Ricardo on the FIL Guadalajara

Whenever the Christmas shopping season reaches its peak, Mexico hosts the world's second-largest book fair. For nine whole days, from November 29 to December 7, 2025, the Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL) de Guadalajara will be all about Spanish-language books for twelve hours a day (!). In 2024, more than 900,000 visitors attended. Crazy, right?!

In the run-up to the 2025 edition of FIL, we asked our colleague Ricardo, who heads up MVB's business in Mexico and Brazil, what you need to know about this industry event.

• How important is the Guadalajara Book Fair for MVB?
  FIL, as we call it, is one of the most strategically important events for MVB in Latin America. It consolidates our position as a technology and data partner for the book industry in Brazil and Mexico. Our participation helps us to raise awareness of the MVB brand and meet decision-makers in person in one of the most influential Spanish-speaking markets. It also allows us to further intensify the dialogue on the economic importance of high-quality metadata and automated processes.

• In your opinion, what topics will dominate the book fair this year?
  The focus will almost certainly be on the use of data for publishing decisions and on the international expansion of content and technologies. Artificial intelligence and new acquisition strategies and distribution models will also be a key focus, particularly in connection with the internationalization of titles and their authors.

• What are the main focuses of the MVB presentation?
  

  We will present practical solutions for optimizing metadata, technological integration, and the strategic use of market data. Our goal is to show how well-structured data standards improve the visibility of titles, accelerate coordination with retail partners, and support more informed decisions across the industry. We will also contribute our expertise to panel discussions and other events in the professional program. In this way, we are strengthening our role as a strategic link between Latin America and the global book market.

• What should visitors to FIL 2025 definitely not miss?
  Of course, all events that deal with the importance of metadata, but also with technological integration and the future of business models in the industry. We ourselves are participating in formats related to findability, cross-market collaboration, and digital efficiency.

  I also recommend visiting the Barcelona Guest of Honor Pavilion. Many renowned authors will be there, and the rich cultural program builds bridges between Europe and Latin America. The colorful mix of music, theater, and art makes the FIL a unique place.

  With book lovers from all over the world coming to Guadalajara, the book fair offers the perfect setting for making international contacts for your own work. This is easy and uncomplicated, for example, at our event “Caipirinha meets Oktoberfest,” which we organize together with industry partners—a relaxed moment that celebrates cultural exchange.

• Which life hack helps you get through FIL days?
  Guadalajara is intense. But actually, the same applies as at any trade fair: drink plenty of fluids, wear comfortable shoes, and take regular short breaks to recharge your batteries between meetings. And be spontaneous and open: some of the best conversations arise spontaneously in the corridors. These encounters should not be underestimated.

• How does MVB see Latin America's role in the future of the book industry?
  Latin America is becoming a key region for innovation. Brazil and Mexico combine cultural diversity with international growth potential. Our task is to strengthen this connection through reliable data, efficient processes, and global cooperation, and to integrate the Latin American market into international best practices.
  

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