Exhibitors — apply now to participate at the 2025 Malta Book Festival!

Applications for exhibitors wishing to participate at the 2025 edition of the Malta Book Festival are now open. The Festival will be held from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali.

The deadline to submit applications is 2 May 2025. As from this year, applications are to be processed through the Submittable platform — more details in the relevant section below. 

Building on the rich legacy of its former iteration, the Malta Book Fair, the Malta Book Festival (MBF) has since 2013 become an integral part of the island’s annual cultural calendar and remains the largest book-based event in Malta and Gozo. Organised by the National Book Council (NBC), the MBF welcomes thousands of visitors of all ages and walks of life, availing themselves of the Festival’s growing number of exhibitors and activities. Renowned international guests give further added value to the event, securing its status as a prestigious celebration of the written word. 

Application for Exhibitors — Key Information

The application form for exhibitors, with updated rules, regulations and provisions, is open to all local and international publishers, book distributors, bookshops and book agencies. NGOs and public entities, whose field of activity involves the publication of books or the promotion of literature, as well as self-published authors, are also eligible to apply. All stand fees will be subsidised by the NBC, and reduced by 75% in a bid to support prospective exhibitors.

As in previous editions, exhibitors may also request a full refund on the application fee if they register for the Exhibitors’ Media Refund Scheme and promote the Malta Book Festival, their events, books and/or participation at the Festival to a wider audience through the advertising and promotion in the local press and boosted social media posts.

• Apply through Submittable

As from this year, the NBC will be using the Submittable platform for all of its applications — ensuring a better streamlined process for all involved. All interested are guided to apply through this link: ktieb.submittable.com/submit. Prospective exhibitors are respectfully reminded that early applications will be given preference in the programme of events and are encouraged to peruse all terms and conditions before applying.

All applicants are carefully urged to read through the terms on the Submittable platform. 

• Payment 

Payment of fees for stands should be made to the National Book Council by 9 May 2025.

A full fee waiver applies to NGOs related to the book industry, and Sponsors.

Payment may only be effected via bank transfer. 

• Updated Opening Hours

Prospective exhibitors should note that the opening hours of the 2025 Malta Book Festival are as follows: 

Wednesday 5/11  09:00-13:00; 17:00-21:00

Thursday 6/11  09:00-13:00; 17:00-21:00

Friday 7/11  09:00-13:00; 17:00-21:00

Saturday 8/11  10:00-21:00

Sunday 9/11  10:00-20:00

• Note on AI usage 

The NBC counts illustrators and book artists among its key stakeholders. To this end, we strongly discourage the use of AI generated imagery by all of prospective exhibitors — be this in their stand artwork or any other material displayed or distributed during the MBF. 

The application for exhibitors must be filled in and submitted via Submittable by no later than 2 May 2025.