Welcome to the Indie Unconference Europe—where indie authors and industry pros get together to talk business without the buzzwords. It’s part strategy session, part networking, and part “finally finding people who actually understand what I do for a living.”
No panels. No posturing. Just sharp minds, open conversations, and practical ideas you can take home and use.
Because independent doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
When & Where
June 16–19, 2026 · Pisa, Italy
This year’s Unconference takes place at the Grand Hotel Duomo, just a short stroll from Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower. With its marble floors, timeless elegance, and rooftop views stretching across the Tuscan skyline, it’s the perfect place to think big and talk shop.
Step outside and you’ll find espresso bars, trattorie, and more gelato flavours than you could possibly justify as research—though you’re welcome to try. Pisa does inspiration the Italian way: a little sunlight, a little chaos, and a setting that makes big ideas feel inevitable.
Who
The Indie Unconference is for every author—whether you’re publishing your first book or your fiftieth, writing romance, fantasy, or anything else that keeps readers turning pages.
If you’re curious, collaborative, and serious about building your publishing career on your own terms, you’ll fit right in. Expect a mix of lively minds: authors, editors, designers, and the occasional marketing wizard who actually enjoys talking about metadata.
Experienced voices—including some industry pros and long-time indies—will be on hand to share insights and keep the discussions rolling, but the real value comes from everyone in the room.
Independent doesn’t mean alone—and nowhere proves that better than here.
How
There’s no fixed agenda—the conversation leads the way. Each morning, we gather at the Grand Hotel Duomo to share what’s on our minds, swap strategies, and see which topics everyone’s itching to tackle.
Discussions tend to cut straight to the business of being an indie author, for example: navigating Amazon’s latest A10 shuffle, figuring out why your Meta ads just fell off a cliff, or debating whether direct sales and Shopify stores are worth the effort. You might dive into emerging tools for AI-assisted marketing, reader data and analytics, or how to future-proof your author brand in an increasingly noisy market.
Sometimes we all dig into one big topic; other times, smaller groups peel off to chase down different threads. Either way, it’s practical, fast-moving, and refreshingly jargon-free.
You’ll find plenty of space for honest advice, real numbers, and the occasional caffeine-fuelled confession. Experts are on hand for deeper dives or one-on-one chats — but the best ideas always come from the people in the room.
No rigid schedules. No death-by-PowerPoint. Just sharp conversations that go exactly where they need to.
General Schedule
Tuesday 16th June
7.30pm – Welcome ‘Apericena‘ reception (location TBC)
Wednesday 17th June
Indie Uncon discussions (Grand Hotel Duomo)
9.00am – 10.45am Introductions and discussion
10.45am – 11.15am Coffee Break
11.30am – 1.00pm Discussions
1.00pm – 3.00pm Lunch Break
3.00pm – 5.30pm Discussions
Thursday 18th June
Indie Uncon discussions (Grand Hotel Duomo)
9.00am – 10.45am Introductions and discussion
10.45am – 11.15am Coffee Break
11.30am – 1.00pm Discussions
1.00pm – 3.00pm Lunch Break
3.00pm – 5.30pm Discussions
Friday 19th June
Indie Uncon discussions (Grand Hotel Duomo)
9.00am – 10.45am Introductions and discussion
10.45am – 11.15am Coffee Break
11.30am – 1.00pm Discussions
1.00pm – 3.00pm Lunch Break
3.00pm – 5.00pm Discussions
Break
8.00pm – Indie Unconference Closing Celebration Dinner (Location TBC)
