BolognaBookPlus 2025 has announced its first AI Summit. The Day 2 event on Tuesday, 1 April boasts an international line-up of speakers at the cutting edge of this new age of opportunity for the publishing industry. Offering an essential roadmap for embracing AI, this timely addition to the annual trade book fair is set to inspire, educate, and empower publishers, equipping them with the insights and tools needed to thrive and overcome challenges in an era defined by artificial intelligence.
With speakers drawn from around the world, the summit will offer a global overview, sharing lessons learned, aspirations and experience of this defining new age of publishing. The roster includes – Chantal Restivo-Alessi, chief digital officer, HarperCollins; Nancy Traversy, CEO, Barefoot Books; and Nadim Sadek, co-founder, Shimmr AI and author of AI in Publishing book, ‘Shimmer, Don’t Shake’.
Sessions will address critical topics such as Strategic AI adoption; Practical publishing tools; Content discovery innovations; Branding in an AI-driven landscape.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how publishers approach creativity, operations and reader engagement. From workflow optimization to audience engagement, the program aims to inspire publishers to view AI as a collaborative partner in creativity and operational excellence. Speakers will provide actionable insights on leveraging AI to enhance profitability, strengthen author relationships, and differentiate businesses in a competitive market.
The sessions are structured to build on each other, helping attendees to embrace AI with confidence, implement it responsibly, and harness its transformative potential for publishing.
Chantal Restivo-Alessi, HarperCollins says, “I am looking forward to the AI Forum at BolognaBookPlus 2025. Publishing is changing rapidly, and AI is the latest technological advancement the industry is incorporating in its business while remaining considerate and respectful of all stakeholders and rights involved. There is always so much to learn from each other, both our old and new partners, in this new journey.”
Nadim Sadek, Shimmr AI adds, “The AI Summit at BolognaBookPlus 2025 is more than a conference – it’s a pivotal moment of transformation. We’re not just discussing technology – we’re mapping the future of publishing. AI isn’t something happening to our industry – it’s a collaborative tool that will amplify human creativity, streamline our workflows, and connect us more deeply with readers. This forum is about empowerment – giving publishers the insights, strategies, and confidence to lead in an AI-enhanced landscape.”
Jacks Thomas, guest director, BolognaBookPlus comments, “AI informs so much of our lives, and we are privileged to be at the vanguard of the next phase for our industry. Publishing has always risen to the challenges of new technologies and seized the opportunities offered. I look forward to learning from the experts, with copyright protection central to the discussion and to welcoming a new age of creativity.”
