The future of the traditional BookExpo, which was held annually in New York, at the Javits Center, is overcast.
ReedPop, which has been organizing this book festival for a quarter of a century, has announced that it will be canceled in 2021. And what will happen next is not yet clear.
This event has always attracted thousands of people. As a rule, BookExpo took place in the spring. The premieres of book novelties were arranged. Publishers made contracts with booksellers. The authors met with readers, librarians and journalists. Famous people such as President Clinton and the writer Margaret Atwood spoke to visitors.
At first, BookExpo was set up in different cities: Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington. However, after the financial crisis of 2008-2009. her permanent home was the Jacob Javits New York Center. The last time the exhibition was held in the spring of 2020, but already then due to the coronavirus in virtual mode. As with many other industries, it appears that working online has the potential to reduce costs. ReedPop concluded that regardless of the pandemic, it might be time to change the format. The final verdict of the book exhibition has not yet been signed. Her further destiny will be determined by book lovers and publishers.
Newspaper headline:
End of BookExpo?