The most asked question in publishing circles last week was easily "Are you still going to Frankfurt?" As the date for actually leaving draws nearer, a growing number of industry members are taking advantage of most companies' policy of leaving the choice of going or not going to the individual. While it is unlikely there will be a wholesale withdrawal of Americans from the show, attendance will definitely be down from last year.
In addition to lower attendance, the events of September 11 have prompted two publishers to shelve party plans. The Time Warner Trade Publishing group has decided not to hold its annual cocktail party the night before the fair begins. The company said it was canceling the party "out of respect for the victims" of the terrorist attacks. Simon & Schuster will not hold the post-Frankfurt party in London that it has held for the last several years. After a week of deliberation, the Disney Company has decided to go ahead with its annual Frankfurt breakfast at which it previews upcoming Disney projects.
