The London Book Fair (LBF) 2025, the world’s largest English-language publishing trade show, is set to take place at Olympia London from March 11–13, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and initiatives to encourage youth reading. As the first major rights fair of the year, LBF has expanded its programming and meeting spaces, while also welcoming back a significant presence from Chinese publishers.

According to Adam Ridgway, who took over as LBF director in April 2024, the event is expected to draw over 30,000 attendees and 845 exhibitors, a level of participation not seen since before the pandemic.

AI, Copyright, and the Future of Publishing

The main stage will feature discussions on AI and copyright regulations in both the U.K. and U.S.. Key speakers include Maria Pallante, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, and Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association in the U.K., both actively involved in government discussions on AI regulation.

On the creative side, Helena Gustafsson, chief content officer at Storytel—which recently published a book authored by AI—will engage in a fireside chat with Ana Maria Allessi, president and publisher of Hachette Audio, about the evolving impact of AI on the audiobook industry.

Growing Focus on Audiobooks and Young Readers

With the continued global rise in audiobook consumption, LBF has expanded last year’s “audio alley” into a more extensive “audio village.” Meanwhile, the International Rights Center has increased its capacity by 10%, with nearly 550 tables, reflecting high demand.

Another major topic at LBF 2025 is the decline in book reading among young people, particularly in places like the U.K. “They are absorbing content, but not necessarily from books,” says Ridgway. “The challenge is how to adapt.”

To address this, LBF is introducing a new programming block dedicated to fostering young readers. A main stage session, “Cultivating the Next Generation of Readers,” will feature authors Will Rayfet Hunter and Taylor-Dior Rumble discussing ways to engage young audiences.

New Academic Conference and International Participation

For the first time, LBF will host a three-day academic and professional publishing conference alongside the main fair. Discussions will cover business model shifts, sustainability challenges, and AI’s impact on academic publishing.

“The academic publishing industry has faced financial strain due to evolving market conditions,” Ridgway explains. “This program aims to support and inspire professionals in the sector.”

The fair will also see strong international representation, with significant participation from the U.S., Canada, Germany, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Turkey. A notable return this year is the Chinese publishing delegation, which will showcase 19 companies in a dedicated pavilion. Acclaimed Chinese author Liu Zhenyun, known for Someone to Talk To and the screenplay for I Am Not Madame Bovary, will speak at the Literary Translation Center.

Star Speakers, Creative Recognition, and Industry Honors

LBF 2025 has secured an impressive lineup of industry leaders. David Shelley, CEO of Hachette, and James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, will deliver a keynote on managing transatlantic publishing businesses.

The Author of the Day program will feature celebrated writers, including Monica Ali, chair of the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction, Argentine novelist Claudia Piñeiro, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

For the first time, LBF will honor a Creative of the Fair, awarding the title to British comics artist Jamie Smart, a British Book Awards winner, who will host a live drawing session.

The fair will also present several prestigious awards, including the Trailblazers Awards, Selfies Book Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will go to Gloria Bailey, associate director for export services at the Publishers Association.

Navigating Challenges and Enhancing Experience

LBF continues to operate within the constraints of Olympia London’s ongoing renovation, expected to be completed by 2027. At that point, organizers plan to reintroduce the Market Focus Country program, which is currently on hold.

“We don’t own the venue; we’re just tenants,” Ridgway notes. “They keep throwing curveballs, and we have to adjust.”

In response to past complaints, organizers have enhanced catering services and expanded seating and meeting areas to prevent attendees from resorting to sitting on the floor, as was common last year.

Ultimately, the London Book Fair remains a key event for the global publishing industry. “This is where publishers make deals, secure rights, and shape the future of content in all its forms,” Ridgway concludes. “The high demand for space is a great sign—not just for the fair, but for the industry as a whole.”