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FutureBook, The Bookseller’s annual publishing conference, returns with an in-person event in 2022 on 18th November, with this year’s theme "Common Ground". It will culminate in the FutureBook Awards, with submissions now open.
The event acknowledges that while the past year has been brilliant for books, it’s also seen a bunch of cracks turn into gaping chasms: staff refusing to work for authors they disagree with while their leaders fly the flag for freedom of speech. Assistants struggling to make ends meet while their employers announce record sales. Marketers pouring money into debuts while Book-Tokkers go nuts for their backlists.
The conference will be co-programmed by The Bookseller’s editor Philip Jones, comment editor Molly Flatt, and associate editor Natasha Onwuemezi. Flatt said: "On a tough day, publishing can feel more divided than it’s ever been; between generations, ideologies and regions; and between our history and the changes we urgently need to make. If we’re to get stronger, smarter and more sustainable, and feel better while we’re doing it, we need to find more common ground."
The Bookseller is launching the first in-person tickets at an introductory rate of £329 for all subscribers, and £348 for non-subscribers, available until 14th October. This price will include full access to all events online after the conference, as well as attendance on the day. Online-only tickets will go on sale the following week.
The awards are now open for submissions, with seven awards to be announced, including the prestigious FutureBook Person of the Year. Other categories include Campaign and Team, Sustainability, and the Discover award, for an initiative that addresses the lack of representation in the trade.
Last year’s in-person and online event attracted 400 delegates from more than 20 countries and featured more than 100 speakers. The in-person event offers an opportunity to once again gather together; online-only delegates will be able to watch live and on catch-up, as well as participate in debates and ask questions.
For sponsorship opportunities and to make group bookings, contact emma.lowe@thebookseller.com.