The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has designed a special programme to engage publishing community professionals in Italy and from around the world at the upcoming 59th edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair where Sharjah will be participating as Guest of Honour.  

With a presence at the Sharjah GoH pavillion in Hall 29, hall 1, EPA will be hosting two panel sessions dedicated to key and emerging issues in the field of children’s literature. On March 21, a session titled ‘Changing Trends in the Publishing Industry: Addressing the Fear of New Technology in Publishing’, will shine light on ways publishers can embrace digital innovations and how frequently they should introduce them to their businesses. The second session on March 22, ‘Welcome To Story Hour: The Process Of Creating Children’s Books’, will bring together a panel of experts to deliberate on key areas of children’s publishing including selection of age-appropriate content and legal issues surrounding the same, copyright, translations, and more.         

The Association will also be organising matchmaking session at the EPA stand on March 22 in a bid to enable UAE publishers expand their reach into new markets while also offering foreign publishers a platform to interact with local professionals and learn about ways in which they can collaborate and tap into the business potential of the UAE and the region. In addition to its participation at the "Bologna Book Plus" section in the exhibition, which allows the participating publishers within the association's pavilion the opportunity to hold meetings with Italian and international publishers, for the purpose of exchanging experiences and discussing means of joint cooperation.

Making an open call to the 200 exhibitors from 85 countries and regions expected to participate at BCF 2022, HE Ali Bin Hatem, President of EPA, said: “Sharjah is a land of opportunities for publishing professionals, allied businesses, authors, illustrators, and everyone else in the literary community. These prospects continue to grow especially in the field of children’s and young adult literature, as various cultural entities in our emirate work towards realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhmmad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to create a knowledge-based society”.

“The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the largest of its kind dedicated to international children’s literature and EPA looks forward to making meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and organisations who are dedicated to empowering future generations with knowledge and creativity,” he added. 

Founded in 2009, the EPA is dedicated to developing the publishing sector and representing the interests of professionals in the UAE and beyond. It promotes UAE's cultural achievements across the Arab world and globally. It also hosts, organises and takes part in regional and international conferences, exhibitions and book fairs.