BolognaBookPlus has announced the Audio Forum 2026, taking place on Wednesday 15 April at the BolognaBookPlus Theatre. Created in partnership with Beat Technology, the forum will bring together global leaders from publishing, audio, and technology to explore the rapid evolution of the audiobook and spoken-word landscape.
With audio continuing to be one of the fastest-growing formats in global publishing, the program will examine how technology, creativity, and commercial realities are reshaping how stories are produced, distributed, and consumed. The Audio Forum 2026 is sponsored by ElevenLabs, Bookwire, and Zebralution, whose continued support highlights the growing importance of innovation, accessibility, and scalability in audio publishing.
Programme highlights
In Conversation with Duncan Bruce, Spotify
A keynote conversation offering insight into the platform’s approach to audio growth, audience engagement, and the future of spoken-word content.
Tech & Innovation within Audio
From marketing and reach to processes and screenless devices to sonic superworlds, this session explores the continued revenue growth of audio through the lens of technological advancement. Panellists will discuss how innovation is shifting consumption habits, experiential expectations, and methods of audio creation.
Reaching Reluctant Readers via Audiobooks
Is the audiobook a ready-made bridge to reach reluctant readers? In the UK’s National Year of Reading, this panel examines how publishers can use audio to engage everyone from disinclined children to time-poor adults, expanding access to great books across formats.
Creativity vs Affordability
New and mature markets have different ears and different needs. This international panel places actors and AI in direct conversation, addressing creative ambition alongside the demands for speed, availability, and affordability in a global audio market.
Confirmed speakers include:
Duncan Bruce, director of Partnerships & Licensing for audiobooks, Spotify; Madeline Shue, head of Publisher Partnerships, ElevenLabs; Ben Drury, CEO and Co-Founder, Yoto; Mathilde Davignon, head of Audio, Gallimard; Barbara Knabe, head of Content Acquisition, EU and LatAm, Audible; Richard Addis, Music, Podcast and Audiobook Partnerships, Dolby EU; Robin Lai, SVP – Custom Shop, John Marshall Media; Becca Souster, Head of Audio Sales and Strategy, Pan Macmillan. The full programme will be announced soon.
The Audio Forum 2026 is an essential event for publishers, producers, platforms, and technology providers navigating the next chapter of audio publishing.
Jacks Thomas, guest director BolognaBookPlus, comments, “Audio publishing opens up the pleasure and knowledge that books give to so many different people. It is wonderful to see the continued growth and success of this creative and ever-evolving format. Working with Beat Technology, with their expertise and global reach, it will, once again be a fantastic programme of speakers and content for the BolognaBookPlus audience. We hope to see you there!”
Nathan Hull, Beat Technology, said, “This forum offers a platform for intelligent debate around audio sub-topics that aren’t yet given air- time. The audio format is no longer leftfield or niche: it’s the financial or creative cornerstone in some markets and has the opportunity to be in newer ones. This year we have again an international mix of major voices in the field alongside newer markets and fresh faces, to give weight and balance as we deliberate the evolution of the spoken word and what it means to publishers.”
Ben Drury, CEO and Co-Founder of children’s audio platform, Yoto, commented, “Events like Bologna Book Plus play a vital role in bringing the industry together by creating space for meaningful conversations and facilitating the face-to-face connections that turn great ideas into long-term partnerships and collaborations. As a pioneer in the world of children’s audio we know that listening is one of the fastest-growing ways kids discover and enjoy stories. A huge part of our mission at Yoto is to help publishers and independent creators reach families all around the world through this powerful medium, helping to spark a lifelong love of storytelling for children everywhere.”
