RISE Bookselling Conference 2024

Ever wondered what bookselling looks like in other countries? Do booksellers around the world face the same challenges as you? What can you learn from your foreign colleagues’ experiences? 

Join us at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon on 17-18 March 2024 and find out!

But that's not quite everything! Join us on Saturday, 16 March, for our dedicated cultural programme, exploring the city of Lisbon and - of course - visiting some of its most beautiful bookshops.

Join us in Lisbon!

Programme

Day 1

9.00

Registration desk opens 

9.30 - 9.50

Welcome coffee

10.00 - 11.00

Welcome words and keynote speech
AFONSO CRUZ

11.00 - 11.20

Coffee break

11.30 - 12.15

Panel – Innovative ideas in the bookshop

Jan Smedh
(The English Bookshop, Sweden)
Tom Rowley
(Backstory London, UK)
Pasi Vainio
(Vinhan Kirjakauppa, Finland)
Moderated by: 
Sheila O'Reilly 
(Booksellers Association of the UK & Ireland, Ireland)

Panel – Booksellers and festivals: how to make the most out of it?

Raquel Morgado dos Santos
(Ler Devagar, Portugal)
Petra Kakko
(Rosebud, Finland)
Nic Bottomley
(Mr. B's Emporium, UK)
Moderated by: 
Julie Belgrado
(EIBF, Belgium)

Panel – How to curate a selection of inclusive children’s books

Aimée Felone
(Round Table Books, UK)
Ana Stanescu
(KosmoKids, Spain)
Anjula Gogia
(Another Story Bookshop, Canada)
Moderated by: 
Iris Hunscheid
(Buchhandlung Hoffmann, Germany)

Panel – Culture vouchers

Paolo Ambrosini
(Italian Booksellers Association - ALI, Italy)
Marie Gaudefroy
(Librairie Martelle, France)
Lorena Cabrera
(Librería Luces, Spain)
Moderated by: 
Tora Åsling 
(EIBF, Belgium)

12.30 - 13.30

Lunch

13.30 - 14.15

Panel – Bibliodiversity: what is it, actually?

Nathalie Dabadie
(Livres, Books & Company, France)
Anna Štičková
(Czech Independent Booksellers Association, Czechia)
Federico Lang
(Librería Luces, Spain)
Moderated by: 
Graça Santos 
(Rede de Livrarias Independentes - ReLI, Portugal)

Panel – Events without authors

Malin Wall
(Erik Hultgrens Bokhandel, Sweden)
Dawn Behan
(Woodbine Books, Ireland)
Renée Rowland
(Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand)
Moderated by: 
Caroline Quist
(Quistboeken, The Netherlands)

Panel – Banned books: children’s books perspective

Trish Hennessy
(Halfway up the Stairs, Ireland)
Heather Hall
(Green Feather Book Company, USA)
Aude Farès
(Le Chameau Sauvage, France)
Moderated by: 
Daniel Martín Brennan
(EIBF, Belgium)

Meet your bookmate

14.30 - 15.10

Afternoon keynote
MANU CAUSSE 

interviewed by Raluca Selejan (La Două Bufniţe, Romania)

15.10 - 15.30

Coffee break

15.40 - 16.30

Workshop – Life stages of a bookseller 

Aida Fernández Pena (La petite cabane, France)
Pablo Cerezo
(Librería Pérgamo, Spain)
Robbie Egan
(BookPeople, Australia)

Workshop – Bookshops as safe spaces 

Chris Hall
(McNally Robinson Booksellers, Canada)
Auline Sánchez
(Paranoia City Bookshop, Switzerland)
Anna Parisi
(Tomo Libreria Caffè, Italy)

Presentation – Bringing books to life: the magic of window displays 

Adam & Wendy Hewson
(Hewson Books, UK)
Britt op de Laak
(Paagman Boekhandels, The Netherlands)

Presentation – Portuguese book market 

Rosa Azevedo
(Rede de Livrarias Independentes - ReLI, Portugal)
Pedro Sobral
(Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association - APEL, Portugal)

16.40 - 17.20

End of the day keynote
NATASHA BROWN

18.15 - 19.30

Drink reception

19.30

Dinner

Day 2

9.00

Registration desk opens 

9.00 - 9.20

Welcome coffee

09.30 - 10.10

Keynote speech
BART MOEYAERT

interviewed by Jan Peter Prenger (Libris Blz., Netherlands)

10.10 - 10.30

Coffee break

10.30 - 11.30

Panel – Difficult customers: how to talk to them/handle them

Anne v.Bestenbostel
(Bücher von Bestenbostel, Germany)
John Breen
(Waterstones Cork, Ireland)
Jamie Fiocco
(Flyleaf Books, USA)
Moderated by: 
Sanne Muijser
(Koninklijke Boekverkopersbond - KBb, Netherlands)

Panel – Curating foreign language books for your bookshop

Hanspeter Vogt
(Libromania, Switzerland)
Philippe Hunziker
(SOPHOS, Guatemala)
Desislava Grozdanova
(FOX Book Café, Bulgaria)
Moderated by: 
Oana Dobosi
(La Două Bufniţe, Romania)

Panel – Decision making on non-book products

Cecilia Oseroff
(Bokusgruppen, Sweden)
Beatrice Plăviceanu
(Cărturești, Romania)
Susie Arambasic
(Brunswick Bound, Australia)
Moderated by: 
Jean-Luc Treutenaere
(EIBF Co-President, France)

Panel – Sustainability/green bookselling

Anna Porubcová
(Martinus Bookshop, Slovakia)
Svenja Esch
(Lesumer Lesezeit, Germany)
Mathilde Charrier
(Association pour l'écologie du livre, France)
Moderated by: 
Maria Hamrefors 
(Svenska Bokhandlareföreningen, Sweden)

11.40 - 12.30

Panel – Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce

Uli Lenart
(Gay's The Word, UK)
Milena Leutert
(Queerbooks, Switzerland)
Minna Kokka
(Suomalainen Kirjakauppa Oy, Finland)
Moderated by:
Meryl Halls
(Booksellers Association of the UK & Ireland)

Presentation – Sustainability talks – Meet the researchers

David Piovesan
(Lyon 3 University, France)
Fanny Valembois
(The Shift Project, France)

Panel – Teenagers, YA literature & everything in between

Kristīne Pīkenena
(Jānis Roze, Latvia)
Inês Araújo
(Livraria GATAfunho, Portugal)
Alexandra Harvanová
(Kníhkupectvo na Korze, Slovakia)
Moderated by:
Nina Stavisky
(ALIRE, France)

Panel – Building bookshop experience: the art of exceptional customer service

Ana Uluceanu
(Cărturești, Romania)
Diana Fröhlich
(Dussman, Germany)
Olivera Miok
(La Volpe Volante, Italia)
Moderated by:
Fabian Paagman
(Paagman Boekhandels/EIBF Co-President, The Netherlands)

12.45 - 13.45

Lunch

14.00 - 14.50

Workshop - Life stages of a bookseller 

Aida Fernández Pena (La Petite Cabane, France)
Pablo Cerezo
(Librería Pérgamo, Spain)
Robbie Egan
(Book People, Australia)

Workshop – Bookshops as safe spaces 

Chris Hall
(McNally Robinson Booksellers, Canada)
Auline Sánchez
(Paranoia City Bookshop, Switzerland)
Anna Parisi
(Tomo Libreria Caffè, Italy)

Presentation – Accessibility 101: what booksellers have to know

Sarah Lübbers
(Buchhandlung Magic books, Germany)
Cristina Mussinelli
(Fondazione LIA, Italy)
Kristina Kramer
(Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, Germany)

Presentation – The future shelf: Supporting booksellers with AI

Jean Spiri
(Gleeph, France)
Héloïse Grandin
(L'Armitière, France)

15.00 - 15.40

Closing Keynote
MANUEL VILAS

15.45

Closing words and drinks 

*Panel session titles and timeslots may be subject to changes

Thank you to the sponsors of the RISE Bookselling Conference:

Our speakers

Sunday speakers
KEYNOTES

Afonso Cruz

Author

Afonso Cruz is a multidisciplinary artist, author of more than 40 books, among novels, theatre plays, picture books, juvenile novellas, poetry, photo-text and essays. His books are published in more than 20 languages, and received many awards, like the European Union Prize for Literature for the novel Kokoschka’s Doll. He is also a columnist, illustrator and member of the band The Soaked Lamb.

Manu Causse

Author

French author Manu Causse started writing in 2005, producing a collection of coming-of-age short stories, Petit guide des transports à l’usage du trentenaire amoureux. Subsequently, he authored two novels and is working on his third. Recently, one of his YA novels faced censorship by the French government for alleged “pornography,” a charge he vehemently denies.

© Alice Zoo

Natasha Brown

Author

Natasha Brown is a British novelist. Her debut novel Assembly was shortlisted for several awards including the Folio Prize, the Goldsmiths Prize and the Orwell Prize for Fiction. Natasha was named one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2023 and one of the Observer’s Best Debut Novelists in 2021.

SUNDAY SESSION SPEAKERS

Adam Hewson

Hewson Books

A bookseller since the mid-1980s,  Adam transitioned from independent shops to major chains like Waterstones and Borders UK. In 2016, he and his wife Wendy acquired two successful independent bookshops in South West London. Adam is a member of the Booksellers Association Council.

Aida Fernández Pena

La petite cabane

Aida, with a background in telecom engineering and a master’s in entrepreneurship, transitioned from a 15-year tech career to open a family-oriented bookshop/coffee shop in rural France. Her goal: create an immersive experience with books, coffee, cakes, and games for families.

Aimée Felone

Round Table Books

Round Table Books is an inclusion-led bookshop providing books for both children and adults, and producing transformative workshops and events. The bookshop is based in the heart of Brixton (London, UK). 

Ana Maria Stanescu

KosmoKids

Ana is a mother and teacher passionate about literature and personalized teaching. Seven years ago, Ana pursued her dream, opening KosmoKids, a children’s bookshop fostering a love for reading through events and quality literature. Despite challenges, they’re dedicated to keeping books in children’s lives.

Anna Parisi

Libreria Tomo

Anna Parisi, a Physics graduate, transitioned from research to promoting scientific culture. Co-founding Libreria Tomo in 2010, she emphasizes scientific non-fiction and events. Active in the Italian Booksellers Association, Anna co-established the “Librerie di Roma” group, uniting independent bookstores. She conducts seminars, courses, and writes popular physics books for children.

Anna Štičková

AMANAK, (Czech) Association of Small Publishers and Booksellers

Anna, with a background in literature, creative writing, and cultural management, is pursuing a doctorate and teaches at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Arts. Dedicated to the Czech book market, she supports independent literature, writes on book traffic, and contributes poetry.

Aude Farès

Le Chameau Sauvage

Aude trained at the French Ecole de la Librairie, before creating the bookshop-cafe Le Chameau sauvage with her husband. Le Chameau Sauvage offers a range of committed books, open to the world and social issues, various cultural workshops, as well as a café-bar area.

Auline Sánchez

Paranoia City Buchhandlung

Auline Sanchez has now been running Paranoia bookshop in Zurich as a collective space together with two colleagues for 4 years. Paranoia, which will soon turn 50 years old, focuses on feminist, queer and anti-racist literature.

Anjula Gogia

Another Story Bookshop

Another Story Bookshop is a Toronto-based independent bookstore emphasizing social justice, equity, and diversity. Formerly co-manager at the Toronto Women’s Bookstore, she received the 2022 Freedom to Read Award for 28 years of promoting diverse reading and writing in Canada.

Caroline Quist

Boekhandel Quist

I studied Comparative Literature and American Studies in Berlin and Amsterdam and during that time also worked in publishing. When I met my husband Ad I decided, to join in his independent bookshop Quistboeken, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. I am working a lot with schools to build up libraries and promote the fun and importance of reading. 

Chris Hall

McNally Robinson Booksellers

Chris Hall has been with McNally Robinson Booksellers (Canada) for more than twenty-five years, more than ten of which as owner. When he isn’t reading or walking he loves to travel and cook. He lives in Winnipeg and is currently training his daughters to be booksellers.

Dawn Behan

Woodbine Books

Dawn Behan opened Woodbine Books, an award-winning independent bookshop in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, Ireland, in September 2016. Believing in community integration, she hosts events, book clubs, and a writing group. Dawn is also the Chair of Bookselling Ireland.

Daniel Martín Brennan

EIBF

Daniel, EIBF’s Policy Advisor, joined in 2020 after studying European studies and policy across London, Berlin, and Amsterdam. He completed a Brussels traineeship at the European Commission, focusing on non-discrimination, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights projects. Passionate about exploring bookshops worldwide, Daniel is a frequent traveler.

Federico Lang

Librería Luces

Federico has worked in publishing for the past 20 years, first at Oxford University Press and McGraw-Hill. In 2008 he started working at Librería Luces where he is currently Key Account Manager. He works with CEGAL (Spanish BA) to develop and strengthen relationships with EIBF and other booksellers associations in other countries.

Graça Santos

ReLI

Graça Santos studied visual arts at FBAUL in Lisbon and ESAD in Caldas da Rainha, and has always been torn between literature and the arts. In 2020, she helped create ReLI - Rede de Livrarias Independentes, where she remains to this day. Graça was also the bookseller responsible for the producing and setting up of the Casa do Comum Bookshop, Ler Devagar's new multidisciplinary project, which opened in November 2023. 

Heather Hall

Green Feather Book Company

Heather Hall, owner of Green Feather Book Company, unintentionally became a champion against censorship, particularly in Oklahoma public schools. As one of the few Indigenous bookstore owners in the US, Heather prioritizes community building and values opportunities to engage with fellow “book people.”

Iris Hunscheid

Buchhandlung Hoffmann

Together with her husband, Iris owns two retail bookshops in Germany, one near Bremen and one in Bonn. They are both retail shops with general assortments with only a few specialized sections. She is also the Chairwoman of the independent bookseller’s forum at Börsenverein – representing about 500 smaller independent bookshops.

Jan Smedh

The English Bookshop

Jan Smedh, co-founder and owner of The English Bookshop in Uppsala, Stockholm, and Gothenburg, prioritizes community connection and quality offerings. The bookstores achieved a 72% turnover growth from 2019 to 2022, with a focus on in-store sales.

Julie Belgrado

EIBF

Julie Belgrado joined EIBF in 2016 as EU Affairs and Communications Officer and took over as Director in 2019. As EIBF Director, she represents the interests of booksellers on a global platform and makes sure that their voice be heard in debates that matter to them. Over the past years, she has upscaled the organisation activities by enlarging the team, diversifying the communication outreach and launching the RISE Bookselling project.

Britt op de Laak

Paagman Boekhandels

Britt op de Laak works as a content marketeer at Paagman Boekhandels. She joined Paagman five years ago, following an internship in publishing, and she is responsible for all content-related subjects, from conceptualising and planning major creative projects to writing and content creation.

Lorena Cabrera

Librería Luces

Lorena’s journey with books began in 1990. In 2004, she embarked on a new chapter as a bookseller at Librería Luces, Málaga, Southern Spain. In her role, Lorena curates the international section, bringing readers a diverse array of literature in languages other than Spanish. Furthermore, she handles the e-commerce sales division, blending traditional bookselling with the digital landscape

Malin Wall

Erik Hultgren bookshop

Malin Wall has over twenty years of experience working in and running bookstores. Since 2010 she owns Erik Hultgren’s bookstore in Västervik, Sweden, with her husband Frederic. The focus has been to create a lively meeting place with a focus on literature and reading.

Marie Gaudefroy

Librairie Martelle

After a master’s degree in negotiation, Marie Gaudefroy has worked 7 years in several industries: packaging, safety science and IT. In 2021, she joined the family bookshop created by her grandparents in 1957 as Book Director.

Nathalie Dabadie

Livres Books & Company

Nathalie Dabadie, raised in a literary family, opened Livres Books & Company in Montcuq, south west France, after studying English literature. Beyond a bookstore, it’s a cultural hub with a tearoom, gallery, and event venue promoting tolerance, curiosity, and bibliodiversity in a rural setting.

Nic Bottomley

Mr. B’s Emporium

Nic runs an award-winning independent bookshop in Bath, UK that he created with his wife Juliette in 2006 (and that was first dreamed up when they lived and worked as lawyers in Prague). He is also a former President and current Executive Chair of the Bookseller’s Association of UK and Ireland.

Paolo Ambrosini

Italian Booksellers Association - ALI

Paolo Ambrosini, a Verona native, is a bookseller by trade, starting his career in his family’s bookshop in 1986. He is currently the president of the Italian Booksellers Association (Ali Confcommercio), a post he holds since 2017. He’s currently also a member of the scientific council for the Centre of the Book and Reading and the federal council of Confcommercio, Italy’s biggest federation of industries.

Pablo Cerezo

Librería Pérgamo

Pablo Cerezo Alpresa, with a degree in Sociology and International Relations, holds a master’s degree in Urban Studies. A bookseller at Pérgamo, Madrid’s oldest bookstore, and a CEGAL member, his career focuses on reading, publishing, distribution, and cultural project management.

Pasi Vainio

Vinha Bookshop

Pasi has worked over 27 years in publishing (Otava Publishing Company Ltd), half of that time as CEO. Now since last year living his dream as co-owner and bookseller of the soon 121 years old Vinha Bookshop, which he converted with his friend to a small cultural center.

Pedro Sobral

Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association - APEL

Pedro is the Chief Publishing Officer and Member of the Executive Board of APEL since 2021. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and education in the bookselling industry, Perdo holds a Bachelors in Economics from Católica Business School.

Petra Kakko

Rosebud Books

Petra Kakko from Rosebud Books Finland manages the flagship store in Helsinki. With over 20 years in bookselling and publishing, she handles various roles, including buying, events management, marketing, and communications.

Raluca Selejan

La Două Bufnițe

Since 2016, Raluca Selejan is co-owning and co-managing an independent bookshop in Timișoara, La Două Bufnițe (At Two Owls). With over 10 years of experience in branding, communication and organizing of cultural events, she is passionate about books and reading - that is being an Owl by profession. 

Raquel Morgado dos Santos

Ler Devagar

Raquel studied languages, literature, and culture at the University of Lisbon. She joined Ler Devagar bookshop in 2012, contributing significantly to international projects, managing participations in book fairs and overseeing International Book Festivals.

Renée Rowland

Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand

Until late last year, Renee owned and operated two unique bookshops in New Zealand’s South Island, 200km apart. Despite not hosting authors from publishers, she successfully curated events. Recently appointed as the Association Manager for Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand, Renee continues advocating for bookshops in a new role.

Robbie Egan

Australian Booksellers Association - BookPeople

I have worked in bookselling for almost 30 years in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to my role as CEO at BookPeople, I worked for Readings, one of Australia’s largest independent bookshops. I have recently begun a Creative Practice PhD with a focus on the bookshop as a built space, and the links between bookselling and writing practice. I believe bookshops are vital civic spaces, and that the book is a transformative technology. 

Rosa Azevedo

Livraria Snob
Rede de Livrarias Independentes - ReLI

Rosa Azevedo has been active in literature since 2007. She specializes in Portuguese and Latin-American literature. Currently, she serves as the cultural coordinator, bookseller, and literary editor at Livraria Snob, a collaborative project with Duarte Pereira, and is a director at ReLI (Network of Independent Bookshops).

Sarah Lübbers

Buchhandlung Magic Books

Sarah Lübbers, a self-employed bookseller, focuses on accessibility. Overcoming a genetic eye disease, she studied book science and, in 2024, fulfilled her dream of opening an inclusive bookstore, aiming to inspire others to make their stores accessible.

Sheila O’Reilly

Booksellers Association of UK and Ireland

In 1993, Sheila pioneered a digital bookshop and later owned Dulwich Books for 12 years, voted the best in the UK and Ireland in 2014. A former Bookseller Association Council member, Sheila is currently the Project Manager for the BA Learning Skills Hub. She contributes to the Bookselling Ireland committee, mentors for the Booksellers Association, and serves on the board of the European and International Booksellers Federation.

Tom Rowley

Backstory

Tom Rowley, former journalist, opened Backstory, an indie bookshop in 2022. Beyond managing the shop, he edits the Backstory magazine, focusing on books and indie bookshops. 

Tora Åsling

EIBF

Tora Åsling, EIBF’s Policy Officer since 2022, passionately advocates for book-friendly policies in Europe and globally. With a joint honors degree in European Studies and English Literature, Tora brings valuable EU affairs experience from traineeships at a Swedish regional representative office and the European Parliament.

Trish Hennessy

Halfway up the Stairs

Trish Hennessy owns Halfway up the Stairs Children’s Bookshop in Greystones, County Wicklow, recognized as a regional winner for Independent Bookshop of the Year (Ireland) at the British Book Awards. Passionate about children’s books, Trish emphasizes finding the right book for every child, irrespective of their needs, circumstances, or abilities.

Wendy Hewson

Hewson Books

Wendy Hewson, with a background in Fashion and Textiles, transitioned to retail Display & Visual Merchandising at Peter Jones, the flagship of John Lewis. Having bought two bookshops, Wendy developed retail display standards for both general and theatrical window displays, finding that books presented unique challenges compared to homewares and fashion.

Monday speakers
KEYNOTES

© Carlos Ruiz B.k.

Manuel Vilas

Author

Manuel Vilas (Barbastro, 1962) is one of the leading Spanish poets and storytellers of his generation. He has won the most prestigious poetry prizes awarded in Spain, and his poetry has been translated into Italian, French, German, English and Romanian. He is also the author of multiple novels, including España (2008), Aire nuestro (2009), Los inmortales (2012), and El luminoso regalo (2013), all published by Alfaguara. Most recently, in 2023, he won the Nadal Prize with the novel Nosotros, recently published in Italy, France and Portugal.

© Joost Joossen

Bart Moeyaert

Author

Bart Moeyaert (b. 1964, Bruges, Belgium) was barely nineteen when he made his debut in 1983 with Duet met valse noten (Off-Key Duet), an award-winning book that has achieved the status of a classic in Dutch-speaking countries. 
His books have won many awards at home and abroad and have been translated into twenty-seven languages. 
In April 2024 his Een ander leven (Another Life) will be published as the 328th title in the prestigious series Privé-domein, a series of autobiographical books at De Arbeiderspers (NL). 

MONDAY SESSION SPEAKERS

Ana Uluceanu

Cărturești

A film studies graduate with a lasting love for all forms of media and a passion for books, Ana Uluceanu has dedicated the last 8 years to her bookselling career at Cărturești. Today, she serves as a regional manager, overseeing three cherished bookshops in Bucharest.

Beatrice Plaviceanu

Cărturești

Despite graduating in Veterinary Medicine, Beatrice was drawn to literature and music, embarking on a nine-year journey as a bookseller at Cărturești. Her role encompasses conceptualizing themed spaces and curating the visual displays of bookstores in the Western region, being part of the Visual Merchandising department.

Anne v.Bestenbostel

Buchhandlung Bestenbostel

Anne operates Buchhandlung Bestenbostel, a German bookshop founded by her grandmother 105 years ago. Located in a pedestrian zone, the store serves as a community hub, hosting events and fostering a positive atmosphere. The cheerful team is known for its helpfulness, making the bookstore a delightful space for customers.

Anna Porubcová

Martinus Bookshop

Anna has been working for more than 10 years for Martinus, the biggest bookseller in Slovakia with 18 physical bookstores in the country and 1 in Czech Republic. She was formerly working as a marketer, but in 2022 she changed course and began to focus on the sustainability in the book sector. 

Alexandra Harvanová

Kníhkupectvo na Korze

Alexandra Harvanová is owner of a small bookshop called Kníhkupectvo na Korze (‘Bookshop on Main Street’), in the eastern Slovakian city of Humenne. The bookshop’s name is inspired by the novel of Ladislav Grosman, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning movie ‘The Shop on Main Street’. The idea was to create a place where everyone would feel and be accepted.  

Cecilia Oseroff

Bokusgruppen

With over 36 years in retail, Cecilia specialises in buying processes and product development. As Bokusgruppen’s Category Manager since 2015, she oversees non-books and collaborate on increasing sales. Additionally, she leads initiatives to reduce Bokusgruppen’s carbon footprint and promote ethical practices.

Cristina Mussinelli

Fondazione LIA

Cristina Mussinelli is the Secretary General of Fondazione LIA, a non-profit fostering accessibility in publishing. Recognized for innovation, she’s also co-chair of W3C’s Digital Publishing Business Group and holds roles in EDRLab, WIPO, Daisy Consortium, FEP, and UK Publishers Association, as well as ISO’s Automation and Documentation section.

David Piovesan

Lyon 3 University

David Piovesan, a former bookseller for 9 years in the Vercors mountains, France, returned to research at Lyon 3 University in 2021. Leading a program on European bookshop transformations, he collaborated with Fanny Valembois to publish a 2024 report on sustainability in bookselling for the RISE research program.

Dessislava Grozdanova

FOX Book Café

As an indie bookseller, I curate a diverse collection, emphasizing children’s and foreign language books. I personally select English books and seek visually pleasing, valuable editions, focusing on often overlooked topics.

Diana Fröhlich

Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus

Diana transitioned from photography to bookselling in 2008, and became the floor manager of Dussmann’s English Bookshop in 2020. In 2022, she expanded her role at Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, overseeing additional floors and serving as deputy sales manager, contributing to the iconic cultural hub’s unique experience since 1997.

Fabian Paagman

EIBF Co-President |
Paagman Boekhandels

Fabian Paagman has been involved in EIBF since 2012, the past 9 years in the position of Co-President. He is the Managing Director of Paagman bookstores in The Netherlands: a group of five bookstores in the region of The Hague. Together with his sister, he forms the third generation of owners of this family-business that was founded over 70 years ago.

Fanny Valembois

The Shift Project

Fanny Valembois, a senior consultant with 20+ years of international cultural project management experience, specializes in ecological transition for the cultural field. Co-leading The Shift Project’s cultural department, she focuses on book industry-related studies and supports professionals and organizations in their ecological transition commitment.

Hanspeter Vogt

Libromania

Hanspeter worked at Robert Krauthammer in Zurich, then owned Hochparterre bookshop from 2003 to 2017, specializing in global architecture books. After many roles in Los Angeles (2017-2022), he joined Libromania in Bern since 2023, focusing on Romanic language books, education, and distribution.

Héloïse Grandin

Librairie L'Armitière

Born in 1985, Héloïse Grandin has always loved books and words. After two years learning English in college, she started to work as a bookseller in 2005. Since 2012, she’s specialized in comics section and romance novels.

Inês Araújo

GATAfunho

Born in 1992 in Lisbon, Inês Araújo studied English Literature at Lisbon University, earning a master’s in Theory of Literature. Co-owning GATAfunho, an independent publishing house and bookshop, with her mother, she specializes in illustrated books. A passionate bookseller, books have always been a significant part of her world.

Jamie Fiocco

Flyleaf Books

Jamie Fiocco, co-owner of Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC, USA, with her husband Michael Fiocco, has a background in publishing sales and marketing. Former President of the ABA Board of Directors and the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, Flyleaf Books, founded in 2009, specializes in new and used books, hosting numerous author events annually.

Jean Spiri

Gleeph

Jean Spiri, 41, Humanities and Politics graduate, transitioned from public administration to private sector roles. Formerly Secretary General at Editis, he’s now Vice-President at Gleeph, a reading-focused social network offering AI-powered data services to booksellers and publishers.

Jan Peter Prenger

Libris Blz

Jan Peter Prenger, chief buyer for Libris Blz. and editor of VOL magazine, represents an organization of 230 independent bookshops in the Netherlands. Studying Dutch Language and Literature, he became a bookseller in 1994. As the Dutch Booksellers Association’s president, he resides near the German border with his family and a Persian cat named James.

John Breen

Waterstones

Born in Waterford in 1964, John moved to Cork in 1982 and joined Waterstones as a bookseller in 1993. Initially at University College Cork, he has worked at the St. Patrick's shop since 2003, handling events, account sales, and interacting with the public. His favorite authors include Terry Pratchett, James Lee Burke, John Connolly, and the talented local authors and poets in Cork.

Jean-Luc Treutenaere

EIBF Co-President

Jean-Luc Treutenaere, EIBF’s Co-President since 2014, boasts 25 years with Cultura, overseeing roles from Product Manager to Director of External Relations. He’s a former President of the French SDLC.

Kristina Kramer

German Publishers and Booksellers Association - Börsenverein

Kristina Kramer, Deputy Director at Börsenverein for European and International Affairs, previously worked at the Franco-German Youth Office. Joining Börsenverein in 2010, she organized the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Since 2012, she focuses on public affairs in the Berlin Office and leads the Taskforce on Accessibility.

Kristīne Pīkenena

Jānis Roze 

In a decade spent as bookseller, Kristīne Pīkenena has made a gazillion of book recommendations, copies sold probably a bit less, travelled 7467 km for various bookseller exchange events, spent 332 hours with her curated book club “Total Cover”, lost her heart to multiple fictional characters, and is not very good with numbers. Currently, she works as a store manager of the flagship Jānis Roze Bookstore in Riga’s city center.

Mathilde Charrier

Association pour l’écologie du livre

Mathilde Charrier, a Parisian bookseller, trains and coordinates projects for the Association pour l’écologie du livre, created in 2019. The association fosters critical and alternative thinking in the book industry, encouraging inter-professional reflection, and operates independently.

Maria Hamrefors

Swedish Booksellers Association, ‘Svenska Bokhandlareföreningen’

Maria is Chairwoman of the Swedish Booksellers Association since 2019 after a long career in the book industry. She is also the treasurer of EIBF and a member of the EIBF executive committee.

Meryl Halls

Booksellers Association of UK and Ireland

Meryl has been the Managing Director of the Booksellers Association since April 2018. She also has vast experience in establishing programmes and campaigns, including the Independent Booksellers Forum, Independent Bookshop Week, the Books Are My Bag campaign, the Children’s and Christian Bookselling Groups, Irish and Scottish initiatives and other BA events.

Milena Leutert

QueerBooks

Milena Leutert resides in Bern, Switzerland, working as a bookseller at QueerBooks, the queer and feminist section of Weyermann Bookstore. Dedicated to gender, sexuality, diversity, representation, anti-racism, and activism topics.

Minna Kokka

Suomalainen Kirjakauppa

Minna Kokka, CEO of Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, leads a dynamic team of 400 sales experts across 53 strategically positioned shops. With 23 years in literature, she held pivotal roles in publishing and printing.

Nina Stavisky

ALIRE

Nina specialised in computerised stock management by working for several IT service providers, for the Syndicat de la librairie française and now for ALIRE, of which she is the General Delegate. ALIRE brings together French-speaking booksellers who share the same objective: to develop the use of efficient IT tools, supplied with reliable, up-to-date information at controlled costs.

Olivera Miok

La Volpe Volante

Olivera Miok, co-owner of eco-sustainable children’s bookstore La Volpe Volante in Padua since 2019, organizes events, manages the store’s image, and collaborates on projects. With a Ph.D. in Slavic literature, she specializes in children’s literature and translates from Italian to Serbian, contributing various literary translations.

Oana Dobosi

La Două Bufnițe

Since 2016, Oana Doboși is the co-founder and managing partner of the independent bookshop La Două Bufnițe (AT Two Owls). She was the editorial coordinator of the exhibition’s catalogues Victor Brauner: Inventions and magic and Brâncusi: Romanian sources and universal perspectives, published by the Art Encounters Foundation.

Sanne Mujiser

Royal Booksellers Association
and Boekenbon NV

Since last October, I have been a director of the Royal Booksellers Association and Boekenbon NV (book vouchers).  Before joining KBb, I worked for 10 years as a director of the industry association for land-based gambling providers (gaming machines).

Susie Arambasic

Brunswick Bound

Susie Arambasic, a bookseller with 17 years of experience, co-founded Brunswick Bound in Melbourne with her partner, Robert. Combining her love for books, giftware, and stationery, Susie curated a diverse range of local and international designers, creating a distinctive shopping experience for both locals and visitors.

Svenja Esch

Lesumer Lesezeit

Svenja Esch, born in Essen, Germany in 1977, began her bookselling apprenticeship at 19. After studying abroad, she reconnected with bookselling at her mother’s store in Düsseldorf. She later worked for the Thalia book chain before opening her climate-neutral bookstore, Lesumer Lesezeit, in Bremen in 2012.

Philippe Hunziker

SOPHOS

After studying biology at university, Philippe Hunziker went into the world of business and management, working in companies whose activities have ranged from exporting artisan goods and coffee to marketing vehicles. In 2000, he took joined the SOPHOS bookstore (founded in 1998) where he has worked since as General Manager. 

Uli Lenart

Gay’s the Word

Uli Lenart, deputy manager at Gay’s the Word, the UK’s oldest LGBT+ bookshop, is also a book reviewer, literary journalist, and event chair. A judge for the UK Booksellers Association Diversity Grants, he chaired The Green Carnation Literary Prize panel and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

What to expect:

Discover new ideas to implement in your bookshop

Hear from inspirational keynote speakers

Learn how the bookselling business works in other countries

Exchange experiences with booksellers from all over the world

Watch the highlights from the
2023 RISE Bookselling Conference

FAQs

Who can join?
Booksellers and book sector professionals from all over the world are invited to join the RISE Bookselling conference.

When will the conference take place?
The second edition of the RISE Bookselling conference will take place as a two-day event, on 17th and 18th March 2024.

Where will the conference take place?
The conference will be hosted in Lisbon, the beautiful capital city of Portugal. The event will take place at the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB).

Is the attendance free of charge?
Yes, attending the RISE Conference is completely free. However, travel and accommodation is at your own expense.

In which language will the conference be held?
The event will be held in English, but interpretation services will be considered, based on the number of attendees that would like to benefit from this. When registering to attend the RISE conference, please note if you would like to benefit from interpretation services.

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About RISE Bookselling

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RISE Bookselling is a network programme organized by the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) and co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.

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