March 19, 2024
Our Takeaways from the London Book Fair
The London Book Fair 2024 returned, bigger, louder, and busier than ever before, even in the wake of the pandemic. The organizers made a deliberate move from April to March, positioning it as the premier Book Fair of the season. Initial observations suggest that this strategic shift paid off, with over 30,000 visitors flocking to the LBF.
One of the driving factors behind the bustling atmosphere was the return of American publishers, a group not seen in such numbers since pre-pandemic times. Among them were many production professionals, a welcome sight given the scarcity of production-specific meetings. Attendees come to London to network with clients, gain insights into the direction other printers are taking, and stay informed about industry trends.
At the fair, several key topics took center stage, including the Impact of AI, Climate and Sustainability, Net Zero, and Books with Neurodiversity. Printers, in particular, expressed keen interest in sustainability, recognizing that the printing and shipping of books contribute significantly to the carbon footprint. While Europe leads the way working out how to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of printing and shipping, North America lags behind but is superior in the adoption and use of recycled paper. Simultaneously, discussions abound about the rising carbon footprint of the internet and the growing demand for server power driven by AI.
Ultimately, the London Book Fair serves as a powerful reminder of the vast and diverse industry it represents. Until next year!