Billy Crystal to Deliver BEA Opening Night Address

Comedian Billy Crystal will be the keynote speaker at BookExpo America's (BEA) Opening Night on Thursday, June 2, at New York City's Jacob Javits Convention Center. The event, which will be begin at 6:00 p.m. in the convention center's Special Events Hall, is open to all badged BEA participants at no charge. Seating for all convention-goers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Crystal's 700 Sundays will be published in October by Warner Books.

Crystal is currently appearing on Broadway in 700 Sundays, a one-man show that recalls with affection the days of his youth, growing up surrounded by family on Long Island, New York.

In recent years, BEA's opening night event has become one of the highlights of the trade show. Crystal follows in the footsteps of former president Bill Clinton (My Life, Knopf) and former New York City mayor Rudolph Guiliani (Leadership, Miramax), who delivered keynote addresses to capacity crowds in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

For BEA registration information, go to www.bookexpoamerica.com.