From May 28-31, New York City can add one more highlight to its long list of attractions: BookExpo America (BEA). From 2009 onwards, the book industry’s premier trade show has returned to New York City and will stay at least until 2012. BEA is operated by Reed Exhibitions who bought the show from the American Booksellers Association (ABA) in 1992, today a sponsor.
New Events at BEA 2009
More knowledge about one’s industry can never hurt and publishing professionals especially will appreciate a chance to reach audiences and consumers they usually do not. From industry leaders to New Media experts, teenagers and other consumers, the BEA organizers have invited participants for a range of events like the ones below:
- a “Big Ideas at BEA” conference where publishers, retailers, librarians and consumers can meet industry leaders,
- a New Media Zone has been established for bloggers, podcasters, e-book publishers and digital content,
- a new BEA Young Adult Editor’s Buzz in addition to the regular Editor’s Buzz as a new forum for the YA segment,
- ABA’s Day of Education with educational sessions and panels returns to BEA and will be held on May 28,
- BEA attendees can look forward to consumer panels where different consumer groups like teenagers and bookclub leaders will discuss their reading and book buying habits.
2009 Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Jakob K. Javits Convention Center is located at 635 West 34th Street, all the way over on midtown Manhattan’s westside. Show entry depends on what category visitors fall under (bookstore, retailer, media, etc.) and how many days they wish to attend. Prices range from
- $45 to $75 for a one-day pass bought before May 23,
- $60 to $125 for a one-day pass bought on-site,
- $80 to $295 for a three-day pass bought in advance and
- $105 to $165 for a three-day pass bought on-site.
Children under 12 pay $75 regardless of number of days and advance booking.
BEA Show and Exhibit Hours:
- Thursday, May 28: 12 pm – 5pm (for the Big Ideas at BEA conference only)
- Friday, May 29: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday, May 30: 9 am – 5 pm
- Sunday, May 31: 9 am – 4 pm
The 2009 BookExpo America / Writer’s Digest Books Conference
The motto of this one-day, intensive writing conference is “Write better, get published.” It is held one day before the start of the BEA on Wednesday, May 27 and is open to the general public; the cost is $199. Aspiring writers can learn how to hone their skills in all genres of writing and can obtain information on getting published.
The keynote speaker at this year’s WDB Writers Conference is best-selling author Karin Slaughter. A popular feature is the “Pitch Slam” where writers can pitch their book idea to an audience of book agents and editors who will provide instant feedback.
Regardless if one goes to BEA 2009 as a bookseller, publisher, librarian, agent, author or reader, the show is the event to catch up on what’s new in bookselling and to get a sneak preview at fall titles.
Attendees who want to plan ahead can take a look at BEA’s floor plan or read up on publishing events across the Atlantic like the London Book Fair (April 20-22), Book World Prague (May 14-17) or the World Book Fair in Singapore (May 29- June 7).
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