FutureBook 2024 programme reveals 50+ speakers ready to help the book trade 'explore, unlock and voice our value'

The Bookseller has revealed the full programme for its annual FutureBook Conference, taking place in person and online on 25th November at County Hall, Waterloo.

The day will start with keynotes from DK chief executive Paul Kelly and BA president Fleur Sinclair, along with an interview with Penguin Random House’s global head of audio Amanda D’Acierno and a new piece of research from Enders Analysis exploring the value of publishing in the context of the wider media landscape.

Two streams of panels and showcases will then see publishing insiders and expert outsiders explore topics including AI, audio, events, sustainability, influencers, freelancers, the rise of indie presses and the power of the backlist, before the audience reunites for a final creative keynote and a conversation between the winners of the FutureBook Leader and Future Leader of the Year Awards.

"As a cascade of reports have shown in recent weeks, the UK book trade contributes extraordinary levels of economic and social value to the UK," says The Bookseller’s comment editor and FutureBook co-programmer Molly Flatt. "We have one of the biggest reading publics in the world, our audiobook market stands at over £1bn, and our bookshops play an essential role in making our culture more empathetic and inclusive. With a new government in power, this feels like a crucial moment to double down on, and advocate for, our impact. So our programme is designed to dig into some seriously big ideas—but also to give book people of all levels practical tools and strategies they can use to improve their work straight away."

One panel, featuring leaders from the PA, BA and CILIP along with author and activist Kit de Waal, will investigate how book industry professionals can boost the cultural impact of the sector. Sessions on audio and AI will team entrepreneurs and creators with academic and trade publishers to investigate how the industry can unlock more value from these fast-evolving technologies. A showcase from Beijing Book Fair will unveil trends in Chinese publishing, while World of Books chief executive Dan Mucha will share lessons from their journey towards a circular book economy.

"This year we’re asking publishing’s leaders and future leaders to explore the value of the books business in multiple different ways," says publishing consultant and FutureBook co-programmer Miriam Robinson. "How can we team the pursuit of profit with a strong sense of purpose? How can we make more of our under-the-radar resources, such as publisher’s backlists and the amazing freelancers who help our industry shine? Do we as an industry provide indie presses and events organisers as much value as they provide us? We’ve assembled some bold and brilliant speakers for the day, who won’t be afraid to ask the tough questions and shake things up."

The Bookseller thanks sponsors and partners Shimmr, Beat Technology, World of Books, Whitefox, Audible, Beijing International Book Fair, Clio AI, Nielsen BookData and W F Howes for their support.

Subscribers to The Bookseller receive a 15% discount on tickets, which can be booked at www.thebookseller.com/futurebook-tickets/futurebook-tickets.

The full programme can be found here: www.thebookseller.com/futurebook-programme/futurebook-2024-programme

For group bookings or sponsorship, please email Paul.Clifton@thebookseller.com.