Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2028 – Bologna, Italy

• April 5, 2027
  Event date:
• April 8, 2027
  Event end:

Overview

Bologna Children’s Book Fair stands as the undisputed global capital and premier professional trade show dedicated to the children’s publishing and multimedia industry. Held annually at the sprawling Bologna Exhibition Centre, the prestigious event serves as the ultimate international convergence point for authors, illustrators, literary agents, publishers, translators, and booksellers. Attendees gain comprehensive exposure to cutting-edge publishing innovations, literary rights exchanges, and artistic advancements shaping the future of children’s literature worldwide.

The vibrant exhibition floor brings together thousands of international exhibitors showcasing a vast array of picture books, young adult novels, educational tools, and digital storytelling media. Publishers present groundbreaking works that foster early childhood literacy, creative expression, and cross-cultural understanding among young readers globally. This dynamic commercial marketplace encourages robust business agreements, international rights negotiations, and strategic literary partnerships among industry leaders.

Beyond the extensive book displays and rights centers, the fair curates an immersive program of professional workshops, illustrators’ exhibitions, and author panels. Industry experts dissect current publishing trends, digital copyright frameworks, and evolving reading habits across different demographics. These enriching sessions provide profound professional insights for publishing executives and creative talents seeking to expand their market reach and artistic vision.

Event Highlights

• The renowned Illustrators Exhibition showcasing exceptional original artwork from emerging and established talents around the globe.
• Extensive international rights trading halls facilitating global translation agreements and co-edition publishing contracts.
• Dedicated specialized zones highlighting digital storytelling, audiobooks, educational apps, and interactive youth learning technologies.
• Prestigious literary awards and honors celebrating excellence in illustration, translation, and children’s book design.

Why Attend

Attending this world-renowned publishing fair provides an unmatched opportunity to discover the absolute cutting edge of global children’s literature under one roof. Industry professionals gain direct access to international rights holders, enabling strategic acquisitions and partnership deals that drive commercial success. The gathering serves as an essential networking nexus, uniting global publishing experts in one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs.

The exhibition is ideal for children’s book publishers, literary agents, independent authors, illustrators, educational developers, and specialized booksellers. Participants leave with expanded industry perspectives, valuable global connections, and a comprehensive understanding of current trends shaping the international publishing economy. The carefully structured framework ensures that every visitor deeply engages with groundbreaking creative artistry.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: April 5–8, 2027
• Event Duration: 4 Days

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is handled exclusively online through the official event digital accreditation portal.
• Admission Type: Professional trade registration is mandatory, catering specifically to publishing industry insiders, authors, and literary agents.
• Ticket Pricing: Minimum $35 to maximum $150 depending on the selected pass category and advance accreditation timing.
• Special Seating Options: Reserved seating areas are provided within the main conference auditoriums and professional presentation stages.
• VIP Options: Premium badges include priority fast-track entry, access to exclusive publisher lounges, and invitations to private networking receptions.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Bologna, Italy
• Venue Name: Bologna Exhibition Centre (BolognaFiere)
• Google Maps Address: Viale della Fiera, 20, 40128 Bologna BO, Italy

Contact Information

• Email: bookfair@bolognafiere.it
• Phone Number: +39 051 282242
• Official Website: https://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/home/878.html

Accommodation Options

Visitors traveling to the exhibition will find an exceptional selection of lodging choices ranging from historic boutique hotels in downtown Bologna to modern serviced apartments near the fair complex. Numerous hospitality partners offer convenient access via direct public transit lines connecting the urban core straight to the exhibition gates. Early booking is strongly advised due to the massive influx of international publishing professionals visiting the city during the fair.

The surrounding metropolitan hospitality network welcomes global delegates with top-tier amenities, high-speed internet access, and dedicated business support facilities. Staying within central districts allows participants to experience Bologna’s renowned culinary scene, historic porticos, and rich cultural heritage after a day at the fair. Partner hotels frequently provide special corporate rates for registered convention attendees.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport located approximately 10 kilometers from the exhibition grounds.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Bologna Centrale railway station situated just a short distance from the fair district with direct shuttle connections.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Dedicated urban bus lines connect the central railway station and key transit nodes directly to the exhibition entrances.
• Parking Availability: Extensive multi-level on-site parking facilities are available for visitors arriving via personal or rental vehicles.
• Directions by Car: Accessible via the A1 Milan-Naples, A13 Bologna-Padua, and A14 Bologna-Taranto motorways by following local signage for BolognaFiere.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Caffe Gamberini offers an exquisite selection of traditional Italian pastries, artisanal brioches, and exceptional espresso in a historic setting.
• Pasticceria Tamburini provides a vibrant morning atmosphere with freshly baked goods, regional sweets, and premium coffee specialties.
• Zanarini presents an elegant downtown environment perfect for enjoying quality morning pastries and rich dairy beverages.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Ristorante Diana serves classic Bolognese comfort dishes and handcrafted pasta recipes near the bustling commercial center.
• Osteria del Sole offers a uniquely authentic local atmosphere where guests can enjoy regional cold cuts and light bites.
• Tamburini provides a gourmet selection of freshly crafted panini and traditional local delicacies using premium ingredients.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Trattoria di Via Serra delivers sophisticated fine dining featuring contemporary takes on traditional Emilia-Romagna gastronomy.
• Al Pappagallo specializes in iconic handmade tortellini and classic regional recipes within a charming historic dining room.
• Osteria dell’Orsa offers hearty, traditional student-favorite dishes in a lively, welcoming neighborhood environment.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Tagliatelle al Ragù is the authentic local pasta dish featuring long ribbon strands coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce.
• Tortellini in Brodo consists of small, handmade ring-shaped pasta parcels stuffed with pork loin and parmesan, served in a steaming meat broth.
• Mortadella di Bologna is a world-renowned large Italian cured pork sausage subtly flavored with spices and pistachios.

What is this event?

Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the premier international trade exhibition focusing on youth literature, illustration art, and global publishing rights. It unites worldwide publishers, authors, and literary agents to showcase innovative children’s books and educational media.

The annual gathering serves as a vital platform for negotiating translation rights, presenting cutting-edge illustrated works, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Participants explore comprehensive solutions for children’s reading promotion and digital storytelling integration.

Why is it popular?

The event gains immense popularity due to its status as the absolute global authority and marketplace for the children’s publishing industry. It serves as the definitive meeting place for professionals dedicated to advancing youth literature and visual arts.

Attendees value the unique combination of massive international book displays and high-level professional seminars addressing global literacy challenges. Its proven track record of facilitating international book deals makes it an unmissable fixture in the cultural calendar.

Tips before you go

• Complete your professional registration online well in advance to secure digital accreditation badges and skip long queues.
• Download the official event application to easily navigate the expansive exhibition halls and schedule targeted rights meetings.
• Wear comfortable footwear as exploring the massive publishing pavilions and multi-hall layout requires substantial walking.
• Plan your seminar agenda ahead of time to attend key educational sessions on illustration trends and publishing rights.
• Bring plenty of digital or physical business cards to streamline networking with international literary publishers.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Arrive early on the opening day to easily orient yourself across the vast exhibition layout without feeling rushed.
• Utilize the information desks and digital interactive kiosks located throughout the halls to locate specific publishing stands.
• Take advantage of guided tours designed to help newcomers understand the layout of the international rights center and illustrator showcases.
• Stay hydrated and utilize the designated lounge areas to rest during your comprehensive exploration of the event grounds.
• Make time to visit the illustrators’ exhibition walls to discover extraordinary visual art by rising international talents.

Attendee Experiences

• Exploring the vast global publishing stands provided incredible inspiration and exposure to international children’s book trends.
• Navigating the exhibition halls was seamless, and the rights center sessions opened doors to valuable translation partnerships.
• Attending the specialized illustrator workshops offered profound clarity on contemporary visual storytelling techniques.

Video

Location

FAQ