BookExpo

At a time when more retail space is devoted to selling books than ever before and an increasing number of consumers are turning to Internet retailers, sustaining and growing a profitable bookstore business requires that each person in a management role fully understand the fundamentals of running a business.

Once again, booksellers at BookExpo America will have the opportunity to attend a special day of educational programming designed specifically for them. Organized and sponsored by American Booksellers Association, the full day of bookseller education panels and seminars is set for Thursday, May 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Last year, when ABA's day-long bookseller education programming debuted at BEA in New York City, the panels and seminars were extremely well received.

When making travel plans for this year's BookExpo America in Los Angeles, booksellers are encouraged to keep in mind that on Thursday, May 29, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., ABA will once again be sponsoring a full day of bookseller educational programming.

The special educational programming, taking place the day before the BEA trade show floor opens, will include in-depth sessions on:

New Travel System and $30 Day Passes for ABA Bookstore Members

Traveling and registering for BookExpo America (BEA) has never been easier or more cost efficient. For the first time, BEA show organizers will be offering one-day passes to ABA bookstore members for the show, which will be held from May 30 - June 1 in Los Angeles.

An Exclusive Money-Saving BEA Hotel Deal for ABA Member Booksellers

Getting the best housing deal possible at BookExpo America is always a major concern for independent booksellers. This year, BEA management, together with ABA, has found a great solution for any ABA member bookseller interested in the best hotel value at the show.

BookExpo America's "Editor & Bookseller Buzz Forum," where leading industry editors and publishers pitch their key titles to booksellers, book reviewers, and other industry professionals, was one of the focal points at last year's BEA, where it debuted. On February 4, BEA announced the panelists for this year's Buzz Forum. They will include Sonny Mehta (president and publisher, Alfred A.

Heightened Spanish-book industry activity is expected at BookExpo America 2003 (BEA) as the convention prepares for its return to Los Angeles, a city with more than four million Hispanics and the largest concentration of Latinos in the U.S. BEA 2003 is scheduled for May 28 - June 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. BEA was last in Los Angeles in 1999.

BookExpo America (BEA), in partnership with the Open eBook Forum (www.openebook.org), will present the eBook Experience, a unique business and learning environment, at this year's convention in Los Angeles, May 29 - June 1. The special interactive center will provide book industry professionals with the opportunity to learn about the latest digital technology on display by participating exhibitors.

Emmy-winning writer and comedian Ellen DeGeneres will address the book industry in a solo comedic benefit performance Saturday evening, May 31, 2003, at BookExpo America (BEA) in Los Angeles. The appearance was announced by BEA show management on January 9, and the news was the first update on BEA's headline Author Events.

Three weeks ago, BookExpo America (BEA) show managers launched a City Survey Poll of the book community to find out where the industry would like to see the convention held in the future. The Web-based survey solicited feedback on sites for confirmed dates (Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York) and cities that the convention has not visited in recent years that are also under consideration, which included:

The results are in for the national elections, but, for booksellers, the polling of key demographics has opened a new chapter.

One of the notable "only in New York" events that occurred during this year’s BookExpo America was a Circle Line boat trip around Manhattan. The cruise included an emotional view of the Statue of Liberty and the site of the World Trade Center attack.

The boat trip was co-hosted by the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) and the American Booksellers Association, with many co-sponsors. NAIBA immediate past president Fern Jaffe, of Paperbacks Plus in the Bronx, New York, played a major role in organizing the event.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the trade floor at this year's BEA, independent booksellers made time to attend panels on May 4 that were aimed at helping them market themselves better within their communities.

By Robin F. Whitten

Publishers did a lot of listening at the pre-BookExpo America (BEA) APAC conference sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA). Six programs with topics ranging from new formats to the Hispanic market to a three-session Audio Publishing 101 filled the day for more than 280 members of the audiobook industry.

Ann Christophersen

This year’s Town Hall Meeting was filled with positive and constructive comments from attending booksellers.