Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and HarperCollins all confirmed that they will not be sending U.S. staff to the this year's Frankfurt Book Fair. The news came shortly after fair organizers revealed their latest plans to hold the event, plans that will combine in-person activities with online elements.
"After careful consideration, and with the health and safety of our employees and industry colleagues foremost in mind, Simon & Schuster has decided that it will not attend the Frankfurt Book Fair this year," Adam Rothberg, senior v-p of corporate communications at Simon & Schuster, told PW. "We applaud the FBF’s efforts to develop digital programs, and while we will not have a physical presence, our publishers, rights, and sales groups are very much looking forward to using other means to meet with their with their contacts in the international publishing community."
On behalf of Macmillan, spokesperson Erin D. Coffey said, "We can confirm that Macmillan U.S. Trade will not be attending Frankfurt in person, but would consider virtual participation if options were available."
Erin Crum, senior v-p of corporate communications at HarperCollins, told PW that "HarperCollins will not be taking a stand or sending representatives to the Frankfurt Book Fair this year as we are limiting business travel for the safety of our staff. It is wonderful that the Frankfurt Book Fair team is developing digital and virtual plans for both now and the future. We look forward to returning to Frankfurt, and to other book fairs, to meet with our international contacts in future years."
