Official Conference and Seminars

CCBF is well-known for its professional seminars covering a wide array of topics. Speakers include experts on publishing, digital marketing, social media, and content creation.

CCBF is well-known for its professional seminars covering a wide array of topics. Speakers include experts on publishing, digital marketing, social media, and content creation. These events aspire to promote communication and cooperation between professionals and share the latest children’s literature industry trends with all attendees.

The 10th China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair (CCBF), will be held from 17 to 19 November, 2023 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

Nov 15 2024
09:30 10:45

Official Conference and Seminars

Transformation and Reshaping of Children’s Publishing

Co-organiser: China Publishers Magazine

In recent years, the children’s publishing market has been undergoing significant transformation and reshaping, facing challenges such as dramatic shifts in distribution channels, demographic changes (declining birth rates), and intensifying price wars. In this context, some outstanding children’s publishing institutions have raised higher demands for the protection and innovation of original content, aiming to break through the bottleneck of content homogenization. Concurrently, they are strengthening strategies such as new media marketing, brand development, building private platforms, and cross-industry synergy, thinking outside the box to address multiple challenges and future uncertainties.

Notably, a group of “innovative forces” skilled in internet operations, adept at traffic management and new channel development, has teamed up with leading children’s publishing institutions in China to enter the children’s book industry. They are proactively fostering new perceptions of children’s books among readers, demonstrating tremendous vitality. China Publishers Magazine and the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair are co-organising this Conference inviting representatives from children’s publishing institutions in China to share their exploration in self-reinvention and sustainable development paths.

Moderator:
Irene Zhang (China), Chief Writer, China Publishers Magazine

Speakers:
Bai Jing (China), President, China Publishers Magazine, Vice President of China South Publishing & Media Industrial Research Institute
Huang Huang (China), Vice President, China Publishers Magazine, Vice President of China South Publishing & Media Industrial Research Institute
Shi Yan (China), General Manager, Children's Fun Publishing Co., Ltd.
Li Wei (China), General Manager, Children's Book Editing Center Division, China South Booky Culture Media Co., Ltd. 
Pan Yibo (China), Vice General Manager of Beijing Publishing Center, 21st Century Publishing Group 

* Guest list in speech order 
* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

11:00 12:30

Official Conference and Seminars

A Fabulous Wardrobe: Threads of Imagination. Where Children's Books Meet Textiles and Fashion

Conference Room

Co-organiser: Bologna Children’s Book Fair

This year's “Children Plus” special exhibition highlights the theme A Fabulous Wardrobe. Fashion, Clothing and Threads in Children's Picture Books, featuring over 150 picture books from around the world. These books encapsulate a vast array of shapes, threads, fabrics, clothes, visions, and dreams, composing a vivid visual poem. In the colourful and well-designed world of children’s books, fashion goes beyond being just an art form; it inspires and nurtures children’s fashion sensibility and innovative thinking. This Seminar will engage curators, picture book researchers, internationally acclaimed picture book authors, and children’s book publishers in discussion and exchange, weaving an imaginative and colourful world of children's books.

Moderators:
Silvana Sola (Italy), Professor of History of Illustration, ISIA Urbino
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna 

Welcoming regards:
Mariaelena Schiavo (Italy), Special Projects Manager Bologna Children’s Book Fair

Speakers:
Justyna Karpinska (Poland), Senior Foreign Rights Manager, Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry
Jon Klassen (USA), Author, Illustrator
Giulia Rizzo (Italy), Editorial Vice Director, Terre di mezzo
Kristian Steinberg (Sweden), Director of Education, Istituto Marangoni Shanghai
Emily Sutton (UK), Artist, Illustrator, Print Maker
Wu Binrong (Hua'er) (China), Author, Editor, Curator
Xiao Aozi (China), Artist, Associate Professor, School of Design and Art, Hunan University

* A Guided Tour of the Exhibition A Fabulous Wardrobe: Fashion, Clothing and Threads in Children’s Picture Books will be arranged after the seminar

* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

14:00 16:00

Official Conference and Seminars

“Children’s Book Publishing from a Global Perspective” – International Children’s Book Publishers Dialogue

No.2 Meeting Room (Underground Floor B2)

Approved by: Shanghai Press & Publication Administration, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

Co-organisers: Children's Reading Materials Working Committee of the Publishers Association of China, Chinese Board on Books for Young People (CBBY),  Organising Commitee of China International Shanghai Children’s Book Fair, Shanghai Century Publishing Group

In today's interconnected world, the children's book publishing market is undergoing a process of cross-cultural integration and innovation. This Conference aims to provide an international platform for exchange, fostering dialogue among the global publishing community to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, discovering new opportunities for collaboration, and collectively advancing innovation and development in the children’s book publishing industry. Experts, publishers, and media representatives from around the world will share the latest trends and developments in their respective countries and regions’ children’s book markets, exploring concepts and practical experiences in children’s publishing amidst diverse cultural backgrounds.

Moderator
Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young people (IBBY)

Welcoming Remarks
Quan Heng (China), Deputy Director of Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Director of Shanghai Press & Publication Administration
Karine Pansa (Brazil), President, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Huang Qiang (China), Chairman of the Board, Shanghai Century Publishing Group

Keynote Speeches
Ma Xinmin (China), General manager, China Children’s Press & Publication Group
Lu Xiaoxin (China), Editor-in-chief, Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House
Yang Lei (China), Executive Vice President, OpenBook

Panel Discussion

Moderator
Ma Xuefen (China), Deputy Editor-in-Chief, China Publishing & Media Journal

Speakers
Hajime Esaki (Japan), Overseas Business Division General Manager, Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd.
Marion Glénat (France), Chairwoman, Glénat Publishing
Cristina Pase (Australia), Managing Editor, Windy Hollow Books
Gaurav Sabharwal (India), Publisher and CEO, Prakash Books India
Francesca Segato (Italy), Co-founder, Camelozampa
Catherine Stokes (UK), UK & Export Sales & Marketing Director, Nosy Crow
Zheng Zhong (China), President, Zhejiang Juvenile and Children’s Publishing House

* Guest list in speech order
* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

15:30 17:00

Official Conference and Seminars

The Sustainable Development of Children’s Reading Spaces and Bookstores

Conference Room

In an era where digital reading and online book purchasing are increasingly prevalent, brick-and-mortar bookstores and children’s reading spaces face unprecedented challenges. Shanghai, the host city of the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, has included the project of “creating 100 new child-friendly reading spaces” in its 2024 civic improvement initiatives. This project aims to innovate and transform reading spaces to provide richer and more comfortable reading environments for children. To this end, the Seminar invites children’s book experts, library directors, bookstore operators, and publishers from both home and abroad to share advanced experiences and practices in the design and management of children’s reading spaces and bookstores in various countries and regions. We will jointly explore how innovation can enhance the appeal and service quality of children’s reading spaces.

Moderator:
Morgane Vasta (France), Freelance Mediator; Lecturer, Epigramme & Collegram

Speakers:
Chen Peng (China), General Manager, PAGEONE Bookshop
Iris Declercq (France), Foreign Rights Manager, L'Ecole des Loisirs
Silvana Sola (Italy), Professor of History of Illustration, ISIA Urbino, Co-founder, Giannino Stoppani Children's Bookshop in Bologna
Michel Van Zeveren (Belgium), Author, Illustrator 
Yang Yanna (China), Director, Shanghai Children's Library 

* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

Nov 16 2024
10:00 11:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Marco Polo's Description of the World and its Readers: A Travel Account Mistaken for a Fantasy Book

Conference Room

In collaboration with: Italian Cultural Institute of Shanghai 

Throughout history books, The Travels of Marco Polo stands not only as an epic account of a journey across the vast Eurasian expanse but also as a fantastical masterpiece that has ignited boundless imagination and adventure. To mark the 700th anniversary of this illustrious explorer's passing, we are honored to welcome renowned Italian historian, novelist, and essayist, Prof. Alessandro Barbero, who will deliver a public lecture at CCBF. This lecture will delve into how Marco Polo's travelogue has become a legendary work of fantasy for future generations. Simultaneously, an exhibition of picture books themed Marco Polo. Traveller, merchant, storyteller will be held, guiding attendees on a journey through time and space to explore the legendary life of this great traveller.

Moderator:
Ivan Canu (Italy), Illustrator, Designer, Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan

Welcoming regards：
Elena Pasoli (Italy), Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair
Prof. Francesco D'Arelli (Italy), Director, Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai

Speakers:
Prof. Alessandro Barbero (Italy), Historian, Novelist, Essayist

* Guest list in speech order
* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese, Italian, and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

11:15 12:35

Official Conference and Seminars

Opportunities and Challenges Brought by AI to the Children’s Publishing Industry

Conference Room

Co-organiser: China Publishing & Media Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its unique ingenuity and creativity, is ushering in unprecedented transformations in the children’s publishing industry. As technology advances relentlessly, AI is not only altering the ways we create and read but also opening new horizons for the future of children’s publishing. Against this backdrop, this Seminar is bringing together leading figures in global children’s publishing and digital publishing, media executives, and international copyright agents. The aim is to delve into how AI technology can inject new vitality into the children’s publishing industry while addressing the ensuing challenges. We will explore how this innovative technology can make children’s books “smarter” and provide children with a more enriched and personalized reading experience.

Moderator:
Ma Xuefen (China), ‌Deputy Editor-in-Chief, China Publishing & Media Journal

Welcoming regards:
Elena Pasoli (Italy), Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair

Focus 1 – Printing，distribution and reading experience 

Speakers:
Fatimah Abbas (Egypt), International Publishing Consultant - Literary Agent/Scout
Yang Zhijun (China), Chief Editor, Digital Communication Group
Zhi Xingchen (China), Vice General Manager, Shanghai Touchlinked Technology Co., Ltd.
Sheng Huijun (China), General Manager of Education Product Line, International Cooperation Dept., iFLYTECK

Focus 2 – Content creation 

Speakers:
Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Debbie Bibo (Italy/USA), Literary Agent & Founder, Debbie Bibo Agency
Gui Tuzi (China), Picture Book Artist 
Ruan Ling (China), Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Fox Family Children’s Books

* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

13:15 14:45

Official Conference and Seminars

Award Winners’ Series — Picture Books and the Art of Omission

Conference Room

Each year, the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair presents a series of exclusive seminars featuring international award-winning children’s authors and illustrators. You will listen to these internationally acclaimed creative masters share insights and experiences they’ve curated for the book fair, as well as interact with them directly.

Jon Klassen, a writer and illustrator born in Canada, is highly esteemed in the children’s book world for his minimalist yet profound illustration style and captivating narratives. His renowned works include I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, and his latest book The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale. Since the establishment of the Caldecott Medal (after 1947), he is the only creator to have won the award and had an honor book in the same year. Jon Klassen will share his picture book creation techniques through his signature works, including how to tell stories using simple visual elements and text, how to integrate humor and suspense into picture books, his insights on creating dramatic narratives through the combination of illustrations and words, and his experiences in balancing storytelling, visual artistry, and reader engagement.

Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna

Speaker:
Jon Klassen (USA), Author, Illustrator

* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

15:00 16:30

Official Conference and Seminars

Understanding Yourself and Others — The Role of Children’s Books in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Conference Room

In this rapidly changing society, children’s social and emotional skills are vital for their personal growth and future social adaptation. These skills include empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Children’s books, as important companions in children’s development, not only provide knowledge and entertainment but also play a unique role in fostering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). During this Seminar, we will bring together children’s book publishers, educational experts, psychologists, and children’s book creators to share their experiences in creation and educational practice. The discussion will explore how children’s books can be effectively used to enhance children’s social and emotional skills, helping them better understand themselves and others in a complex and ever-changing world.

Moderator:
Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

Speakers:
Cécile Alix (France), Author
Simon de Jocas (Canada), President Les 400 coups
Huang Xiaoyan (China), Founder of Everafter Books, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of The Little Bridge
Shen Wei (China), Professor, Research Center for International Education Innovation, East China Normal University
Mauro Spagnol (UK), Director, Books-Everywhere
Mireia Trius (Spain), CEO & Co-Founder, Zahori Books
Wei Yi (China), Art Therapist, ELG

* Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English

Tips:
The themed forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

More Activities