New York – Reed Exhibitions and the American Booksellers Association (ABA) this week announced a fresh approach to BookExpo, the largest annual book industry trade show. The new direction will focus on providing as many networking opportunities as possible for publishers and their peers as well as ongoing sessions that emphasize best practices in the industry.
Changes were devised in partnership between ABA CEO Oren Teicher, ReedPop Senior Vice President Lance Fensterman and event director Brien McDonald, who also directs the related BookCon. The news was announced via letter signed by all three of the show executives.
The moves were made after evaluating input from ABA member bookstores. “The channels for how books reach readers and in what format have changed dramatically over the years,” Fensterman said.
Changes include working more closely with booksellers to help them identify new titles and authors, making it easier for exhibitors set up meetings in advance of the show, and helping sellers identify publisher personnel who will be onsite for meetings.
In a letter announcing the changes, ABA CEO Teicher said the changes are an effort to “meet the business needs of indie bookstores and help them better interact with all key segments of the book industry.”
The one-day BookCon—a fan event for consumers minus the costumes of ComicCon—will follow BookExpo and is expected to draw up to 25,000 book and author enthusiasts. The ABA’s Celebration of Bookselling will be held on the first day of BookExpo.
“We are evolving BookExpo to match the changes in the publishing ecosystem, consumer/reader driven culture and a more focused and a concentrated business environment,” Fensterman added.
Organizers also listened to attendee input about making the event affordable. For the 2017 event set for New York City May 31-June 2, Reed worked with The Row NYC Hotel to offer a special room rate, investing a ‘significant amount’ to provide a $200 per night room rate that is inclusive of taxes and fees.
Reach Lance Fensterman at 203-840-5507 or LFensterman@reedexpo.com; Oren Teicher at (914) 406-7500 or oren@bookweb.org;
