Andrew AlbaneseOn May Day 2015, the workers of the book publishing business in this country face an uncertain future. Of one thing only can they sure: That just like so many May flowers, BookExpo America will soon open its colorful show in New York.

Running from May 27 through May 29, the trade book show elements are only a part of what BEA has become in the digital age. The newly- expanded BookCon takes over on the weekend, though the trade exhibit floor will remain open for any publishers and exhibitors who want direct access to consumers.

“The distinct separation of BookCon, with its consumer focus, from BEA’s business-to-business approach is new and noteworthy,” reports Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer. “But biggest change is a new schedule and starting time— the conference will kickoff midweek with the BEA conference program beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, and the show floor opening at 1 p.m. and closing at 5:30. BEA director Steve Rosato says the decision to shift the floor hours was a response to what exhibitors and attendees need in order to make the event more compact without diminishing their opportunities at BEA. In prior years, the conference programming started the day before the exhibit hall opened, which forced an extra day of travel for those attending BEA.”

Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.

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