In partnership with

Shaping the Future with Books conference

Intergraf, in partnership with Smithers, is delighted to announce the next edition in the Shaping the Future series: Shaping the Future with Books, taking place in Brussels on Thursday, 19 February 2026. This flagship event will gather leading publishers, printers, suppliers, researchers, and policymakers to explore the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping Europe’s book ecosystem.

The European book sector is undergoing a profound transformation, from evolving reading habits and the evolution of print-on-demand services to new sustainability frameworks and supply-chain pressures. This conference will bring together high-level experts to discuss the latest developments across the value chain, including:

• The state of the European book market
• Changing consumer behaviour and reading habits
• The strategic importance of print in a digital age
• EU policies affecting books, education, and cultural access
• Sustainable book production
• New distribution, supply-chain, and localisation models
• Innovation in book design and engagement

The upcoming event’s programme includes insights from Smithers, leading academics, online book influencers, major European publishers and printers, and the European Commission. Participants will benefit from a rich mix of market data, practical case studies, and forward-looking discussions.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The full-day event will feature a series of insightful presentations and discussions. It will be preceded by a welcome cocktail on Wednesday, 18 February, and followed by a networking dinner on Thursday, 19 February.

EXCLUSIVE MARKET REPORT

Shaping the Future with Packaging attendees will also receive the European Book Market Report, prepared by Smithers. This exclusive report will present a comprehensive market analysis, including the latest data and trends impacting the books segment of the printing industry. It is included in the conference package and will serve as a valuable resource for professionals across the sector.

ACCOMODATION

Intergraf has secured a block of rooms at the Cardo Brussels hotel, where the event will take place, available at a special rate for the event participants. Please note the following cut-off dates for the release of any unsold rooms:

• 18 December 2025 (60 days before arrival): 50% of the blocked rooms will be released.
• 18 January 2026 (30 days before arrival): All remaining blocked rooms will be released.

We strongly encourage early booking to ensure availability and benefit from the preferential rate. Participants can reserve their accommodation at the Intergraf special rate by clicking here.

ABOUT THE EVENT SERIES

The Shaping the Future series, organised by Intergraf in collaboration with Smithers, highlights key sub-sectors of the European print industry. Previous conferences have focused on topics like books, commercial print, magazines, and direct mail. In 2026, the focus returns to books — a sector undergoing structural transformation and renewed political relevance. Building on the success of the Shaping the Future with Packaging event in 2025, which brought together 110 participants from more than 20 countries, this edition promises to continue advancing industry knowledge and collaboration. 

FEES

• Intergraf Member Association Director/Board Member/employee - 0 EUR for up to 2 delegates
• Intergraf Associate Members - 0 EUR for up to 2 delegates
• Sponsor company employee or customer - 0 EUR
• Speaker – 0 EUR
• Journalist - 0 EUR
• Printing company belonging to Intergraf member association - 190 EUR + VAT
• Publishing Company - 190 EUR + VAT
• Non-member company - 495 EUR + VAT
• Sponsorship - Would you like to sponsor this event? Have a look at the sponsorship packages and get in touch with Sergejs Mikaeljans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thursday, 19 February

09:00 - 09:15 - Conference Opening and Welcome Address

Speakers: Intergraf and Sonia Draga, FEP

09:15 - 09:30 - Update on the European Book Market

Speaker: Smithers, United Kingdom

09:45 - 10:20 - Consumer Trends and Evolving Reading Habits

Speaker: Marte Pupe Støyva, University of Stavanger, Norway

10:20 - 11:10 - Coffee break

11:10 - 11:40 - The European Mission for Reading and Literacy

Speaker: Representative of the European Commission (TBC)

11:40 - 12:10 - The value of reading and writing on paper

Speaker: Andrea Cangini, Osservatorio Carta, Penna & Digitale, Italy

12:10 - 12:40 - Booktok

Speaker: Jasmine Darban, Sweden

12:45 - 13:45 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - Panel Discussion: Value chain cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and new supply chain models

Moderators: Havard Grjotheim, Scandbook, Sweden, with printers, publishers and paper manufacturer.

15:00 - 15:30 - Sustainable book production

Speaker: Gina Lyons, Clays, United Kingdom

15:30 - 15:50 - Coffee break

15:50 - 16:15 - Publisher Case Study

16:15 - 16:40 - Localised and Regional Printing Models

Speaker: Alison Kaye, CPI, United Kingdom

16:40-17:05 - The digital product passport for books

Speaker: Tobias Kaase, mediaprint solutions, Germany

17:05-17:15 - Conference Closing