the london book fair
10–12 March 2026
Olympia London

The International Rights Centre (IRC)

The International Rights Centre (IRC)

The International Rights Centre (IRC)

The International Rights Centre (IRC) is the heart of rights trading at The London Book Fair - a professional, purpose-built space where agents and rights holders can conduct pre-scheduled meetings with publishers, editors, scouts, and other industry professionals from around the world.

It’s where deals are made, partnerships begin, and stories cross borders.

What Is the IRC?

The IRC is an exclusive meeting space designed for rights professionals. 
Here, agents and rights holders hold pre-scheduled meetings to discuss:

  • Rights sales and co-editions
  • Licensing and translations
  • Film, audio, and digital adaptations 
  • Literary representation and acquisitions

The IRC offers a calm, focused environment away from the main halls — ideal for confidential and business-critical discussions.


Why Visit the IRC

A Professional Meeting Environment 

Each IRC exhibitor has a dedicated table and access to the facilities they need for seamless rights negotiations.

Access by
Appointment Only 

The IRC is open exclusively to professionals with an IRC badge. 
Meetings must be arranged in advance and take place at designated tables.

Connect with a Global Community 

The IRC unites hundreds of international rights professionals — offering a rare opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and secure deals that shape the global publishing landscape.



Opening Times

  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:30

  • Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00

Location

📍 Olympia National Hall, Level 1 

For 2026, all IRC tables are now consolidated into one convenient area for smoother access and scheduling.

How to Access the IRC

Primary Entrances:

  • Olympia Grand Main Entrance

  • Olympia National Entrance 
    (Both located on Olympia Way)

Please note: 
Entrances from Hammersmith Road are no longer in use. 
All attendees should use the two Olympia Way entrances.Shape


Visitor Access Without an IRC Badge

Only vetted IRC badge holders may enter the area directly. 
If you have a meeting scheduled inside but do not have an IRC badge:

  1. Visit the Information Desk on Gallery Level 1 (between Grand and National Halls).
  2. Present proof of your scheduled meeting.
  3. Once verified, you’ll receive a temporary access pass or be escorted to your meeting.

Tip: Arrive early to allow time for verification and entry.


Important Reminders

  • Access Control: Access is strictly controlled to ensure a professional and confidential working environment.
  • Meeting Scheduling: Please schedule meetings in advance.

  • Identification: Always have your IRC exhibitor/visitor badge visible and/or carry your meeting invitations and confirmations for quick entry.

  • Professional Courtesy: Be respectful of the focused atmosphere within the IRC at all times.


Where Stories Become Global

Coming to the IRC and being part of the community — meeting someone and having an unexpected chance encounter with somebody who might buy a book or help you sell a book — is worth it.


Michael Carlisle
Partner

InkWell Management

This is the mecca of rights sales for any publisher and all the major publishers. Certainly for literary agencies, this is the place. This is where we do our business.


Sheila Crowley
Agent

Curtis Brown Group

Being able to have a hub like the IRC here is really important — every fair, we can track back deals that began with a conversation at this fair.


Isobel Dixon,
MD & Head of Books

Blake Friedmann Literary Agency