New Consumer Event to Debut at BEA

On Wednesday, March 26, ReedPOP, Reed Expositions’ pop culture events group, announced the launch of BookCon, “a one-of-a-kind interactive consumer experience where books and pop-culture collide.” The inaugural BookCon will be held on Saturday, May 31, the last day of this year’s BookExpo America at New York’s Javits Convention Center. For the last two years, Reed has welcomed consumers to the last day of the show for Power Reader Day.

BookCon will include a series of panels, podcasts, author Q&As, quiz shows, and other events that will enable consumers to interact with authors, publishers, celebrities, and other creators of content. Comedians Amy Poehler and Martin Short, who have books coming out this fall, author John Grisham, and comic book legend Stan Lee will be among the celebrities at the May 31 event.

“We’re in the unique position, as the producers of BEA, to curate the best talent and publishers and deliver them to fans through a truly interactive experience,” said ReedPOP Global Senior Vice President Lance Fensterman. “BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books giving book lovers access to their favorite authors and wherever they intersect with TV and film.”

Tickets for BookCon are $30 and, according to an FAQ on the BookCon website, will not provide consumers with access to BookExpo America; however, a BEA badge will provide access to the BookCon show floor and panels.