After canvassing publishing groups in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and elsewhere, the Frankfurt Book Fair has decided to forgo opening the show a day earlier this year, but will "probably" add Tuesday to the schedule next year, according to Claudia Kaiser, director of the fair's international department.
Regular attendees have had a "mixed reaction" to the proposal to add an extra day to the three days traditionally devoted to the trade, she said. Overseas exhibitors noted that they will have to go a day earlier, adding to costs, while others would like to have the extra day to ease busy schedules. Earlier this month, fair executives announced that the fair will close on Sunday, rather than Monday.
Initiatives planned for this year include taking more space at the fairgrounds to relieve crowding in some halls. Some innovations from last fall's show will continue, including the forums, cinema and weekend parties. The fair is also planning to add wireless Internet access in much of the fairgrounds and will highlight the children's book prize. This year's rights directors' meeting, held on Tuesday afternoon, will likely focus on Asian countries.
