7 Tips for Attending The London Book Fair as a Foreign National
The London Book Fair is one of the largest events in the publishing industry, attracting professionals from all around the world. Held annually in London, the fair serves as a global marketplace for rights negotiation, networking, and showcasing the latest trends in publishing. Publishers, authors, literary agents, booksellers, librarians, and industry experts gather to explore new business opportunities, attend panel discussions, engage in networking events, and discover emerging talent. With its rich history dating back to 1971, the London Book Fair continues to be a vital platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the publishing community.
Networking is a crucial aspect of professional development, and its significance becomes even more pronounced for foreign nationals who are navigating unfamiliar business landscapes. For advice on how to build and maintain a meaningful network in publishing, take a look at this insightful LinkedIn Live Session with Suzy Astbury (Inspired Selection), Laura Summers (BookMachine) and Srishti Kadu (ReTyped).
Networking serves as a bridge to establish connections, share perspectives, and cultivate relationships that can lead to valuable opportunities. It can also help you gain insights into the nuances of the industry. Networking at the London Book Fair as a foreign national can be an exciting opportunity, but it may also come with unique challenges.
We have put together our top tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the London Book Fair.
1. Stay Comfortable:
London Book Fair is a large event, both in its scope and the space it occupies. If you are planning on attending all three days of the fair – pace yourself, as it can be exhausting. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and comfortable clothing, you are likely to be on your feet all day. Carry only what you need with you as there will be a lot of walking and you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy backpack. And most importantly, remember to stay hydrated! As long as you are comfortable and hydrated, you can actively participate and focus on the events, on networking and actually enjoying the book fair.
2. Do Your Research:
Before attending the London Book Fair (LBF), research key attendees, exhibitors, and industry trends. The LBF website publishes their seminar programme, make sure to check back closer to the event dates as there may be more seminars added to the list. Check the exhibitors directory to identify who you want to meet. Familiarise yourself with the floorplan as best you can, and do ask for directions if you get lost – we’ve all been there! If you have agreed to meet someone at a particular time, make sure you leave plenty of time to get there.
3. Set Clear Objectives:
Define your goals in advance and figure out what you want to achieve from going to LBF. Whether you're seeking potential collaborators, industry insights, or specific connections, having clear objectives will guide your interactions and help you prioritise your time effectively during the event. Do not expect to get a job at the book fair. Bookcareers have a very useful post about how to use LBF to get a job, so please read that if this is your main objective. LBF is a great place to meet people from all over the world who work in publishing, and it is a great opportunity to network with them and understand global trends in the industry.
4. Overcome Language and Cultural Barriers:
Practice active listening during conversations, ensuring you understand and respond appropriately. Show genuine interest in others' perspectives and experiences. The atmosphere in the book fair (especially at stand parties) can be loud and confusing. If English is not your first language, you might struggle to tune in to what someone is saying. Try to do your best – but if it is really difficult and you do wish to follow up with them afterwards – make sure to exchange business cards or take a photo of their name badge (with permission of course) so that you can follow up with an email afterwards. LBF is a global platform and you are bound to meet people from all over the world, with varying accents and levels of spoken English. Don’t be disheartened if you struggle. Just keep going and make notes for following up.
5. Attend Relevant Events:
Identify and attend panels, discussions, and sessions that align with your interests and goals. Actively participate in Q&A sessions to engage with industry professionals, share your insights, and connect with like-minded individuals. Try to seek out networking opportunities with professionals from various cultural backgrounds. Attend events focused on international collaboration to broaden your perspectives and foster connections that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse network.
We have created a short list of the seminars that most interest us here at ReTyped:
Day One (Tuesday 12 March):
Supporting an Inclusive Industry Culture
What’s Behind the Numbers? Unpacking and Utilising the Data on Translated Literature and its Readers
Sustainable Publishing 2030: Shaping the Future of an Eco-friendly and Ethical Industry
The State of the Industry: Writing, Labour and Marginalised Voices
What about the Translation of Non-fiction Works?
Presentation of the Selfies Book Awards followed by a Drinks reception
Day Two (Wednesday 13 March):
SYP 75th Anniversary: Getting Ahead in Publishing
BIC’s Building a Better Business Session: Books Across Borders
Publishing into the Hostile Environment
What Kind of Professionals Does the Industry Need?
Voices Unheard: Addressing Inclusivity and Representation in Publishing World
Day Three (Thursday 14 March):
Keynote Panel - SheEOs in Publishing- Women Pioneering the Pages
Sustainability – It’s Not as Easy as It Looks
A Writing Chance: Do the Creative Industries Have Diversity Fatigue?
Bookcareers.com Careers Clinic
Your list might include most of these, or none at all. That’s ok! The London Book Fair has something for everyone.
6. Utilise Social Media:
Leverage social media platforms to join and engage in online content related to LBF. Use event hashtags on platforms like LinkedIn/Twitter/Instagram to connect with fellow attendees and share your experiences. Definitely do take photos, especially if it’s your first time!
7. Follow-up and Nurture Relationships:
Make sure you send follow up notes on email/LinkedIn expressing your gratitude. Personalising your messages is very important, so ensure that you convey your interest, or recap a conversation you had with them that was interesting, so they can also recognise who the message was from. This step is crucial for building and maintaining professional relationships.
LBF is an exciting place and there is always a lot of weird and wonderful things going on. It can be a bit intense, especially if it’s your first time, so do take breaks when you need to. Take this opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues and make new ones in the publishing world. And finally, most importantly, remember to have fun!
