útgefendamót

Utgefendamót is an Icelandic term for a professional gathering of publishers. The word is formed from útgefandi, meaning publisher, and mót, meaning meeting or conference. In practice, útgefendamót refers to events where publishers, literary agents, editors, authors, and other industry professionals come together to discuss publishing rights, licensing, translation rights, distribution, and market trends.

These events are typically organized by national or regional publishers’ associations, cultural ministries, or trade organizations. Activities commonly include keynote speeches, panel discussions on publishing policy and market developments, negotiations over rights and licenses, rights auctions, and networking sessions. The format can range from formal conferences with scheduled programs to more commercially oriented fairs or showcases.

In Iceland, útgefendamót may be integrated with book fairs or literary festivals, or held as standalone industry gatherings. The term is mainly used within the Icelandic publishing sector, though similar concepts exist internationally under names like publishers’ conferences or rights fairs. Utgefendamót provides a platform for collaboration among industry players, facilitates rights sales and contract discussions, and offers a venue for presenting catalogs and new titles to potential buyers.