Bologna Children’s Book Fair and BolognaBookPlus Programme of events (8-11 April 2024)

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) is the world’s leading professional event for children’s publishing and content. The 61^st edition of BCBF will take place from 8 to 11 April 2024, in Bologna, Italy, together with BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus), the brand extension dedicated to general publishing organised in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association (AIE), and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K), specifically for brands and the licensing of content for children and young people. This edition will welcome around 1,500 exhibitors from 100 countries and regions of the world.

For the 2024 edition Slovenia is Guest of Honour Country, an opportunity for publishers from all over the world to experience the country’s rich publishing scene.

BCBF and BBPlus offer a programme of initiatives aimed at promoting Aldus Up’s goals with events focussing on translation, changes in reading habits – with particular attention to the impact of digitisation and Artificial Intelligence – innovation for books and reading promotion.

Updated infor and the full program of Bologna Children’s Book Fair and BBPlus see here

ALDUS UP events can be searched in the list of events by the keywork ALDUS in the box “event type”

ALDUS UP events are also listed in the dedicated page here.

Monday, 8 April

Do Androids Dream of Great Alternative Descriptions for Images?

Abstract

A crucial component of accessibility is providing reliable alternative descriptions for images. However, crafting alternative descriptions for images stands out as a particularly challenging task for publishers, due to the need for specialised knowledge and the amount of time to ensure accuracy. This is especially pronounced when attempting to make backlist titles accessible, as they were not originally designed with accessibility in mind. Fondazione LIA will explore the world in which AI meets the alternative description of images with insights from professionals in the field, exposing both the possibilities through a showcase of the options available and the concrete applications already adopted by the industry.

Panel

Gautier Chomel, Project Manager, EDRLab; Gregorio Pellegrino, Chief Accessibility Officer, Fondazione LIA; Paolo Casarini, CTO / IT Director, Società Editrice il Mulino.

Moderator: Elisa Molinari, Project Manager, Fondazione LIA.

Organized by: BBPlus

In cooperation with: Fondazione LIA

In the framework of: ABELab, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

The Italian General Book Market 2023, with a focus on the Children’s Book Market: destination Frankfurt

Abstract

A presentation of the latest available data of the Italian publishing market to foreign operators: sales, titles published, translation rights sold. Followed by an insight on the children’s book market, its growth despite the demographic crisis, the differences among age groups, the role of internationalisation.

Speaker

Bruno Giancarli, Research Department, AIE – Associazione Italiana Editori.

Organized by: BBPlus

In cooperation with: AIE – Associazione Italiana Editori

With the support of: ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Stories across media. New forms of reading and storytelling for children from the BolognaRagazzi Crossmedia Awards 2024

Abstract

Through digital media, children and young adults experience new forms of reading and storytelling, within complex narrative worlds in which books are joined by movies and TV series, webcomics and webnovels, podcasts and audiobooks, immersive and interactive stories. Now in its 4th edition, the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Award explores these new forms of storytelling, selecting the best cross-media projects and the most effective screen reading experiences for children and teenagers.

Panel

Warren Buckleitner, editor, Children’s Technology Review; Julie Fox, Founder, Serendipity Animation; Neal Hoskins, Founder, WingedChariot; Beatrice Yong-in Lin, Co-founder, CO.MINT Inc.; Elisa Salamini, Co-founder, ContentMakers and Mamamò.it.

Organized by: Bologna Children’s Book Fair

In cooperation with: Mamamò

Gen Z, AI, and the Search for New Purpose in Publishing and Beyond

Abstract

The advent of AI and rise of Generation Z are catalyzing sweeping changes in the publishing industry and society more broadly. As AI enables automation that doubles economic efficiencies, it raises profound questions about how to allocate newly freed-up human time and attention. Simultaneously, Gen Z’s penchant for questioning established norms is accelerated by AI’s instant access to collective knowledge. Literature stands to be reinvigorated as young influencers use AI to enable bold new writing that reexamines fundamental assumptions about how the world operates. The result could be a publishing renaissance built on innovative ideas and original expression. This session will explore how the interplay between AI and Gen Z thinking is shaping everything from publishing houses to educational institutions to democratic governance. Beyond transforming the printed page, these forces promise to redefine learning, literature, and the very purpose of human endeavor. Nadim will look at both the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by AI’s broad influence spanning publishing, education, and democracy.

Speaker

Nadim Sadek, CEO, Shimmr AI.

Organized by: BBPlus

La proprietà intellettuale nell’era dell’intellingenza artificiale: sfide e ripercussioni –  Masterclass (Intellectual property in the era of Artificial Intelligence: challenges and impact)

Abstract
Copyright laws are designed to protect human-created works, but what happens when Artificial Intelligence generates original works? The actions of AI machines can lead to infringements of intellectual property rights, and the enormous number of images, texts and music generated is raising a number of questions and challenges.

The event is in Italian language.

Panel

Beatrice Cunegatti, avvocato, Fondatrice, IT Law Firm – Studio Legale Cunegatti.

Organized by: Bologna Children’s Book Fair /MIMASTER ILLUSTRAZIONE

In cooperation with: IT Law Firm – Studio Legale Cunegatti

Higher-level reading, AI and book publishing: the Ljubljana reading manifesto

Abstract

Digitalization is one of the fastest accelerators of change in human history. The World Wide Web, social media and the explosive growth of English as a global language of communication connect us across geographical and linguistic boundaries; thanks to the unprecedented development of natural sciences, we are looking into the deepest darknesses of the universe and exploring the secrets of the human genome; even more so, we have developed virtually intelligent machines that could immeasurably accelerate scientific development in the coming decades and change the current rules in the process of creating textual content. But we also live in a time when stupidity and vulgarity are not only on public display but are becoming a political virtue, and social media enclose us in bubbles where we lose sense of the differences between facts and beliefs, arguments and biases, ideologies and scientific methods. How to understand such a complex, fluid and entangled world? And how does book publishing fit into all of this? How to communicate all these complexities in book formats without getting lost in simplifications? And what role does higher level reading play in understanding the complexity of today’s world? Is it an obscure intellectual technique that is becoming obsolete, or is it something that cannot be replaced by a range of new media activities, and we need to rethink its position both in publishing and in the cultural landscape as a whole?

Panel

Karine Pansa, President, IPA; Kristenn Einarsson, CEO, World Expression Forum; Christoph Bläsi, University of Mainz and Aldus up; Luis González, Fundación Germán Sánchez Ruipérez, Aldus Up.

Moderator: Miha Kovač

Organized by: JAK – Slovenian Book Agency

In the framework of: Slovenia Guest of Honour

Tuesday, 9 April

In the AI of the Beholder: How to See the Human Reading Behind the AI

Abstract

The possibilities and perils of Generative AI have dramatically shaken every industry this year including the publishing world. We need to bring a human centred approach to design the use of technology ethically and responsibly for our readers. From AI, AR/VR, AirPods and Amazon Kindle to Nintendo Wii, Whatsapp, Microsoft Zoom all A to Z technologies are rapidly changing the way readers create, curate, share and read. These new technologies have both enhancing and damaging influences on readers. Based on disciplines such as human centred design and behaviour economics, we can design AI technology that can make reading useful, usable, beautiful, joyful, sustainable and responsible for every single reader around the world. This session draws attention to the human holding the AI, not just AI itself, opening up new opportunities for the publishing world to help change the world for the better.

Speaker

Priya Sathiyam, Design Director, Fractal.

Organized by: BBPlus

Tales of EUkraine: intermediate results

Abstract

Tales of EUkraine (TEUk) is a European project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. TEUk is an opportunity for European publishers to support their Ukrainian counterparts and to display their solidarity to the most vulnerable victims of the conflict by doing what they do best: publishing books. TEUk has built a catalogue of Ukrainian children’s books available for publishers to acquire the rights to and publish them in bilingual editions. The project partners will purchase the part of the print run to be distributed to displaced children and organise its distribution to the Ukrainian refugee communities, whilst publishers will be invited to promote the book to their national communities. As the project approaches its halfway point, the consortium will present the results achieved so far – with tens of thousands of bilingual children’s books already published and distributed in several European countries and many more to come.

Panel

Olena Odynoka, Head of the International Cooperation Department – The Ukrainian Book Institute; Enrico Turrin, Deputy Director, Federation of European Publishers

Organized by: The Ukrainian Book Institute

In the framework of Tales of EUkraine, cofinanced by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

Unlocking AI, VR, AR in Publishing: Tools for Authoring and Digital Content Creation

Abstract

The dynamic intersection of AI, VR, and AR in publishing is a fact. Innovative authoring tools and cutting-edge solutions are changing the digital content creation and distribution. How can these technologies and tools really empower authors in crafting immersive experience able to engage audiences like never before? How can the publisher unlock the potential of AI-driven creativity and redefine the future of publishing and storytelling? Enjoy our presentation to talk about this incoming publishing revolution.

Panel

Sam Habibi Minelli, GruppoMeta; Giorgio Genta, Vice President, ETT Group.

Organized by: BBPlus

Wednesday, 10 April

I mestieri del fumetto: dal lettering alla traduzione (Working in Comics: lettering and translation)

Abstract

A precious opportunity for in-depth study on the job profiles in the sector of comics, this event is part of the series of meetings, organized by the AIE Comics and Graphic Novels Commission, with professionals in the sector who will share their experience. After having explored the areas of editorial, scouting and portfolio creation, it is the turn of lettering and translation.

Panel

Paola Cantatore, Editor, Franco Cosimo Panini Editore; Alessandro Nalli, Production Manager, Panini Comics; Fabio Gamberini, traduttore, Panini Comics; Anna Martino, traduttore , Mondadori; Marco Ficarra, CEO, Studio RAM.

Organized by: Associazione Italiana Editori

Translation Forum: marketing and promotion of Books in Translation: Who, How and Why?

Abstract

In various book markets worldwide, a significant portion of the literature available is comprised of translations from foreign languages into the native language. Publishers and booksellers face the task of effectively marketing and selling these translated books to the general public. One key question arises: do marketing and promotion techniques differ for translated literature? Additionally, what challenges and opportunities do publishers and booksellers encounter in the sale of translated books? Moreover, how does the author and translator contribute to the marketing process when their book is available in multiple languages? Lastly, the panel will provide practical steps and advice for creating a successful campaign for translated literature.

Organized by: BBPlus

European Prize for Literature: announcement and networking drinks

Abstract

The European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL), supported by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, is an annual initiative to recognise the best emerging fiction writers in Europe. The Prize aims to put the spotlight on the creativity and diverse wealth of Europe’s contemporary literature in the field of fiction, to promote the circulation talesof literature within Europe and to encourage greater interest in non-national literary works. The EUPL is organised by the Federation of European Publishers and the European and International Booksellers Federation. During the networking event, the laureates of the 2024 edition of the Prize will be announced (after the award ceremony of 4 April at the Brussels Book Fair), at the presence of the organising consortium and one of the previous years’ winners.

Speakers

Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, writer, EUPL 2022 Special Mention – Ireland; Enrico Turrin, Deputy Director, Federation of European Publishers

Organized by: BBPlus

In cooperation with: Federation of European Publishers and EIBF

In the framework of EUPL, cofinanced by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

Navigating the Future: AI Tools for Publishers

Abstract

Join us for a fascinating panel discussion on the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and publishing today. Our panellists will delve into how AI is transforming various aspects of publishing. From marketing strategies to printing processes and content creation, we’ll explore the innovative solutions that are reshaping the landscape. Whether you’re a publisher, marketer, or content creator, this panel promises insights and practical takeaways to reinforce our believe that AI and human ingenuity can coexist in the world of children’s books

Panel

Ashley Gordon, Publishing Market Development Manager for the Page Wide Industrial Division of HP Inc.; Sebastian Wehner, CEO of Wonderz and Wolkenlenker, pioneers in multimedia distribution and family entertainment.; Sam H. Minelli, responsible for international partnerships for digital publishing and education sectors, creative industries at Gruppo Meta; Searsha Sadek, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Shimmr.

Moderator  1Neal Hoskins, CEO WingedChariot, a company that focuses on innovation and brand expansion in publishing.

Organized by: BCBF

In cooperation with: WingedChariot