This week, ReedPop once again takes over (most of) the Javits Center, with the BookExpo trade show and BookCon consumer show scheduled from Wednesday through Sunday.
Whereas BookExpo once occupied both floors of Javits (trade booths in 1A-1C, 3A-3E), it, like the general retail market, has shrunk considerably in recent years. Book fandom is still strong, if not stronger, thanks to the Internet and Hollywood, with thousands of teens in attendance, not to mention librarians and booksellers, many of whom where bookloving teens once. While there is business to be done during the trade show, the hope is that the consumer show will turbocharge the event, turning it into a destination event like many of the other shows run by ReedPop.
So what’s up this year? I’m trying to search both websites, but I’m having trouble. Booth numbers in the BookExpo exhibitor listings don’t correspond to the dynamic map online. One week out, and there is no exhibitor floor map for BookCon, just the PDF shown below. (And no corresponding map for BookExpo.) That’s very troubling, given that the exhibitors won’t move for BookCon; a wall will be erected closing off 1A, which houses those publishers who do not wish to interact with the general public. ReedPop does set up pop-up spaces for BookCon, in Hall 3-D, for those who just wish to exhibit on the weekend. These are usually small press publishers, fan groups, and sometimes ancillary spaces for major publishers. Hall 1-E will house autographing, attendee shipping, the American Booksellers Association lounge, and the BookCon Queue Hall.
There’s a new wrinkle: Part of the trade show floor will be open on Wednesday, allowing exhibitors in the B2B “BookExpo only” Hall 3-A to exhibit for three days, instead of the usual two. Normally, only the Remainder Pavilion was open that day. In addition, there is general programming offered as well, in addition to the usual professional development workshops. Of special note: Wednesday morning, 9:30AM, Barnes & Noble Chairman Len Riggio will give the grand opening keynote address.
The back two tiers of booths in Hall 3-B are mostly meeting rooms and event spaces. Will the publisher meeting rooms be converted for fans during the weekend, or just be empty boxes, creating a dead zone similar to Ingram’s “ghost town” of last year? (If they were only for BookExpo, they could be placed in 3-E, and dismantled overnight.) All of the publisher big enough to afford meeting rooms will have numerous books to promote, and those meeting rooms could be used for signings, reducing congestion in the main booths. (I think this is very likely, as Penguin Random House does not have a meeting room at the back, but does have a large piece of carpet for crowd control, just like they did last year. (There are meeting rooms in 3-A, so it looks like the back of 3-B is event space for Book Expo.)
Also of note: As with New York Comic Con, the “four corners” of the main entrance on Eleventh Street will be occupied by Macmillan, HarperCollins Children’s, Dutton Penguin Publishing Group, and C-SPAN, which usually brings their bus and broadcasts interviews during the show.
There are 39 exhibitors listed under the “Comics/Graphic Novels” category. Some are comics publishers like Oni Press, others have an imprint like Abrams, and some…well, why not stop by and ask? Diamond Book Distributors has 1,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a booth for Snotgirl? And another for Oblivion Song? Will Robert Kirkman be in attendance? Bryan Lee O’Malley will be, with a spotlight panel on June 1st! I suspect that those two booths are part of Image’s section, used for author events.
Here’s the general map for BookCon:
…which also seems to be the general map for BookExpo…?
(Note that Halls 1A, 1B and 1C are not in use. The Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition, May 30-June 2, will be located in 1A, while the International Franchise Expo will occupy Halls 1B and 1C from May 31-June 2. )
Click to access BookCon-2018-Floorplan.pdf
Ever wondered what it costs to exhibit?
Here’s the flowchart:
So, what’s going on? Here are the comics event, by day:
[Note: exhibitors will also host autographing sessions at their booths. Check their own social media feeds, as well as a quick stop early each morning.]
Wednesday, May 30:
IN BOOTH SIGNING SESSION WITH: ABBY DENSON
05/30/2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Location: Ingram Content Group, 2929
Signing: Cool Tokyo Guide
THE GRAPHIC NOVELS YOU CAN’T MISS OF 2018
05/30/2018, 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM, Location: 1E10
What are the essential graphic novels for your store coming your way in 2018? Moderated by Publishers Weekly’s Calvin Reid, this panel introduces you to the upcoming comics you can’t miss — and the authors: Tim Fielder (Matty’s Rocket), Blue Delliquanti (Meal), David Small (Home After Dark), and Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please!). From science fiction to sports to memoir to food, with these graphic novels, there will be something for every reader.
Thursday, May 31
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH: BRIAN SELZNICK
05/31/2018, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Location: 3
Signing Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Edition poster
IN BOOTH SIGNING SESSION WITH: ROZ CHAST [ticketed]
05/31/2018, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Location: 2224,2445
Signing: Why Don’t You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It?
IN-BOOTH SIGNING WITH: BRIAN SELZNICK
05/31/2018, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Location:Scholastic Inc, 1538
Signing Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Edition poster
IN BOOTH AUTOGRAPHING: BRIAN SELZNICK
05/31/2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Location: Scholastic Booth
Author Brian Selznick will be in the Scholastic Booth signing posters featuring the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary cover illustrations.
IN-BOOTH SIGNING WITH: DAVID SMALL
05/31/2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Location: 1721
Signing Home After Dark
Friday, June 1
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH:KATIE COOK
06/01/2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Location: 6
Signing Drawing Cute with Katie Cook
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH: BRAD MELTZER CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
06/01/2018, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Location: 5
Signing I am Neil Armstrong
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH:MARK CRILLEY
06/01/2018, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Location: 12
Signing Chibi! The Official Mark Crilley How-to-Draw Guide
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH:CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS ANDREW AYDIN AFUA RICHARDSON
06/01/2018, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 14
Signing Run
IN-BOOTH SIGNING WITH: MARK CRILLEY
06/01/2018, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Location: 2521
Signing Chibi! The Official Mark Crilley How-to-Draw Guide
SNOTGIRL SPOTLIGHT—FEATURING CREATORS BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY AND LESLIE HUNG
06/01/2018, 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM, Location: 1E16
Image Comics spotlights Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim) and Leslie Hung the creative team behind the hit graphic novel series SNOTGIRL. Join us in an intimate chat with the creative team about Lottie Person’s glamorous fashion blogger life and the newly released Vol. 2 of the series.
GRAPHIC NOVELS: GENRES WITHIN GENRES
06/01/2018, 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM, Location: 1E11
The creators represented at this education session have books that could be categorized as YA, LGBTQ, HUMOR, FANTASY, SUPERHERO, THRILLER, ROMANCE and MYTH/FABLE. While Graphic Novels are often grouped together under the Graphic Novel Genre (although aficionados would argue the Graphic Novel is a format, not a genre), the wealth of amazing and varied content within the category reveals that COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY!
Join TEE FRANKLIN (BINGO LOVE), CHARLES SOULE (CURSE WORDS, THE ORACLE YEAR, DAREDEVIL), KIT SEATON (NORROWAY, AFAR) and DEAN HASPIEL (THE RED HOOK, THE QUITTER, THE ALCOHOLIC) in conversation with School Library Journals’ BRIGID ALVERSON.
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH: MARIKO TAMAKI BROOKLYN ALLEN
06/01/2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Location: 12
Signing Lumberjanes #2: The Moon Is Up
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH: MARK TATULLI
06/01/2018, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Location:6
Signing Short & Skinny
IN-BOOTH SIGNING WITH: KATIE COOK
06/01/2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Location: 2521
Signing Drawing Cute with Katie Cook
AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH: CHARLES SOULE
06/01/2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Location: 2
Signing Oracle Year [Yes, a novel, but WHAT A PREMISE!]
TIMES PAST: A CLOSER LOOK AT HISTORICAL FICTION GRAPHIC NOVELS
06/01/2018, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM, Location: 1E16
As the graphic novel category matures, historical fiction has emerged as one of the most popular genres for visual storytelling. Moderator Sven Larsen is joined by best-selling authors Garth Ennis (PREACHER, DREAMING EAGLES, NIGHT WITCHES), Frank Tieri (HARLEY QUINN, PESTILENCE), and Anthony Del Col (KILL SHAKESPEARE, SON OF HITLER) as they discuss how they approach different eras in history, how historical events inform their own stories, and how they walk the fine line between education and entertainment.
Saturday, June 2
Drawing Cute with Katie Cook
Jun 02, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Location: Family HQ:Booth 1061
Stop in for a fast and furious and ADORABLE quick-draw session with Katie Cook of My Little Pony and Star Wars fame. Her new book Drawing Cute with Katie Cook released this year.
Learn to Draw with Master Artist and YouTuber Mark Crilley – 2.9 Million Subscribers!
Jun 02, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Location: Family HQ:Booth 1061
Stop by for a drawing demonstration with expert artist Mark Crilley whose bestselling publications include the Akiko comic series, the Mastering Manga series, and the newly released Chibi! The Official Mark Crilley How-to-Draw Guide.
Marching Along with Congressman John Lewis
Jun 02, 2018, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM, Location: Downtown Stage
First you march, then you run. From the #1 bestselling, award winning authors John Lewis and Andrew Aydin comes their next groundbreaking graphic novel – Run – illustrated by newcomer Afua Richardson. John Robert Lewis is an American politician and is a prominent civil rights leader who marched along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the 1960’s. He is the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district, serving since 1987, and is the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. Rep. Lewis is arguably the most prominent figure in the country when it comes to civil rights – he is an American icon and BookCon is truly humbled to have him at the show.
Lou Berney, Charles Soule Autographing
Jun 02, 2018, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM, Location: Autographing Area
All signings that take place in the BookCon Autographing Area will be digitally Ticketed before the Show. From Saturday May 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM EDT until BookCon (June 2 & 3, 2018), Fans can reserve their spot at up to two signings per day in the BookCon Autographing Area. Tickets will be distributed to Fans on a first come, first serve basis. A valid Ticket to BookCon for the day of the signing is required for participation. For more information on the process please visit our FAQ at http://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Autographing/BookCon-Autographing-Area-Ticketing/.
Lumberjanes to the Max!
Jun 02, 2018, 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM, Location: Downtown Stage
Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types! Based on the bestselling, cult-favorite graphic novels, the Lumberjanes series of middle-grade novels follows the five scouts of Roanoke cabin on totally new, action-packed adventures. Join series author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator and comics co-creator Brooklyn Allen in a discussion about what’s next for Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley.
Diversity in Graphic Novels
Jun 02, 2018, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM, Location: 1E16
Organized by Diamond Comic Distributors, this year’s annual Diversity in Graphic Novels panel features fan favorites Leslie Hung (artist for Snotgirl), Tee Franklin (author of Bingo Love), Franco (author of The Ghost, The Owl), and Ezra Claytan Daniels (creator of Upgrade Soul). Heidi MacDonald will moderate.
In Booth Autographing: Prose of Cons
Jun 02, 2018, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Location: Scholastic Booth
Authors Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, and Michelle Schusterman will be in the Scholastic booth to sign copies of The Pros of Cons.
[SO GOOD!!! Three teen girls, attending three different events at a convention center. And there’s a surprise FOURTH girl!]Mariko Tamaki, Brooklyn Allen Autographing
Jun 02, 2018, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM, Location: Autographing Area
All signings that take place in the BookCon Autographing Area will be digitally Ticketed before the Show. From Saturday May 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM EDT until BookC… [blah blah blah]
Sunday, June 3
Meet Dog Man!
Jun 03, 2018, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Location: Family HQ:Booth 1061
Come meet crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!
Rainbow Rowell Autographing
Jun 03, 2018, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Location: Autographing Area
All signings that take place in the BookCon Autographing Area will be digitally Ticketed before the Show. From Saturday May 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM EDT until BookCon (June 2 & 3, 2018), Fans can reserve their spot at up to two signings per day in the BookCon Autographing Area. Tickets will be distributed to Fans on a first come, first serve basis. A valid Ticket to BookCon for the day of the signing is required for participation. For more information on the process please visit our FAQ at http://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Autographing/BookCon-Autographing-Area-Ticketing/.
In Booth Autographing: Dav Pilkey
Jun 03, 2018, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Location: Booth 1538
Dav Pilkey will be signing hardcover copies of Dog Man #4 while supplies last in the Scholastic Booth (#1538)! No book purchase required.
MARVEL: From Prose to Panels
Jun 03, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM, Location: Main Stage
Writers Rainbow Rowell (Runaways), and Charles Soule (Daredevil, Hunt for Wolverine) are joined by other Mighty Marvel Guests to discuss bringing their talents to Marvel’s graphic fiction and the exciting universal appeal of Marvel’s new wave of graphic novels. This is one panel no fan of Marvel characters or YA fiction should miss!
[Followed by a Marvel signing at Table #2 from 1:30-2:30.]
Art Force 5 Hero Craft Station
Jun 03, 2018, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Location: Family HQ:Booth 1061
This team of real-life super art heroes invites you to create a hero of your own. Stop by to build an action figure that could be your choice of superhero, wizard, or galactic Star War-rior! Also, visit the Art Force 5 at their summer headquarters on Governors Island Thursdays thru Sundays. Sponsored by SUNY.
Jeff Kinney Live
Jun 03, 2018, 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM, Location: 1E10
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney is the world-wide bestselling series is based on middle-schooler, Greg Heffley and his hilarious adventure with his friends and family. Wimpy Kid books are unstoppably funny and perfect for children at a variety of independent reading stages. There are twelve books in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and four additional books: The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary, The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Special Cheesiest Edition. The series made its print debut in April of 2007 and there are now more than 200 million copies sold of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books available in 53 languages. And now is your chance to see Jeff live on stage!
BookCon Team Q&A
Jun 03, 2018, 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM, Location: Goodreads Room: 1E07
We hope that you had an awesome time at BookCon this year! The BookCon Team wants to sit down with you to hear your thoughts on the Show and let you help build BookCon 2019.
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