Top Tips for Publishers Attending the London Book Fair This Year

The London Book Fair is fast approaching, and everyone in the publishing community is gearing up for one of the industry events of the year! If this is your first time attending, it can feel overwhelming and busy, so here are our key tips to make your 2025 LBF an incredible experience.

1. Dive into Seminars and Talks - The three days of LBF are packed with incredible talks featuring speakers from across the publishing and media industry. It's a great opportunity to discover what's happening, what trends are being discussed, and where the industry is headed. The events cover all aspects of publishing, with some aimed at authors, others specifically for international publishers, and literature in translation, as well as tech and digital topics. All sessions at LBF (excluding the add-on Academic and Professional Conferences in the Academic Theatre) are free to attend, so don't miss this chance to immerse yourself and learn from other professionals! Our advice is to check the seminar programme, plan your day around the key sessions you wish to attend, and arrive early to grab a seat.
2. Embrace the Q&As - Don’t be shy about speaking up and asking questions. The publishing community is passionate and eager to engage with enthusiastic newcomers. Note down any questions for the seminars you're attending and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to speakers afterward.
3. Connect with Publishers in Your Sector - Whether you're a new publishing business or a professional looking to connect with people in your field, LBF is the perfect time to network! Most exhibitor stands in the same sector are grouped together, like the Children’s Publishing section, the International Hall, or the Academic & Professional section. You can easily find your peers by walking around, but you can also check the exhibitors list and filter by geographical region, genre, or type of product. Make a note of who you want to meet and, if you're comfortable, reach out to them beforehand to arrange a meet-up, or drop by their stand to introduce yourself in person.
4. Scope Out Who Else Is Attending - Not all publishers choose to exhibit at the fair and have a stand, but many will have team members attending to learn new things, network, and win new business. One way to see who else might be attending is by checking LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and other social channels using the hashtags #LBF2025 and #LondonBookFair. You'll see plenty of publishing professionals posting about being registered to attend and happy to meet, so take them up on the offer.
5. Have Your Pitch Ready - Whether you're there to promote your business, services, or your own talent, LBF is a great hub for introductions and professional relationships. It's a busy time of year, and you might only have a few minutes to make an impression. Our top tip is to work on your pitch and have it polished and ready. Reflect on who you are in the context of a publishing trade fair and what your goal is. Include a short hook to grab your audience's attention.
6. Dress to Impress, but Comfortably  - You'll want to look your best in a professional setting, and you should wear clothes that make you feel confident and ready to tackle the day. You'll likely spend a lot of time on your feet, quickly walking from one meeting to the next. We advise wearing comfortable shoes. Smart casual clothes that won't wrinkle and will keep you going throughout the day are ideal.
7. Plan Your Travel and Diary - LBF takes place at the fantastic venue of Olympia London, with plenty of tube, overground, and bus options available. You can find a full overview of transport options here. Plan your travel accordingly and account for the queues to enter the venue at the start of the day, especially if you have early meetings booked!
8. Pack the essentials - Make sure to pack what you'll need for the day, including a water bottle (there are water refill stations at the venue), snacks, a notepad and pen or tablet/laptop, business cards, and possibly a spare pair of tights in case of wardrobe malfunctions.
9. Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities - Beyond scheduled meetings and chance encounters, LBF hosts informal networking events where you can unwind and chat. Look out for gatherings hosted by organisations like BookMachine and IPG, usually starting around 5:15 pm. Make sure to RSVP if needed.
10. Follow Up! Don’t let your hard work and planning go to waste. Keep track of who you’ve met and follow up promptly after the fair. A timely message can cement those new connections.

We hope you find these tips helpful, and we wish you an amazing LBF 2025! Inspired will be on the stand 6E70 within the IPG hub, and we’d love to see you there.