The three day weekend of Memorial Day may have passed, but there’s still plenty to look forward to this week: notably, BookExpo America and BookCon 2017!
THE RUNDOWN
Interested in attending but not sure which is for you?
BookExpo America (BEA) runs from Wednesday, May 31 to Friday, June 2. Touted as the event for industry professionals, it features teaching and demonstration sessions, town halls, and buzz panels for editors and librarians.
BookCon 2017 concludes the week on Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th. Advertised as “where storytelling and pop culture collide,” this event is perfect for any book lover, with main stage talks, book signings, and a hall full of booths.
No matter which you decide to attend, follow @ThisIsPublishing on social media for exciting announcements and updates throughout both of the shows!
BEA HIGHLIGHTS
BEA is packed with events beginning at 9 am every morning. Not only are there ongoing educational sessions and talks but there’s also a show room with an extensive number of booths. With more than 600 different exhibitors, even three days might not be enough time to see it all!
AN EVENING WITH HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Courtesy of BEA
Though her public engagements have been minimal of late, the former presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton will be discussing her upcoming book on Thursday at 6:00 pm. Please note that special tickets are required for this event.
CHILDREN’S BOOK AND AUTHOR BREAKFAST
This should be of special interest to WNBA members, as the Children’s Book and Author Breakfast is the event where we announce the Pannell Award winners! The Pannell Award goes to two independent bookstores (one children’s bookstore and one general interest bookstore) that promote readership and excitement about books in children. The breakfast is on Friday beginning at 8:00 am.
A FORTUNATE STAGE TALK: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS AND LEMONY SNICKET
This main stage talk on Friday at 2:00 pm features both Lemony Snicket, author of the bestselling children’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Neil Patrick Harris, author of the upcoming The Magic Misfits and star of the Netflix adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s series.
SIGNINGS
In-booth signings, ticketed signings, and autographing sessions mean more chances to meet the authors you love. There will be authors who write in any genre or for any age group, so browse the list to see who you might want to meet.
BOOKCON HIGHLIGHTS
Beginning at 10 am each day this weekend and also located at the Javits Center, BookCon has merchandise for sale, more (and different!) authors signing books, and panels and screenings, you can pack your weekend full of exciting activities.
PANELS
With serious panels like “The New Mainstream: Diversity & Activism in Four Colors” and fun games like “I’ll Take Audiobooks for $400, Please!: an Audience vs. Author Game Show,” there’s a panel for everyone.
MEETUPS
If you’re interested in attending BookCon but aren’t sure if you know anyone else going, check out a Meetup. Topic-specific get togethers will give you the information you need about where to go, when to go, and provide a venue for you to meet others interested in similar books! Meetups include a “We Need Diverse Books” meetup and a “Bookstagram” meetup.
EXHIBITS
Publishers, booksellers, vendors of bookish goods, and organizations will be scattered around the giant exhibit hall. Of special note, check out the Association of American Publishers Step-and-Repeat to get your picture taken at BookCon or get deals and/or exclusive giveaways at booths around the exhibit floor.
