Eager readers and book lovers who purchased tickets for BookExpo America’s “Power Readers Day” at the Javits Center are in for a surprise when they check their emails. Power Readers Day has now been rebranded as BookCon, and it promises to be an event where “storytelling and pop culture collide.”
BookExpo America is the largest annual book trade fair in the United States. Usually spanning three or four days, this is an industry-only event: librarians, publishers, agents, booksellers, and authors are welcome to take part. BookExpo America boasts panels, meet-and-greets, and lots of literary swag for its attendees. Generally there is one day of the expo that is open to consumers, and while they are not authorized to attend all of the events, it still allows dedicated readers to get in on the action.
This year, BookExpo has chosen to call that day BookCon. It will be run by ReedPOP, the same people who bring the New York Comic Con to life, so there is sure to be much excitement and crowd-pleasing entertainment. What I want to know is: since the event will now have a convention-like feel, will people be dressing up as their favorite book characters? Wow, the photo opps would be fantastic!
According to the BookCon website: “BookCon is an immersive experience that features interactive, forward thinking content including Q+A’s with the hottest talent, autographing sessions, storytelling podcasts, special screenings, literary quiz shows and so much more. BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books, where your favorite stories come to life.”
Readers, you may be happy to hear that some special guests have already been announced: Amy Poehler, Martin Short, John Grisham, and Stan Lee will be in attendance! While the books that Amy Poehler and John Grisham will be promoting are currently untitled, Stan Lee will be at BookCon promoting Zodiac and Martin Short will be promoting I MUST SAY: My Life as Humble Comedy Legend. According to the website, these four guests can be found in the “Panels” location, so hopefully this means they’ll be giving talks and answering fan questions. The full calendar of events at BookCon will be released in May, so we’ll be learning more of the specifics in the coming months.
BookCon will take place on May 31, 2014 at the Javits Center in New York City. Tickets can be purchased on the BookCon website. I’d love to know: what do you think of BookCon? Will you be attending? If so, I’ll see you there!
Oh, and hypothetically: if you were going to dress up as a book character, who would you choose and why?
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