The publishing industry’s annual national convention in New York, “The Book Expo,” has been called off for this year.
The Book Expo had already been moved from May to July because of the coronovirus pandemic. The original location, Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Centre, is no longer available. It’s been converted into a hospital to help with the COVID-19 caseload in New York.
The demise of The Book Show means the fan-based BookCon, which was to have immediately followed is also cancelled.
The event director is hoping to return next year with a stronger show than ever.
The booksellers convention traditionally draws tens of thousands attendees. Speakers have included Stephen King, Hillary Clinton and Barbra Streisand.