Bologna, Italy, April 2026
PublisHer returned to Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026 with an ambitious, multi-day programme to elevate women’s leadership in publishing and trigger global, industrywide collaboration.
At the heart of its presence was the PublisHer Lounge, a dedicated hub for dialogue, networking and professional exchange, hosting a series of high-level panels, workshops and keynote sessions featuring leading voices from across the international publishing ecosystem.
Across four days, PublisHer convened publishers, authors, innovators and industry leaders to address some of the most pressing themes shaping the sector today, from inclusive leadership and career progression to the evolving role of storytelling in such a fast-changing world.
A platform for dialogue and leadership
The programme* brought together diverse perspectives through curated discussions on themes, including:
- Women’s leadership and pathways to senior roles in publishing
- The future of storytelling and children’s literature
- Cross-cultural collaboration and global market opportunities
- Innovation, entrepreneurship and new business models in publishing
- The role of publishing in shaping inclusive and representative narratives
Sessions were designed to spotlight expertise and create meaningful opportunities for connection, in line with PublisHer’s core mission to build a more inclusive and equitable publishing industry.
*Full programme and speaker details here.
Launch of PublisHer Premium Membership
A key milestone of PublisHer’s presence in Bologna was the launch of its Premium Membership during a keynote session in the PublisHer Lounge.
The new paid tier marks a stride forward in strengthening the organization’s global network and expanding the support available to women in publishing.
PublisHer Membership Premium Tier provides comprehensive access to the full value of the PublisHer network, including unlimited Member Directory connections, expert strategic guidance from dedicated publishing mentors, enhanced profile visibility via the Member Spotlight feature, priority access to network events, as well as exclusive partner benefits and full access to the online resource library.
Designed to strengthen leadership presence and unlock meaningful opportunities, Premium Membership will equip members with all the access, credibility and support needed to accelerate professional growth and maximize their full publishing potential.
Strengthening a global movement
PublisHer’s expanded presence at Bologna reflects the growing momentum of its international community and its commitment to driving positive change across the publishing industry.
By combining high-level programming with practical tools for professional advancement, PublisHer continues to be a thought leadership platform and a career development catalyst.
As the publishing world gathers in Bologna each year to shape the future of children’s content, PublisHer’s programme makes an unequivocal statement about advancing women’s leadership being critical to the industry’s future.
