The Sharjah NYU SPS Executive Publishing Programme successfully concluded its inaugural edition, bringing together 51 mid- to senior-level publishing professionals from 17 nations for a four-day exploration of the ever-evolving publishing industry. Key Highlights:
• The programme aimed to equip participants with insights from global publishing leaders and cutting-edge strategies in digital proficiency, leadership, and international market dynamics. • It focused on actionable insights into forming partnerships, international trends, digital formats and marketing, as well as translation and cross-cultural innovation. • Participants engaged with industry luminaries from HarperCollins, Meta, TikTok, and Princeton University Press, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Global Perspectives
One of the key takeaways from the programme was the importance of bridging regional and international publishing ecosystems, empowering industry professionals to navigate market demands, digital disruption, and strengthen the physical book market. Mansour Al-Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at Sharjah Book Authority, stated, “Hosting this programme in Sharjah represents a major step toward bridging regional and international publishing ecosystems while empowering industry professionals with the tools to navigate market demands, digital disruption, and strengthen the physical book market; which is still extremely important in shaping the future of knowledge dissemination and storytelling worldwide.”
Digital Marketing Strategies
Joana Jamil, Strategic Partner Manager for Global Partnerships at Meta, delivered a session titled “Digital Marketing: How Meta Can Help Sell Books”. She discussed leveraging Meta’s platforms to create communities and promote book sales, providing practical strategies for targeting readers, optimising ad campaigns, and building brand presence across Facebook and Instagram.
Unlocking the Power of TikTok
Donia Abi Nassif, Direct Creator Management Lead at TikTok MENA, shared actionable tips for harnessing viral trends and creator partnerships in her interactive session on TikTok’s growing influence in book discovery through the ‘BookTok’ initiative. She noted, “TikTok is now a global powerhouse, with over 1.6 billion users and most people spending more than 90 minutes a day on the app, and BookTok has been an absolute game-changer for the industry, book lovers and creators alike! It’s where stories explode, trends take off, and readers connect like never before.”
The Future of Publishing
Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer and CEO of International Foreign Language at HarperCollins Publishers, delivered an in-depth update on artificial intelligence in publishing, discussing the latest AI applications, from content curation to workflow automation, and addressing ethical considerations for the industry. She stated, “As an industry, publishing has gone through many evolutions; from the printing press and typewriters to digital tools, then to the internet with e-books and online platforms, and finally the mobile revolution; each step making content more accessible and boosting consumption. Today, AI presents us with both new opportunities and responsibilities. We must work together to protect intellectual property, advocate for our authors, and help shape thoughtful regulation.”
Closing Ceremony
The programme culminated in a certificate ceremony led by Mansour Al-Hassani and Andrea Chambers, the Associate Dean of the NYU SPS Centre for Publishing, Writing, and Media, symbolising participants’ completion of an intensive, future-focused curriculum. The ceremony marked entry into a prestigious international network of publishing leaders and institutions, empowering participants to implement innovative strategies in their organisations.
A New Era for Publishing
The Sharjah NYU SPS Executive Publishing Programme has set the stage for a new era in publishing, bridging regional and international ecosystems, and equipping industry professionals with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape.
