The Frankfurt Book Fair opens its 77th edition with a robust lineup of professional programming for today—Wednesday, October 15. From CEO conversations to diversity panels, children’s publishing conferences to audio industry deep dives, the day’s events showcase the breadth of the international book trade. Decision-makers from major publishing houses join translators, rights professionals, and comics experts across multiple stages throughout the Frankfurt fairgrounds.
European Book Market Statistics 2024-25
Sonia Draga, president at the Federation of European Publishers, delivers opening remarks. Enrico Turrin, deputy director and economist at the Federation of European Publishers, presents detailed 2024 data, a market dynamics overview, and main trends from the past 20 years in the European book industry.
Frankfurt Studio, Saal Europa Hall 4.0, 10.30–11.00 a.m.
Publishing Perspectives Executive Talk
Perminder Mann, chief executive officer at Simon & Schuster UK and International, speaks with Porter Anderson, editor-in-chief at Publishing Perspectives, about current industry developments and challenges facing international publishing.
Frankfurt Studio, Saal Europa Hall 4.0, 11.00 a.m.–12.00 p.m.
Comics: The Gamechanger Through the Years
Philippine comics industry representatives from the Guest of Honour country discuss the evolution and impact of comics as a medium.
Guest of Honour Pavilion, Arena Stage, Forum Level 1, 11.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m.
Bookselling in Times of War
A discussion with booksellers from Jerusalem, Kyiv, and San Francisco about sustaining cultural spaces amid polarization, censorship, and war.
Centre Stage, Hall 4.1, B68, 12.00–12.50 p.m.
Spotify Audiobooks: The Latest Chapter
Spotify presents its latest developments in audiobook distribution and partnerships as part of Frankfurt Audio programming.
Frankfurt Studio, Saal Europa Hall 4.0, 12.00–12.30 p.m.
AI and Audio
Audio publishers and technology providers discuss AI’s specific applications in audiobook production, voice synthesis, and audio content discovery.
Frankfurt Studio, Saal Europa Hall 4.0, 12.30–1.00 pm
The Invisible Women of Publishing
PublisHer, making its first appearance at the fair with its own stand and stage program, which examines visibility and representation of women in the publishing industry.
Centre Stage, Hall 4.1, B68, 1.00–2.00 pm
Tuning into the EU: Trends and Opportunities for Publishers in Audio
Audio professionals explore European market trends and expansion opportunities for publishers entering or growing in audiobook markets.
Frankfurt Studio, Saal Europa Hall 4.0, 1.00–1.25 p.m.
Black Sea Speaks Freedom: The Democracy of the Words
Representatives from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine discuss the Black Sea International Literature Festival in Burgas, Bulgaria and how it fosters professional book publishing development in an era of regional conflict.
Hall 4.1, F79, 2.00–2.50 p.m.
CEO Talk: Industry Transformation
Núria Cabutí, chief executive officer at Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, and Chantal Restivo-Alessi, chief executive officer international foreign language and chief digital officer at HarperCollins, discuss the global book trade’s transformation with publishing consultant Rüdiger Wischenbart. Organized with Digital Publishing Report.
International Stage, Foyer Hall 5.1/6.1, 2.00–3.00 p.m.
Beyond Diversity: Entering the Belonging & Inclusion Era
Elsevier, the International Publishers Association, and United Nations Publications explore moving beyond diversity initiatives to create genuine belonging in publishing.
Centre Stage, Hall 4.1, B68, 3.00–4.00 p.m.
Translation Programs: Do They Work?
Industry experts assess the effectiveness of translation support programs in bringing international literature to new markets. Asia Stage, Hall 5.1, A75, 3.00–4.00 p.m.
Frankfurt Kids Conference: Children’s Books in a Fragile World
Keynote by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo. Jon Yaged, chief executive officer at Macmillan Publishers, and Ukrainian editor Kateryna Mikhalitsyna discuss literacy promotion and political attacks on children’s literature. Moderated by author Lawrence Schimel. Networking reception follows.
Centre Stage, Hall 4.1, B68, 4.00–6.30 p.m.
