FutureBook Conference
Mon Dec 1, 2025
09:15 - 18:30
County Hall, Waterloo
Take the lead on tomorrow
In 2025 the book industry faced massive change — so The FutureBook Conference and Awards evolved too.
From AI to audio, the book industry has undergone rapid transformation. Publishing models have shifted, inclusion has stalled, and culture has been in flux. FutureBook 2025 brought senior leaders together where they confronted these changes, sparked honest debate, and explored bold strategies for the year ahead. This fast-paced, high-impact conference featured keynotes from global experts across three core themes: Leadership, Strategy, and Vision. Candid discussions with industry leaders followed each talk, while focused deep dives into Future Work, Campaigns, and Global explored trends, case studies and practical next steps.
Plus, the FutureBook Awards 2025 went big with a new dedicated ceremony which spotlighted publishing’s boldest leaders and rising stars. There were more categories, more celebration, more game-changing ideas - and conversations that help reshape the industry. Take a look at the full list of winners.
One day. One audience. One mission: to unfollow follower mentality and take the lead on the future of books.
Grace Lewis
Awards Step
FutureBook Headliners
James Bidwell
Entrepreneur, author & co-founder
Re_set
Elke Edwards
Author, speaker & co-founder
Ivy House
Tj Power
Neuroscientist, author & speaker
DOSE® Lab
FutureBook Video Highlights
FutureBook Awards Winners
Featured News
Default Step
FutureBook 2024: AI rise, 'colossal' Budget impact and inaugural Freelancer Award
The Bookseller’s FutureBook conference heard of the unstoppable rise of AI, the growth of audio and the post-Baillie Gifford era for literary festivals.
Freelancers and audio take the spotlight at the 2024 FutureBook Awards
The Freelancer of the Year award will make its début at FutureBook 2024.
Testimonials
Receiving this award is a huge honour! Juggling the two roles of bookshop owner and BA president can be challenging, but I wholeheartedly believe in the work - amplifying the critical importance of high street bookshops, championing booksellers - it’s a mission deserving of all the energy I have.
Fleur Sinclair, president, Leader of the Year 2025 Winner
Winning this award has been such a delight. The recognition affirms the important work that so many of us care deeply about and I’m grateful. It is both encouraging and inspiring to be part of the FutureBook family, whose innovation and generosity continue to shape and push our industry.
Magdalene Abraha, Future Leader of the Year 2025 Winner
A huge thank you to FutureBook and The Bookseller for creating this award and championing it so wholeheartedly. Thank you for finally shining a light on the work freelancers do, and for valuing the contribution we bring to every corner of publishing
Emily Cox, Freelancer of the Year 2025 Winner
FutureBook has been our go-to place to feel the pulse of UK publishing. The line-up is always stellar, the sessions spark big ideas, and the showcase of emerging start-ups reminds you how inventive this industry can be.
Asi Sharabi, co-founder and c.e.o., Wonderbly)
FutureBook HeadlinersView All
James Bidwell
Elke Edwards
Tj Power
FutureBook Headliners
James Bidwell
Elke Edwards
Tj Power
All Speakers
Naomi Bacon
Paul Black
Hayley Brandon
Selina Brown
Lucy Cameron
Jess Chandler
Andy Darcy Theo
Ben Drury
Bec Evans
Sam Fisher
Nuka Gambashidze
Jenny Geras
Emily Guille-Marrett
David Hayman
Georgia Henry
Emma House
Patrick Hunter
Mehr Husain
Debbie James
Sara Lloyd
Meryl Halls
Lucy Mercer
Madhumita Murgia
Nigel Newton
Sarah Posner
Rachel Quin
Hugo Rayne
Joanna Reynolds
Amanda Ridout
Nadim Sadek
Searsha Sadek
Cheyney Smith
Michael Tamblyn
Jack Thompson
Kristen Vida Alfaro
Mike Waters
Selina Zigomo
FutureBook 2025 Sponsors and Partners
