“After 50 years, The London Book Fair (LBF) has become an essential part of the international book trade calendar and is the pre-eminent Spring event of the publishing year.
Exhibitors and visitors return year-on-year to develop relationships, gain insights, and set the tone for the year ahead.”
– The London Book Fair
The London Book Fair 2026 (LBF), held from March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London, once again brought together thousands of professionals from across the global publishing industry. As one of the most anticipated events in the international book trade calendar, the fair continues to serve as a dynamic platform where publishers, authors, agents, and content creators converge to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future of publishing. With strong international participation and a diverse range of exhibitors, this year’s event reaffirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and collaboration within the industry.
The International Rights Centre serves as a dedicated space for rights negotiations and professional meetings, where publishers, agents, and scouts connect to discuss new opportunities and secure deals. It remains one of the busiest areas of the fair, reflecting the ongoing demand for international rights and content exchange. For more than fifty (50) years, the London Book Fair has played a vital role in the publishing ecosystem, bringing together established industry leaders and emerging voices in a setting that supports both business development and creative collaboration.
Beyond its commercial significance, the fair also offers a rich intellectual experience through its extensive seminar program. Across stages such as the Main Stage, Author HQ, and the Literary Translation Centre, attendees gain insights into some of the most pressing topics in publishing today, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, and the evolving global market for books. Special features such as the Writers’ Summit provide authors with guidance on navigating the publishing landscape, while the Academic and Professional Publishing Conference allows for deeper exploration of scholarly and professional publishing trends. These sessions are complemented by recognitions that celebrate excellence and innovation, reinforcing the fair’s commitment to advancing the industry.
In line with its advocacy for literacy and access to reading, the fair continues its support of The Reading Agency, a UK-based organization dedicated to improving lives through the power of reading. By working with libraries, schools, and community groups, the organization reaches millions of individuals each year, promoting the transformative impact of books on well-being, opportunity, and social connection.
Amid this vibrant global gathering, ARPress proudly participated in the London Book Fair 2026, presenting a curated selection of titles that reflect its commitment to diverse voices and meaningful storytelling. Through its presence at Olympia London, ARPress actively engaged with international publishers, literary agents, and rights professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration, translation, and wider distribution of its authors’ works. The company’s participation highlights its ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint, strengthen industry partnerships, and position its titles within the international market. By investing in major events such as LBF, ARPress continues to champion its authors, increase brand visibility, and bring compelling stories to a broader readership.
Among the titles showcased was Before You Die, Plant a Tree: Practical Lessons for Peace Building from Cambodia by Dr. Joyce Penfield, a powerful and reflective memoir-meets-case-study that explores peacebuilding through real-life experiences in Cambodia. Rooted in both personal journey and cultural observation, the book presents a compelling message: meaningful change begins with small, intentional acts—much like planting a tree whose impact may outlive us.
The book combines personal narrative, interviews, and cultural observations to highlight how nonviolent practices, community partnerships, and local leadership can foster sustainable change. It presents peacebuilding not as an abstract idea, but as a lived, practical process rooted in everyday actions.
Before You Die, Plant a Tree follows Joyce Penfield as she travels to Cambodia and becomes involved with a grassroots peace initiative. Through firsthand experiences, she observes how communities affected by conflict work toward healing through cooperation, education, and nonviolent training. The narrative is enriched by interviews and real-life stories, offering a vivid picture of how peacebuilding unfolds on the ground.
As the book progresses, it shifts from observation to reflection, drawing connections between the lessons learned in Cambodia and broader global challenges such as systemic injustice and community division. The author ultimately encourages readers to apply these lessons in their own lives—reminding them that even small acts of compassion and responsibility can contribute to lasting change.
Dr. Joyce Penfield is a writer and community advocate with a strong interest in social justice, nonviolence, and grassroots development. Her work in Cambodia, particularly with local peace initiatives, provided the foundation for this book. Through her writing, she seeks to bridge global experiences with local action—helping readers understand how lessons from one part of the world can inspire change in another.
In a world often shaped by conflict and division, this book offers a message of hope grounded in action. It reminds us that peace is not built overnight, but through consistent, meaningful efforts—just like nurturing a tree from seed to growth.
Through her thoughtful and experience-driven narrative, Joyce Penfield leaves readers with a simple yet profound challenge: plant something today—whether it is an idea, an act of kindness, or a step toward peace—that will grow long after you are gone.
Before You Die, Plant a Tree: Practical Lessons for Peace Building from Cambodia by Dr. Joyce Penfield continues to gain momentum and recognition within the global literary community. Its presence at the London Book Fair highlights not only its relevance but also ARPress’s ongoing commitment to promoting impactful works on an international stage.
The London Book Fair 2026 continues to stand as a vital meeting point for the global publishing community, where stories are shared, collaborations are formed, and new opportunities emerge. ARPress’s participation in this internationally recognized event underscores its dedication to amplifying voices, supporting authors, and bringing impactful stories to readers worldwide, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of publishing.
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