As The London Book Fair returns from 10–12 March 2026, we sat down with Exhibition Director Emma Lowe for a behind-the-scenes conversation about her journey back to LBF, the trends she’s most excited to showcase, and why stories remain essential to how we connect with the world.
From career advice to her favourite book and film, Emma shares the passion and perspective shaping LBF26.
Click here to watch the full video or read the full interview below.
Q&A With Emma Lowe
You’ve had an incredible journey across publishing, tech, and events. What drew you back to The London Book Fair at this particular moment?
Well, that’s a very good question. I’d managed to stay away for 12 years, but somehow something just called me back. In reality, it was somebody called Gareth who asked me if I wanted to come back, but I think it was some unfinished business.
I’d been at the Fair for 12 years. I started off as a sales admin on London Book Fair and International Jewellery London, and then I kept going until I left as Head of Sales for LBF. I left because I had two small children and couldn’t really keep going.
After that, I worked across other publishing-focused businesses: 10 years at The Bookseller, a year with Glassbox (a tech company helping publishers sell direct to consumers), and a year with HarperCollins as their Head of Events. So, I’d had plenty of experience in the publishing industry, and I hadn’t left it.
When Gareth asked me to come back, it wasn’t like I was returning from a million miles away—more like coming home to something I’d worked on and loved for a long time.
What trends or shifts in publishing are you most excited to see at the Fair?
It’s the National Year of Reading next year. You’ve got to be in it; we’ve got to be part of it—and London Book Fair will be loud and proud as part of the National Year of Reading.
And what motivates you every day in your work in the publishing industry?
Stories are vital. We all have stories, but where we meet them is very different.
Some kids might meet a story because they’ve been on a Gruffalo ride at Thorpe Park and then realise the ride is a book. People meet stories everywhere—it might be on the side of a cereal packet or in a cinema.
It’s really important that we keep working on that and keep making brilliant stories, because everybody needs stories.
If you could only recommend one book to someone, what would it be?
That’s a very difficult question. But I think the book I’d have to go with is A Room With a View by E.M. Forster. It’s a book I’ve read and could go back to time and time again. I studied languages at UNI, I love Italy… so I think it would have to be that one.
What’s your favourite film?
Okay, we’re in a judgment-free zone, right?
My top film would have to be Pretty Woman. I could watch it once a week and never get tired of it—and I can do most of it off by heart.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to enter the industry?
People wanting to get into the industry often think only of marketing or editing. But I’d say go for anything.
I got to travel the world doing export sales, so if you want to travel, think about roles that aren’t the predictable ones. Consider production—how do you make the next books look great and fly off the shelves?
Don’t just go for the obvious paths.
Before your next meeting—what are you most excited to see at The London Book Fair?
It’s like trying to choose your favourite child. But I’m really excited about welcoming Alice Oseman to the Fair. Alice has changed so much in terms of how a book translates to the screen—letting the story free and taking it further. I’m really looking forward to welcoming her.
Join Us at LBF26 – Registration Now Open
With voices like Emma shaping the future of the Fair, LBF26 is set to be a landmark moment for the global publishing and creative industries. Whether you’re exploring new rights opportunities, discovering emerging trends, meeting partners from around the world, or simply reigniting your passion for stories, this is where the industry comes together to make things happen.
Registration is now open — join us and be part of the deals, the conversations, and the creativity that shape the evolution of publishing.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/-H0-dCLV7wg?si=DDRB8jNunkkDzNKv