director for Audiobook Partnerships and Licensing, Spotify, Sweden; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Techology, Norway.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

During this workshop on illustration and graphic journalism, participants will develop an editorial cover by transforming real events into a powerful visual concept.

Panel

Michela Rossi, Art Director, illustrator, comic book artist, Italy; Simone Rea, illustrator, Italy.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

With the support of

Domani

ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Since 1995, Reggio Children gives voice to the children of Reggio Emilia’s different knowledge, expressive languages, thoughts and ‘wonder of learning’, through publications and exhibitions translated into 27 languages, also promoting the determining role of education and public schooling in contemporary society.

Panel

Annamaria Mucchi, editorial coordinator, Reggio Children

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Richard Addis, Staff Content Services Engineer, Dolby, UK; Ben Drury, Co-Founder and CEO, Yoto, UK; Adam Fritz, CEO, Pozotron, Canada; Dayella Rademaker, Product Owner, Fluister, Netherlands.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Madeline Shue, Head of Publisher Partnerships, ElevenLabs, Norway.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Is the audiobook option a ready-made bridge for publishers to reach and entice reluctant readers? In this National Year of Reading (UK), the panel will discuss the methods, formats and options for encouraging everyone from disinclined children to time-poor adults into great books, whatever their format.

Moderator

Edward Nawotka, Senior News and International Editor, Publishers Weekly, USA

Panel

André Calgaro, Founder, Narratix, Brazil; Bruno Giancarli, Research Office, AIE, Italy; Barbara Knabe, Head of Content Acquisition EU, Audible, Germany; Becca Souster, Head of Audio Sales & Strategy, Pan Macmillan, UK.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ITA

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Fondazione Bottega Finzioni ETS è la prima Fondazione narrativa in Italia e promuove la narrazione come strumento di crescita personale e sviluppo delle comunità. Da 15 anni realizza alta formazione erogata gratuitamente, dedicata alla scrittura per bambini e ragazzi, con un approccio multidisciplinare a 360 gradi. Attraverso didattica laboratoriale e confronto con professionisti del settore, forma autori e autrici dell’industria culturale e creativa, coniugando qualità progettuale, visione culturale e responsabilità sociale.

Panel

Michele Cogo, Direttore, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia; Cristina Petit, autrice, docente per la scrittura dell’albo illustrato, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia; Mario Bellina, sceneggiatore, docente per la scrittura d’animazione, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia.

Organised by

Fondazione Bottega Finzioni

ENG

Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators

In the framework of

The Society of Illustrators Annual

How to partecipate

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Videl Bar-Kar, Vice President Audio, Bookwire, Germany

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

New markets and mature markets have different ears and different needs. This international panel juxtaposes actors and AI directly and addresses, the creative aims vs the need for speed and availability.

Moderator

Jessica Barnfield, Head of English Language Content, Audiobooks, Zebralution, UK

Panel

Mathilde Davignon, Head of Audiobook Development, Madrigal, France; Robin Lai, SVP & Custom Shop Head, John Mashall Media, USA; Madeline Shue, Head of Growth, ElevenLabs, USA; Rain Siemer, CEO, Rahva Raamat, Estonia.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ESP

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Only for Spanish speakers

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

How to partecipate

ITA/ENG

WritersLab

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AWARDS & CONTESTS

Award ceremony of the international recognition dedicated to the best cover of a self-published children’s or young adult book. An award celebrating the creative and strategic role of the self-publishing author, highlighting the book cover as a powerful space of visual storytelling and editorial positioning.

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus

ENG

Designer Studio

HALL 29

DESIGNER STUDIO

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organised by

BolognaBookPlus, ChiaLab Design Studio