Ripple Ideas SLAM!

To celebrate the National Year of Reading, we would love for you to join us for Ripple’s very first Ideas Slam!

Our speakers include: Children's Laureate Patrice Lawrence, Rashmi Sirdeshpande (Author), October Jones (Librarian), Jack Meggit-Phillips (Author), Mo O'Hara (Festival Organiser & Author), Eric Huang (Educator & Academic), Publisher tbc, Agent tbc

Prepare to be wowed and entertained! In a five-minute ‘SLAM’ presentation, each of our speakers will share their what if . . ., share a pie-in-the-sky scenario, an idea that they have used or witnessed, or paint a picture of a success story that will inspire our audience. 

How can we break down existing barriers to reading, attract new young readers (babies to young adult), keep them engaged and foster a LIFE-LONG READING HABIT?

Participants can take inspiration from the current publishing landscape and local & global initiatives that provide access to books for all young readers, to share positive, pro-active ideas for how we can achieve and further this joint goal.

ALL ideas are welcome! We have so much knowledge and experience in our wide children’s book community, we wanted to create an event where those who create books and those who place them directly into hands of young readers could share and build on each other’s ideas. Let’s dream BIG.

After all speakers have shared their ideas, it's YOUR turn! We will ask the audience to contribute and join the conversation. We want to gather librarians, booksellers, publishers, educators, agents, festival organisers, authors and illustrators – all in one room! Why? For something a little different. The Ideas Slam is designed to turn a single discussion into a wider exchange of ideas, connections and practical knowledge.  We need YOU!

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with an incredible audience of colleagues, readers, buyers and collaborators. We really hope you’ll come along and share your vision with us.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE? PITCH YOUR IDEA HERE by 15 November 2026

Join us after the event at the pub to continue our conversations.

Be a part of Ripple.
The stronger the connections, the bigger the ripples.

New to RIPPLE? Find out about us here!