BookExpo

This year’s African-American programming provided both a larger business vision and tried-and-true ideas to help booksellers maintain their businesses in a changing marketplace. The conference also boasted a variety of authors, both up-and-coming and well-established.

In an atmosphere described by attendees as buoyant and energized, greater numbers of booksellers and industry professionals than in recent years returned to New York for the city's first national booksellers trade show in over a decade. Scheduling considerations placed the show a full month earlier than usual, but few complained about an early spring visit to New York, particularly when the weather turned perfectly sunny and balmy and so many unique activities were within reach.

Attendance figures for BookExpo America, held from May 1-5 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, were announced on May 9.

The final total attendance figure was 31,726. Convention officials note that this number includes 2,167 day badges, which were not available at the convention in Chicago in 2001. Total attendance without the day passes in 2002 was 29,559. Total attendance last year in Chicago was 21,898.

Gay and lesbian publishing has come a long way in recent years. Now, more then ever, referring to a title as a gay and/or lesbian book is often an inadequate description, just as someone’s gay or lesbian identity doesn’t fully define who he or she is. Consider what Dan Cullinane, marketing manager of Alyson Publications, had to say at this year’s BookExpo America at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City: "What we’re aiming for are books that have gay and lesbian content, but aren’t limited in any way, shape, or form to that market.

C-SPAN’s BookTV was busy at this year’s BookExpo America, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from May 1-5.

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) has announced that it is extending its online auction and adding many autographed items from BookExpo America, including concert posters signed by the Rock Bottom Remainders -- Stephen King, Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, and Kathi Kamen Goldmark. The Remainders performed at New York's Webster Hall on Saturday, May 4.

In the competitive world of publishing, independent presses, as always, face a number of challenges. At this year’s BookExpo America, held May 1-5 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, many indies acknowledged this reality, yet were quick to point out the benefits of being independent. Sporting a cheery yellow shirt and tie, and a smile to match, Ten Speed Press CEO Philip Wood noted, "It’s a difficult time, but also a good time, to start and have an independent press. The new technology has democratized the business….

Big crowds were moving through the trade show floor all day Saturday collecting galleys, autographs, and totebags.

And the Winners Are….

At this year's Celebration of Bookselling at BookExpo America, Leif Enger's Peace Like a River (Atlantic Monthly) won the Book Sense Book of the Year award as best adult fiction title.

The winner for adult nonfiction was Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand (Random House), and the winner of the rediscovery award -- presented for the first time this year -- was given to My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Random House).

Competing as smarter retailers has become a key strategy for independent booksellers, and the almost 400 independents attending a full day of ABA special educational programming at BookExpo America filled panels and seminars to hear the latest on everything from marketing and inventory control to the "best ideas" in newsletters and staff development. In addition to the panels on business operations and personnel issues, there was an extensive offering of programming on children's bookselling and African-American bookselling.

Thursday, May 2, will mark the beginning of a very busy New York City visit for independent booksellers and others in the book publishing industry as BookExpo America opens at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Set to run from May 2 - May 5, the show will feature full days of networking, educational panels, meetings with publishers on the busy trade floor, and lots of opportunities to hear authors discuss their latest works.

At this year’s BookExpo America, the Southeast Booksellers Association (SEBA) will honor Becky Anderson Wilkins, co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville, Illinois, with the 2002 Charles S. Haslam Award for Excellence in Bookselling. The annual award is given to a bookseller who "has achieved excellence in the field," and includes a $1,000 cash prize and plaque. Incoming ABA President Ann Christopherson will present the Haslam Award at the ABA Celebration of Bookselling, held from 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. BookExpo America (BEA) attendees can learn the latest on how community-based retailers are working to more effectively advocate on important political issues in their cities and towns.

Due to overwhelming interest in this year's Book Sense 76 Author & Bookseller Luncheon, Carl Lennertz has announced that the event is now filled up. "When Book Sense and The New Yorker initiated the luncheon last year in Chicago, the response from booksellers, authors, and publishers was outstanding. For many people it was the highlight of the entire show. We expect nothing less this year. It's too bad we can't include everyone."

CookBook Expo Provides Author Chef Demonstrations