Who Gets In — and Who Gets On? Building Fair Career Pathways in Publishing

Join the community at The Hof on 7 October 2026 – either on site in Frankfurt or online via Zoom! 

Can't make it to Frankfurt? You can still be part of the fair as we bring our community together in person and online during the Frankfurter Buchmesse. 

Creating a more inclusive publishing industry means more than widening access. It also means ensuring that people from different backgrounds have fair opportunities to build sustainable careers and progress within the industry. Yet access to publishing and early-career progression can still favour those with insider networks and financial safety nets. 

Created in collaboration with the FBM Young Voices Network, this The Hof session explores how the industry can include and empower younger generations by widening access, strengthening belonging, and creating opportunities for long-term career development. 

We’ll explore socio-economic barriers, the hidden curriculum of publishing, and how mentoring can evolve into meaningful sponsorship that opens doors. The discussion brings together perspectives from across career stages and parts of the publishing ecosystem, focusing on practical approaches to building fairer career pathways. 

Hosted by award-winning journalist Felix Zeltner, enjoy the famous Hof feeling, connect with our guests, contribute your own questions and comments, and meet the worldwide community! As always, live music and mindfulness will be part of the hour.  

Community members about The Hof:  

“With 'The Hof' the Frankfurter Buchmesse team has found the holy grail of networking”
– Paul P. Gerbino, President, Triumvirate Content Consultants  

“The only virtual meeting where you can actually feel something”
– Niki Théron, Head of International Professional Programs, Frankfurter Buchmesse  

“The Hof is the best idea ever”
– Simon de Jocas, President, Éditions Les 400 Coups; Co-Founder, Publishers Without Borders