Page 18 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL4

COUNTRY PORTRAITFor more than a century, the IPA has brought publishers together to discuss the latest issues affecting the publishing industry, such as the development of digital technology, copyrights and national and international policies regarding the book and publishing industriesThe congress is also known for inviting luminaries in the literary world as keynote speakers. For the forthcoming congress the IPA has invited Haruki Murakami and Booker Prize-winner Arudhati Roy to speak at the opening sessions.For more than a century, the IPA has brought publishers together to discuss the latest issues affecting the publishing industry, such as the development of digital technology, copyrights and national and inter- national policies regarding the book and publishing industries, according to Jens Bammel, a secretary general of IPA.“This year, a major theme will be the future of publishing in the digital world – the area publishers need to go whether they like it or not,”Mr Bammel told Elite+. “Definitely we will have lots of discussion in the meeting on what to do, where to go and how to achieve it. So come. Learn and be curious, and you will have a great time.”Trasvin Jittidecharak, chairperson of the 30th IPA Congress organizing committee, in an interview with Elite+ said that the meeting in Bangkok will bring Thai publishers into the spotlight and help them find new opportunities. In addition to inviting well known guest speakers and offering a networking venue, the IPA will run capacity building workshops. Topics to be discussed will range from publishing freedom to digital formats and copyrights. One of the most challenging topics is the role of the publisher in a changing industry. Thefirst plenary session scheduled on opening day is entitled, “Does Publishing Matter? The Challenges of the Digital World”.The publishing industry is facing challenges like never before, said Ms Trasvin. Digital technology greatly affects the industry. Writers turn to blogs and can sell their books online and as e-books. At the same time, local writers have started doing their own publishing, selling books directly to customers using the internet as a medium for marketing, buying and selling. Online retail giants such as Amazon have begun to compete with publishers by offering e-book publishing and even printing services.Despite these challenges, Ms Trasvin believes publishers still play an important role.16 Elite+