London Book Fair to focus on AI integration and declining literacy rates

The London Book Fair (LBF), returning to Olympia London from March 11-13, 2025, is set to be the largest English-language publishing trade show since before the pandemic, with over 30,000 attendees and 845 exhibitors expected. Under new director Adam Ridgway’s leadership, the fair is placing special emphasis on artificial intelligence’s impact on publishing and initiatives to address declining youth readership.

Key Themes and Programming: The 2025 fair centers on two major industry challenges – the integration of AI technology and the need to cultivate young readers in an era of declining literacy rates.

• Leading industry figures including Maria Pallante (Association of American Publishers) and Dan Conway (Publishers Association UK) will address AI and copyright policy developments
• A new programming block dedicated to youth reading features authors Will Rayfet Hunter and Taylor-Dior Rumble discussing strategies to engage the next generation of readers
• The fair introduces its first three-day academic publishing conference focusing on sustainability, business models, and AI’s impact on scholarly publishing

Notable Expansions: Growing demand has led to significant expansion of key fair components.

• The “audio alley” has evolved into an enlarged “audio village” reflecting the global audiobook boom
• The International Rights Center has grown by 10% to accommodate nearly 550 tables
• A new Chinese pavilion featuring 19 businesses marks increased international participation

Featured Speakers and Events: The fair has secured an impressive lineup of industry leaders and creative voices.

• Hachette CEO David Shelley and Barnes & Noble/Waterstones CEO James Daunt will deliver a keynote on managing transatlantic businesses
• Authors of the Day include Monica Ali, Claudia Piñeiro, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce
• Comics artist Jamie Smart has been named the first-ever Creative of the Fair
• Various awards will be presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to Gloria Bailey

Logistical Considerations: The ongoing renovation of Olympia London continues to impact the fair’s operations.

• Organizers have enhanced catering facilities and expanded meeting spaces in response to previous feedback
• The venue is expected to return to full capacity in 2027, when the market focus country program will resume
• Strong international attendance is expected from the US, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, and other nations

Looking Beyond 2025: The fair’s emphasis on AI integration and youth readership signals a publishing industry actively working to adapt to technological change while preserving its fundamental role in promoting literacy and storytelling.

• The expansion of rights trading and audio content points to a healthy global publishing ecosystem
• However, the industry faces ongoing challenges in engaging younger readers who increasingly consume content through non-traditional channels
• The growing focus on AI suggests publishing is entering a transformative period that will require careful navigation of both opportunities and risks