912 participants from 99 countries at the Sharjah Distributors Conference
- Sheikha Boudour Al Qasimi: Investing in people and developing capabilities is the foundation of the future of the book industry
Sheikha Boudour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority Board of Directors, opened the fifth edition of the Sharjah Distributors Conference on Saturday at Sharjah Expo Centre. The event is attended by 912 distributors, publishers, booksellers, and representatives of e-commerce platforms from 99 countries, alongside a distinguished group of specialists in the book industry.
In her opening address, Sheikha Boudour Al Qasimi emphasized the vital role played by distributors and booksellers in delivering the right book to the right reader. She noted that rapid technological advancements are reshaping methods of content production, discovery, and access.
She stated that the role of the book sector extends beyond sales to building bridges between publishers and distributors across various markets and cultures, thereby helping to reach ideas and stories to broader readerships. She affirmed that investing in people and developing their capabilities is a crucial foundation for preparing for the future of the book industry.
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The two-day conference discusses a range of practical challenges related to getting books to readers, including inventory management, book display organization, demand analysis, e-commerce, and digital marketing, in addition to exchanging expertise and facilitating direct business meetings among professionals in different book markets.
The opening ceremony included the honoring of the first cohort of graduates from the “Masarat Publish Her” program, established by Sheikha Boudour Al Qasimi to support women working in the publishing sector and enhance their professional and leadership opportunities.
The conference also featured several international experiences in the book industry, including the “Foley Books” libraries in the Philippines and the “Sens” library in Ukraine, which has transformed into a community and cultural space despite the conditions of war.
One session addressed ways to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance library websites, improve the e-commerce experience, and understand reader purchasing patterns, alongside the use of data and digital tools for marketing and reaching a wider audience.
The first day included workshops and professional sessions focused on inventory management, reducing returns, improving book displays, developing e-commerce, and building relationships with publishers and authors, concluding with one-on-one business meetings between distributors, booksellers, and publishers.
The conference continues tomorrow, Sunday, to discuss challenges in book sales and distribution and to strengthen communication among professionals in Arab and global book markets.
