Spring 2020

BookExpo 2020 By Debbie Eisele

BookExpo is on a mission to help specialty retailers and museum stores understand the value of books. This year’s event was originally scheduled for May 27-29. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 situation and in order to be in compliance with the state’s request that large gatherings be postponed, BookExpo, UnBound and BookCon have been postponed until spring of 2021. BookExpo will continue its mission to help specialty retailers and museum stores understand the value of books.

Retailers have an opportunity to explore a multitude of sourcing options from book publishers in all genres. “BookExpo is where booksellers, librarians, specialty retailers and national chains, publishers and tastemakers come together to discover the latest titles, authors, distribution channels, technology and trends,” said Patti Stracher-Lee, event director for BookExpo. “BookExpo is carefully crafted with content and experiences for all those that play a part in the publishing industry.” It’s an event that helps retailers build relationships and an understanding of “what’s trending in today’s shifting marketplace.”

Immersive experiences including educational programs, autographing and promotional events are available to all attendees. BookExpo also provides UnBound, a show-within-the-show, that features an array of new, unique merchandise in the book category. Plus, Reed Expositions who hosts this event have collaborated again this year with the Greeting Card Association (GCA) to offer the GCA Village, an all-in exhibit option to GCA publisher members at UnBound.

Although BookExpo features a few ticketed events, most programs are free to visitors. Some paid events include the Children’s Book and Author Breakfast, which will be moderated by Judy Blume, and the Adult Book and Author Breakfast, moderated by Zerlina Maxwell, a radio host and television political analyst.

Autographing events will happen during both days the exhibit space is open. Nine different authors will be available at specific times to sign books each day and are free to attend, with a few exceptions. For more information, visit bookexpoamerica.com.

Great Reads

My Gnome on the Roam Adventure Kit from My Gnome on the Roam.

I Can Handle It Book from Laurie Wright Media.

Have Fun With Your Music from Music Teachers Gifts.

Everyday Recovery Human Planner from ZerModus.

Who Pooped? Field Guide, Journal & Activity Book from Farcountry Press.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.