Upcoming Trade Shows Bologna, Italy for Baby, Kids & Maternity

Bologna’s baby, kids and maternity industry is best characterized by its focus on kids’ literature – a booming global market. The Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) creates waves within the global publishing industry for children’s literature with each new edition. BCBF kicks off a new decade by championing needed diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Collaborations with BolognaBookPlus and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids aim to broaden the involvement of industry professionals and support emerging markets. A highlight of the Fair is the announcement of the winners of the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Awards. This year, the coveted Extraordinary Award for an Extraordinary Book goes to Bambini nascosti (Hidden Children) published by Vànvere Edizioni. BCBF also runs initiatives that are poised to shape the future of children's literature and publishing. One initiative is the continued focus on Africa, facilitating dialogues and collaborations between publishers to promote the diverse and rich storytelling traditions of the continent. Attention is also directed towards indigenous minorities and the representation of African-American and Afro-Latin American stories in mainstream publishing. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on publishing takes center stage with international panels delving into the challenges and opportunities AI presents to the industry. Additionally, comics emerge as a key sector, with discussions exploring new trends, including comics for very young children. A groundbreaking collaboration with the United Nations broadens the scope of BCBF's work by also including social and environmental causes. Initiatives on sustainability, children's rights, and ocean conservation, including panel discussions and exhibitions, highlight the power of children's literature to inspire positive change. There’s a lot to enjoy and celebrate at the BCBF. Its presence has been instrumental in promoting Italian writers and support Bologna’s local economy as the influx of visitors to the city pours in hundreds of thousands of dollars into the hospitality sector.