2026 International
Summit of Audio Publishers
One-day virtual gathering of audiobook leaders exploring global growth, AI, retail transformation, libraries, and the future of storytelling.
Sept 10, 2026
9 AM - 5:30 PM ET
Virtual Event
2026 Pricing
Member: $300 | Non-Member: $500
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Global Market Spotlight: Territory Presentations + Q&A
A high-octane, action-oriented look at audiobook markets around the world. Leading representatives from key territories deliver insight on regional listener behavior, channel growth, and category development. Includes a Q&A to dive deeper into key insights.
Speakers:
Ali Abdelmoneim Ahmed - CEO & Co-founder, Arabookverse International
Stephanie Andén - Head of Global Rights & Publishing Director, Saga Egmont
Videl Bar-Kar - Vice President of Audio, Bookwire (Moderator)
Carlo Carrenho - Publishing Consultant,Carrenho Publishing Consulting
Amanda D'Acierno- President, Penguin Random House Audio, Global
Ama Dadson - Founder & CEO, Akoobooks Audio
Adam Fritz - CEO, Pozotron (Moderator)
Colin Hauer- CEO, Hörbuch Hamburg
Bertrand Rocton - Digital Business Director, Hachette Livre
MIDiA Research: Audiobook Growth—What Comes Next?
Audiobooks are evolving into an increasingly dynamic media format, with growth shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, new content formats, and platform innovation. In this session, Laura Fisher (MIDiA Research) explores what the next phase of audiobook growth will look like—and what is really driving it.
Speaker:
Laura Fisher - Audio & Entertainment Analyst, MIDiA Research
Retailer Overview: Navigating the Global Audiobook Marketplace
The global audiobook market is evolving rapidly, driven by subscription growth, mobile listening, and increasing competition among platforms. This session brings together executives from leading retailers to share insights on the current landscape and identify future risks and opportunities.
Speakers:
Victoria Gerken - Publisher, Podium Entertainment (Moderator)
Helena Gustafsson - Chief Content & Publishing Officer, Storytel
Paulo Lemgruber - Head of Regional Content for LATAM & Global, Audible
Erik Rigters - Senior Vice President, Publisher Relations, Catalog & Content Sales, Rakuten Kobo
AI Narrated Audiobooks: Standards, Transparency, and the Path Forward
This session will provide an overview of the current state of AI metadata and the international effort—led by organizations like the US Audio Publishers Association and the UK Publishers Association— to establish best-practice guidelines for labeling AI-narrated audiobooks, including specific guidance on next steps necessary to accurately describe, label, and surface AI content for consumers.
In this session, Jon Watt (Bonnier Books UK) explores the current state of AI metadata and the progress made so far under the international effort—led by organizations like the Audio Publishers Association and the Publishers Association—to establish best-practice guidelines for labeling AI-narrated audiobooks.
Speaker:
John Watt, Bonnier Books UK
International Library Market: Unlocking Global Growth Through Libraries
Libraries are driving audiobook discovery at scale—and the global opportunity has never been bigger. As digital lending expands and international demand surges, publishers have a powerful pathway to reach new listeners across borders.
This dynamic panel will explore how the institutional market is evolving for global publishers—and where the biggest opportunities lie for publishers producing World language audiobooks. From innovative licensing models and platform partnerships to global expansion strategies and discoverability, you’ll gain actionable insights into what’s working now and what’s coming next.
Speakers:
Brian Bannon- Merryl & James Tisch Director Chief Librarian, New York Public Library
Heather McCormack- Director of Digital Content, OCLC CloudLibrary
Edward Nawotka - Senior News and International Editor, Publishers Weekly (Moderator)
Winnie Li- Senior Manager & Business Development Executive, OverDrive
The Future of Storytelling - What AI Can and Can't Do
AI is reshaping how we create, work, and learn—and storytelling is no exception. In this forward-looking session, an expert will provide their perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming publishing and audiobooks.
Speaker:
Stephen Marche - Writer
AGENDA
All times Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
9:00- 9:30 | Registration Check In
9:30-10:30 | PART 1: Territory Presentations plus Q&A
10:30-10:45 | BREAK
10:45-11:30 | PART 2: territory presentations plus Q&A
11:30-12:00 | AI Metadata
12:00-12:30 | LUNCH/BREAK
12:30-1:15 | MIDiA Research: Audiobook Growth—What Comes Next?
1:15-1:30 | SMALL BREAK
1:30-2:15 | RETAILER OVERVIEW
2:15-2:30 | BREAK
2:30-3:15 | International Library Market Panel
3:15-3:30 | BREAK
3:30-4:15 | AUTHOR Futurist/IP protection
4:15-5:30 | Networking Bubbles
Can’t attend live?
All registered attendees receive access to session recordings after the event.