News from the Herd - February '26

AI Topics Dominate Specialist Conferences

The Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) Spring Conference in London and online focused primarily on the rapid pace at which AI is entering the publishing industry. AI can support seamless scaling across different markets in a variety of ways and plays an important role in the current trend toward international expansion and global presence among publishers. In addition to the opportunities, however, the risks were also discussed, as well as how the publishing world can deal with them: International expansion can only be successful in the long term if it is linked to local expertise. An AI-driven world unsettles consumers. Publishers can use their social media channels to strengthen trust in their brands and “real” content. The ethical and responsible use of AI and the protection of copyright are also important to publishers.

The German-language book industry came together at future!publish in Berlin, sponsored by Zebralution, where lively discussions and exciting presentations also focused primarily on AI. Large and small publishers alike are on a shared journey through this transformation. The focus was particularly on solutions for AI integration, smart services, and the importance of the backlist. It is clear that investments in AI expertise and technology or support from specialized service providers must become the new standard. Zebralution is happy to provide support in this area.

Spanish Sun at the PARIX Audio Day

In the middle of winter, our Managing Director Ralf Biesemeier was naturally delighted to have the opportunity to speak at PARIX Audio Day in Madrid. In Spain, the audio segment in particular is growing at an impressive rate, and the spirit of the very young and agile audio industry filled the day. Ralf joined a panel discussion with Robert Holmström from Earselect, Rickard Lundberg from Aniara, John Ruhrmann from Bookwire, and moderator Erin Cox from Publishing Perspectives on “Innovation in AI + Audio: Publication, Licensing, Marketing, Production, and Distribution.” In the end, one thing was clear: the future of the industry will be shaped by those who dare to try new approaches, test ideas, take an iterative approach, and share their insights with the world!

March is Trade Fair Season: Meet Lismio & Zebralution in London and Leipzig!

Preparations have been in full swing as the trade fair month of March is just around the corner. From March 10 to 12, you can meet the zebras Jessica Barnfield, Charlotte Mauti, Ralf Biesemeier, Tina Juergens, Julia Ramrath, Ailish Jung, and Julius Mittenzwei at the London Book Fair. Meet us at booth 2D40 for all things value-added distribution, and also stop by booth 2D26 to learn more about the history of Lismio and grab one of our free audiobooks!

Just over a week later, from March 19 to 22, we'll be continuing on to Leipzig. As last year, we will be represented with our B2C brand Lismio in the audio world in Hall 2 at booth E400, where you can meet our colleagues in person and pick up one of our free audiobooks. Signing sessions with authors and narrators will take place throughout the days. So be sure to stop by and meet Rebekah Stoke, Omid-Paul Eftekhari, Marit Bernson, Michelle Schrenk, Daniel Faßbender, Heidi Troi, Freya Miles, Kevo Adler, Ann Kathrin Falkenberg, and many more.

There will also be several events with Lismio on the audio stage:

Thursday, March 19, 2026

• 2:30-3pm Frank Goosen with 'Lovely Rita'

• 4-4:30pm Ozan Zakariya Keskinkılıç with 'Hundesohn'

Friday, March 20, 2026

• 10:30-11am D.C. Odesza with Dark Romance for Listening, Feeling and Living
• 4:30-5pm Nina Schilling with 'When Shadows Darken The Sun'

We're looking forward to your visit!