Bologna Children's Book Fair

I read an interview with Chris Haughton where he talked about his first book being published, he met the publishers at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. I have heard about the event before and wanted to find out more about it.

"The Bologna Children’s Book Fair each year attracts artists, illustrators, graphic designers, literary agents, publishers, authors, translators, business developers, licensors and licensees, packagers, printers, distributors, booksellers, librarians, teachers, suppliers of publishing services and all of the professional figures involved in the world of children’s books."

The Fair attracts a large number of people from a range of disciplines and professions related to children's books making it a good place to network and showcase work. I would like to visit the fair to learn more about all aspects of children's book illustration and discover new applications for my practice. The exhibition offers a range of events and opportunities. The Illustrator's Survival Centre provides a space for illustrators to meet and share experiences. They offer workshops including

"• Portfolio Reviews
Curated by authors, editors, agents and art directors
What works and what to change in portfolios, before and after meeting with publishers
• Workshops
Tips on design and planning for illustrators
• Masterclass “Survival Tools for the profession”
From self-promotion to managing interviews with the publisher, from the contract to social media
• Meet the jury
Cycles of meetings, workshops and portfolio reviews with the jurors of the Illustrators’ Exhibition 2017: Steven Guarnaccia, Arianna Squilloni, Harriet Birkinshaw, Daniela Stamatiadi and Jean-François Martin
• Red Carpet
Meetings with international artists: masterclasses and workshops
(including Chris Riddell, Isabelle Arsenault, Gilles Bachelet)"

The event sounds like an amazing opportunity to gain an incredible insight into the professional practice with classes and workshops aimed purposely at helping freelance illustrators. They also run an illustration competition that offers a huge cash prize as well as the chance to be published and all the selected illustrators are gain exposure on the website and through publications.

I want to start attending more events and developing my work with the goal of exhibiting at The Bologna Children's Book Fair after I graduate.