Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 is set to commence in October
The Frankfurt Book Fair is set to unite the world’s print and publishing industries, bringing together publishing experts, authors, and journalists from around the globe who will gather to network, discover new trends, and celebrate the world of stories.
30 Sep 2025 | 510 Views | By Jiya Somaiya
The 77th Frankfurt Book Fair, the international publishing industry’s key marketplace, is scheduled to take place from 15 to 19 October, serving as a critical forum for global debate.
In 2024, the fair welcomed 230,000 visitors in total and featured 4,300 exhibiting companies from 92 countries. In addition, last year saw 115,000 trade visitors arriving from 153 countries.
Juergen Boos, director of Frankfurt Book Fair, emphasised, “The book fair in Frankfurt is the place where the world comes together.” He added, “In times of global tension, we need spaces for exchange, listening and cooperation more than ever before. Our mission is to connect people – as an international marketplace for rights and licensing, a stage for social debate, and a festival of compelling stories. In Frankfurt, we celebrate books and the power of dialogue across all borders.”
The event will officially commence with a redesigned opening ceremony on 14 October, spotlighting this year’s guest of honour, the Philippines, under the motto: “The imagination peoples the air.”
A central theme of the professional programme is the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI). AI will be discussed across various stages, focusing on its influence on rights, content distribution, and the transforming audiobook market. The programme will host "CEO Talks," featuring decision-makers from major book houses, including Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, to analyse the global book trade’s transformation. Furthermore, Hall 4.0, dedicated to “Innovation meets Publishing,” will highlight the future of the scholarly and educational sectors.
Beyond the industry trade, the fair will address pressing political and cultural issues. The Centre Stage in Hall 4.1 will feature the "Frankfurt Calling" programme, providing a forum for dialogue on human rights, freedom of expression, and global conflicts. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa is among the scheduled speakers. The event will also highlight booming creative formats, particularly in the Comics Business Centre, which is expanding to include a new, dedicated area for webtoons, reflecting the rising popularity of vertically scrolled digital comics.
In addition, the fair is adapting to the growing interest in specific consumer literature. The popularity of new adult and fantasy (Romantasy) is being catered to, with Hall 1.2 and the Festhalle hosting the Meet the Author area for fan interactions and signings.
For the first time, exhibitors are permitted to sell books to the public on all five days of the fair.