News from Frankfurt Book Fair 2020

For the very first time Frankfurt Book Fair did a virtual press conference via ZOOM and YouTube

By Andreas Weber

I had the pleasure to join via YouTube. So here are some key facts according to the Director Jürgen Boos. Noticed in real time.

1. Frankfurt Book Fair organizers will refund all the exhibitors who are not able to join this year!

2. From the point of booking, we didn’t saw more cancelations compared to last year. But the situation is changing because of travel restrictions. So we don’t have any numbers right now.

3. But there will be some big exhibitors like Random House who will only send staff but not building a stand.

4. At least the participation of attendees specially from overseas is depending from what the health authorities allow in October 2020.

5. For sure, everything which will be needed to secure health security will be provided to protect people.

6. Up to 20,000 people could be sited at the same time on the fair ground.

7. The virtual part of the show will be something totally new for all of us. It’s all about business matchmaking opportunities.

8. There will be new offers like work spaces for one day or longer to meet visitors. As well driven by a regional approach.

9. There will be a virtual B2B program dedicated to all who want to attend.

10. There will be special solutions to track people on the fair ground so it will not be overcrowded.

Note: In average there were today via YouTube around 160 journalists attending the live chat at the same time. It was a coming and going. At least Buchmesse has 1.500 subscribers on YouTube.

May 28, 2020

Author: Andreas Weber