BEA Launches Redesigned Website

BookExpo America has announced the launch of its newly designed website, www.bookexpoamerica.com. The redesign was undertaken "to facilitate communication and networking within the industry, key elements of the convention-going experience," said the show's organizers.

"Our goal in creating BEA's new Web presence is so that we may serve as a more effective year-round tool in building relationships," said BEA event director Lance Fensterman, who added, "Features such as social networking, dedicated web pages to key attendee groups, and an ever expanding podcasting program are examples of our commitment to serve our industry in new and evolving ways."

In addition to a new look, the site now features:

• More intuitive navigation tools that make it easier for users to register, search, and interact
  
  
• Headlines from some of the industry's leading trade publications
  
  
• Expanded podcast programming, including industry events and streaming video
  
  
• "My BEA," an online social networking platform offering attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and press an opportunity to create a personalized show experience (available to all pre-registered BEA attendees the first week of April)

BEA also announced that plans for the future include the "BEA Story Project," an interactive posting board where attendees will be able to share their own BEA stories, and a website tailored specifically to Chinese visitors, with text in both English and Chinese.

ABA member booksellers who register for BEA before April 1 will receive $10 off the three-day pass registration price when they enter the special promotion code sent to them on a flier in a recent Book Sense mailing and available here. (Members will also need their ABA ID number to register.)

Reservations for Hotel ABA, the exclusive hotel for ABA member booksellers at this year's event, is via ABA's trade website, BookWeb.org only. Reservations will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.