BEA to Kick Off With Appearance by Jonathan Franzen

BookExpo America 2015 will begin at noon on Wednesday, May 27, with an interview of bestselling author Jonathan Franzen by book critic and columnist Laura Miller, the co-founder of Salon.com. In a wide-ranging conversation, Franzen will discuss his writing, the important influences in his life, and his new book, Purity, which is set to be released by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in fall 2015. 

The free event will take place in Auditorium Room 1E12 – 14 of New York City’s Javits Convention Center, one hour before the opening of the trade show floor. BookExpo America will run from Wednesday through Friday, May 27 – 29, followed by the BookCon consumer show on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 – 31.

“Insightful conversation with marquee authors is a highlight of BEA and we are honored that Mr. Franzen and Ms. Miller have agreed to this event,” said BEA Show Manager Steven Rosato. “The ‘in conversation’ format allows the author and interviewer to dig deep to reveal to the audience themes about the book, as well as the inspiration, motivation, and personal anecdotes that are all part of the creative process. I know our audience will especially appreciate this exclusive opportunity to hear Jonathan Franzen speak.”

Registration for BEA opened in December, and, as in previous years, all ABA member stores are eligible to receive free admission to the trade show and BEA conference sessions.

In addition, ABA member booksellers who have not attended the trade show since 2012 are invited by BEA to fill out an application to win one of 60 BEA Scholarships of $435 to help defray hotel and travel costs to the show. To qualify for the scholarships, booksellers must also stay at least one night at Hotel ABA, the Grand Hyatt New York, located at 42nd Street and Grand Central Station.

The special ABA rate of $275 plus tax per night (single/double occupancy) is available until May 1, 2015, or until the block sells out, whichever comes first. Booksellers are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible. Hotel ABA will be the site of the American Booksellers for Free Expression’s Annual Children’s Book Art Auction and Reception on Tuesday evening, May 26.

Register for BEA here; then reserve a room at the Grand Hyatt New York.

Watch for news and updates about ABA programming at BEA in upcoming editions of BTW.