Sharjah: The 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is set to take place at the Expo Center Sharjah from November 3rd to 5th, 2024. This event precedes the renowned Sharjah International Book Fair and is a pivotal occasion on the global publishing calendar. It will gather professionals, experts, and thought leaders from the international publishing industry to explore trends, challenges, and innovations in the field. According to Emirates News Agency, the conference will host 1,065 publishing industry professionals from 108 countries, including the first-time participation of the Central African Republic. Over the course of the three days, attendees will participate in 30 roundtable discussions led by distinguished speakers and experts, providing valuable insights into current industry dynamics and promoting collaboration among participants. The opening day will be marked by keynote speeches from prominent figures in the publishing sector, including an address by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, and a keynote talk by John Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Content Group, Lightning Source. Additionally, Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer and CEO of International Foreign Language for HarperCollins Publishers, will engage in a live discussion with Porter Anderson of Publishing Perspectives. A highlight of the first day will be the announcement of the winners of the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Rights Connection Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to rights trading and international partnerships in publishing. These awards honor Rights Professionals of the Year, with two categories: one for a professional within a publishing company selling translation rights, and another for a professional working for an agency or independently, selling translation rights for multiple clients. Each winner will receive a prize of US$2,500. Also on the opening day, the winners of the "She's Next in Publishing" initiative will be revealed. This program, created by Visa (MENA Region) in partnership with PublisHer, celebrates innovative and emerging female voices in the publishing industry. The winner will receive a cash prize of US$50,000 to support their business growth, along with a Sharjah Publishing City license to operate in the UAE. Additionally, all five finalists will engage in a 3-month mentorship program focused on business development, professional growth, and creativity. The second and third days of the conference will continue to address challenges in the publishing industry while exploring market trends and consumer preferences through interactive roundtable discussions. Topics will include advancements in digital publishing, the expanding audiobook market, the influence of artificial intelligence on publishing, and strategies for sector sustainability and expansion. The conference will also feature networking opportunities and professional development through workshops on key publishing topics such as content marketing , audiobook production, AI applications, digital distribution strategies, and sustainability.