The Audio Forum at BolognaBookPlus will return next year on April 2 for a second year. Speakers include Ann Scantlebury (Pottermore Publishing), Lance Fitzgerald (Penguin Random House), Laure Saget (Hachette/Audiolib), Ahmed Rewihel (Arabookverse), and Jon Watt (Bonnier UK). The event is curated by Beat Technology's Nathan Hull.
"The industry's and public's fervor for audio has continued unabated," Hull said. "Expect a schedule stacked with leading industry names, international publishing houses, and studios to highlight, debate, and celebrate audiobooks in all their glory."
In addition, crime novelist Tom Benjamin has been named author ambassador for BolognaBookPlus 2025. Benjamin's Bologna-set Daniel Leicester detective series has garnered critical acclaim since its pandemic-era debut. To celebrate Benjamin's appointment, award-winning illustrator Neil Packer, who participated in last year's event, will create a map featuring locations from the series, including notable restaurants and bars that appear in the books.
"I'm delighted to be the BolognaBookPlus Author Ambassador 2025, and in the city so close to my heart and books," Benjamin said. "My series is as much about unravelling the mystery of Italy as those tackled by Daniel."
