Book Industry Heads to L.A. for BookExpo America

A week from today, on Thursday, May 29, educational programs and special events will be in full swing at this year's BookExpo America, at the Los Angeles Convention Center from May 28 - June 1. Commenting on expected attendance at the show, Greg Topalian, show manager of BookExpo America, said, "We're thrilled with our pre-registration numbers, which look very strong compared with previous years."

ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz noted that "given the overall economy and disappointing reports that we've heard from bookstores about very soft sales in the first months of 2003, we're particularly pleased with the significant number of our members who are coming to L.A. for BEA. We're looking forward to a great show."

Among the highlights of ABA programming at the show are an all-day education program for booksellers on Thursday; on Friday, the Book Sense 76 Author & Bookseller Luncheon and the Celebration of Bookselling at which the Book Sense Book of the Year Awards will be awarded; and special sessions on Main Street Alliances, Succession Planning, and the results of this year's ABACUS Survey. Booksellers will have the opportunity to be heard at ABA's Town Hall Meeting and to hear a full report on the association's business at the ABA Annual Meeting both scheduled for Friday afternoon. (For full details on ABA programming at BEA, click here.)

The trade show floor will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. At the ABA Booth, #2921, booksellers can get the latest information on money-saving ABA programs; see the newest Book Sense materials; talk to ABA staff; and meet with representatives from Bank of America, FedEx, Atlas, Nielsen BookScan, and LIBRIS.

And, on Friday and Saturday, the ABA booth will feature autographing by authors whose works have appeared on the Book Sense 76 lists. (For a schedule, click here.)

There is also a full slate of Book and Author breakfasts and lunches for which tickets are still available. Tickets may be ordered through the BookExpo Web site, www.bookexpoamerica.com/, or, if still available, at the show.

Bookselling This Week will be sending daily reports from BEA on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.