BolognaBookPlus 2025 will host its inaugural AI Summit on April 1. Scheduled speakers include Chantal Restivo-Alessi, chief digital officer at HarperCollins; Nancy Traversy, CEO of Barefoot Books; and Nadim Sadek, cofounder of Shimmr AI.
Per a release, the speaker lineup "will provide actionable insights on leveraging AI to enhance profitability, strengthen author relationships, and differentiate businesses in a competitive market." In addition, sessions will address such topics as strategic AI adoption and branding in an AI-driven landscape, with a focus on helping attendees "embrace AI with confidence, implement it responsibly, and harness its transformative potential for publishing." BolognaBookPlus guest director Jacks Thomas noted in a statement that "copyright protection [will be] central to the discussion" among the speakers.
"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," said Restivo-Alessi, in a statement. "There is always so much to learn from each other, both our old and new partners, in this new journey.”
"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," added Sadek. "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."
This year's Bologna BookPlus, the general publishing conference that takes place alongside the Bologna Children's Fair, is slated for March 31–April 3.
