This year’s guest will be Tobias Wann, CEO of tonies, whose interactive audio system combines an intuitive player with collectible figurines carrying stories, music and educational content. The event is part of the Publishing Perspectives Forum and is presented by Bookwire and co-sponsored by Kobo.

Founded in Germany in 2014, tonies has grown from a start-up into the world’s leading interactive audio platform for children. Since Wann succeeded founders Patric Faßbender and Marcus Stahl in January 2024, the company has introduced Toniebox 2 and Toniebox Lite, made North America its largest market, continued its international expansion and joined Germany’s SDAX index.

During the same period, annual revenue increased from EUR 361 million in 2023 to EUR 630 million in 2025, while the adjusted EBITDA margin rose from 4.0% to 8.6%. Revenue reached EUR 242.9 million in the first half of 2026, representing growth of 41% in constant currency. Around 12.6 million Tonieboxes and more than 173 million Tonies have been sold worldwide.

The conversation will examine how tonies is becoming a scalable global organization while preserving its innovative culture. It will also address the company’s product and content strategy and what traditional publishers can learn from its integration of audio, technology, physical products and direct engagement with young audiences.

The event is held in conjunction with the Global 50 Publishing Ranking, also presented by Bookwire. Kobo is also a co-sponsor. During the session, Rüdiger Wischenbart will present the 2026 edition and discuss its main findings and the trends transforming the international publishing industry.

Publishing consultant Carlo Carrenho will serve as moderator, first joining Wischenbart for a brief on-stage conversation about the ranking and the changes reshaping the global publishing business.

The program will then continue with a live interview with Tobias Wann, featuring questions from journalists representing international publishing trade media.
Please note: Frankfurter Buchmesse Trade Visitor Tickets for this professional event will be scanned on site upon entry.