Industry consultant Mark Dressler, who created educational programming for both BookExpo America and the Frankfurt Book Fair, died on December 23, 2015, after a battle with cancer. He was 55.
Once dubbed "the Charlie Rose of the Frankfurt Book Fair" by PW, for years Dressler could be found on stage in Hall 8.0 conducting interviews with a range of industry insiders, from CEOs of major trade publishers to app developers. He also served as BookExpo America’s education director from 1998 to 2011, creating a wealth of programming for the event.
A gourmand and wine enthusiast, Dressler was also part-owner of a wine shop, Bon Vin, in his home town of Traverse City, Mich.
"Over the last few years, Mark helped us to program numerous events for the Frankfurt Book Fair. We highly valued his in-depth knowledge of the global publishing industry, his entrepreneurial spirit and his endless supply of optimism," said Frankfurt Book Fair v-p Thomas Minkus. "Mark was an integral part of the Frankfurt family and a close personal friend to me. We will miss him dearly."
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dressler's memory to Heartland Hospice and Cherryland Humane Society. Condolences can be sent to Jacqueline and Kristin Dressler, P.O. Box 3409, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. You can also share memories of Mark via his Life Story page.
