London, Wednesday 26 November 2025. The London Book Fair (LBF) has today announced the first industry names who will be speaking at next year’s Fair (10-12 March 2026).
Back in Olympia London, LBF26 will return as the first major book trade event of 2026, and the go-to event for the global publishing community to build relationships, learn more about the industry, and define the future of creative content. From global publishing to children’s books, independent presses to audiobooks, next year’s keynote speakers will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the Fair.
Confirmed keynotes that will appear across the three days of the Fair include: Joanna Prior, in her first industry-wide keynote since taking over as CEO of Pan Macmillan; Tom Weldon, CEO of Penguin Random House UK; and Sanjee de Silva, Publisher at Sweet Cherry Publishing.
Outside of the UK, LBF 2026 will hear from Audible CEO, Bob Carrigan, in his first keynote outside of the US, and Karen Ronde, CEO of Danish Press Publications, with many more to be announced.
Emma Lowe, Director of The London Book Fair, said: “We’re delighted to announce the first industry keynote speakers for next year, which will spotlight the opportunities created by the UK’s Year of Reading. Our keynotes’ expertise spans British and international publishing, audiobooks, children’s titles, independent publishing and much more. We are looking forward to announcing further speakers and details of our Seminar Programme in the coming months.”
Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan, said: “I’m honoured to be speaking at The London Book Fair next year. As the international book industry’s first major event of 2026, the Fair is a chance for us to reconnect, strike deals, and, critically, set the agenda. But for 2026, the stakes are undeniably higher. As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, the atmosphere will feel pivotal, challenging us to look outward. This is our moment to ask: ‘What are we doing to convince the entire country that reading is a source of joy, discovery, and powerful connection in their lives?’ As an industry, we must champion the profound, life-changing benefits of books and make a compelling case for why reading is truly for everyone. That external focus — that bias for action — is how we build readers of the future and secure our industry for generations to come.”
Tom Weldon, CEO of Penguin Random House UK, will discuss themes and trends of the publishing landscape and why he is optimistic about the future. He will also talk about how Penguin Random House is creating a future pipeline of readers and why it’s important that the publishing industry come together to seize the once in a generation opportunity presented by the National Year of Reading.
Tom Weldon and Bob Carrigan will be speaking on the Main Stage on Tuesday 10th March, at 10.00 – 10.45 and 14.00 – 14.30 respectively. Joanna Prior will speak on Wednesday 11th March at 10.00 – 10.20 on the Main Stage, while Sanjee de Silva will hold a session on the same day and stage at 11.30 – 12:15. For additional information about the Seminar Programme events on the Main Stage and other stages, please visit The London Book Fair website here.
The London Book Fair (LBF) is the world’s largest spring book trade and publishing event and will return to Olympia London from 10 – 12 March 2026.