BookExpo 2026

April 17, 2026 - April 18, 2026
New York, NY, United States

About BookExpo

BookExpo is the largest English-language book industry event in the world, focused on bringing together publishers, booksellers, and industry professionals for networking, education, and new product launches.

Event Description

BookExpo 2026: The Triumphant Return of America's Premier Consumer Book Industry Event

BookExpo 2026, taking place April 18-19, 2026 at Javits Center (Javits North, Halls 3 and 1A) in New York, NY, marks the highly anticipated revival of the book industry's most beloved consumer-facing event after a five-year hiatus. Organized by ReedPop, this comeback edition represents a pivotal moment for publishers, authors, booksellers, and literary enthusiasts as they reunite for one of the largest English-language book industry gatherings in North America.

After successfully integrating literary programming into its broader pop culture events portfolio during the pandemic years, ReedPop has strategically decided to bring back BookExpo 2026 with a renewed focus on storytelling and the convergence of books with pop culture. This dedicated event serves the bookish community with enhanced programming, expanded spaces, and immersive experiences designed specifically for book lovers and industry professionals alike.

What to Experience at BookExpo 2026

BookExpo 2026 will transform the newly renovated Javits Center spaces into a literary wonderland featuring multiple programming zones and interactive experiences. The event showcases intimate author chats and book signings with both bestselling authors and emerging indie writers, providing unprecedented access to the voices shaping contemporary literature. Attendees can participate in bookish craft workshops and explore DIY studios designed for book customization, allowing readers to personalize their collections and engage with books in creative new ways.

The Show Floor brings together major publishers presenting exclusive releases and upcoming titles, while the dedicated Indie Alley spotlights independent authors and presses who represent the diverse voices driving innovation in publishing. The Grove serves as a networking hub where readers can connect with fellow book enthusiasts, share recommendations, and build community around their shared passion for reading. Multiple stages throughout the venue will host curated programming featuring special guests, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that celebrate the art of storytelling.

Why Attend BookExpo 2026

For readers and book collectors, BookExpo 2026 offers unparalleled access to upcoming releases, exclusive editions, and the opportunity to meet favorite authors in person. The book signing sessions provide cherished moments to connect directly with writers, while the expanded show floor allows attendees to discover new genres, publishers, and literary voices they might never encounter elsewhere. The event's focus on both mainstream and independent publishing ensures a diverse selection of content across all genres and reading interests.

Industry professionals including booksellers, librarians, and publishing professionals will find BookExpo 2026 invaluable for networking, discovering market trends, and building relationships with publishers and distributors. The event serves as a crucial marketplace for pre-publication buzz, helping attendees identify breakout titles and emerging authors before they reach mainstream success. The reunion of the literary community after five years creates unique opportunities for reconnection and collaboration that extend far beyond the two-day event.

The convergence of storytelling with pop culture at BookExpo 2026 reflects the evolving landscape of reading communities, where books intersect with film, television, gaming, and digital media. This crossover appeal attracts a broader audience and celebrates the multifaceted ways contemporary readers engage with narratives across different platforms and formats.

The Javits Center Location in New York

BookExpo 2026 will utilize the newly renovated spaces at Javits Center (Javits North, Halls 3 and 1A), providing modern, expansive facilities perfectly suited for this large-scale literary gathering. Located in the heart of New York, NY, the Javits Center offers world-class amenities, excellent accessibility, and the infrastructure necessary to accommodate the diverse programming and extensive show floor that BookExpo 2026 demands. The venue's central location places attendees in proximity to New York's legendary bookstores, publishing houses, and literary landmarks, extending the book-loving experience beyond the event itself.

Plan Your Visit to BookExpo 2026

Don't miss this historic revival of one of the book industry's most important events. Mark your calendar for April 18-19, 2026, and prepare to immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of books, authors, and reading culture. For registration information, programming updates, and exhibitor details, visit the official website at https://www.bookcon.com/en-us.html and secure your place at BookExpo 2026.

Show Highlights

BookExpo 2026 marks the triumphant return of this beloved literary event after a five-year hiatus, representing a watershed moment for the publishing industry's reunion. The event will take place in the newly renovated Javits North spaces, including expanded Halls 3 and 1A, providing enhanced show floors and multiple programming stages for an elevated attendee experience. Key event features include:
  • Intimate author chats providing personal connections between readers and writers
  • Book signings featuring both bestselling and emerging indie authors
  • Indie Alley - a dedicated showcase for independent authors and presses
  • Bookish craft workshops and DIY studios for hands-on book customization
  • The Grove - a specialized networking area for reader community building
  • Show Floor featuring major publishers and exclusive book releases
  • Curated programming with special guests highlighting storytelling excellence
ReedPop's strategic revival builds on their successful expansion of literary programming within their pop culture events portfolio since the pandemic, creating a unique convergence of storytelling and entertainment culture that positions BookExpo 2026 as one of the most significant English-language book industry events.

Key Topics

  • Storytelling and pop culture convergence
  • Independent publishing and author showcases
  • Book signings with bestselling and indie authors
  • Bookish craft workshops and DIY customization
  • Reader networking and community building
  • Exclusive book releases and publisher showcases
  • Literary programming with special guests
  • Publishing industry revival and reconnection

Who Should Attend

BookExpo 2026 targets the diverse bookish community that has eagerly awaited this event's return after its five-year hiatus. The primary audience includes publishing industry professionals, from major house executives to independent press operators, seeking to reconnect and rebuild industry relationships. Book retailers, including independent bookstore owners and chain buyers, represent a crucial audience segment looking to discover new titles and exclusive releases. The event specifically appeals to authors across the spectrum, from bestselling writers to indie creators, who want to engage directly with readers through signings and intimate chats. Literary enthusiasts, avid readers, and book collectors form the consumer base that drives the event's renewed focus on storytelling and pop culture convergence. Book bloggers, BookTok influencers, and literary social media personalities represent the modern bookish community's digital voice. Educational professionals, including librarians and literature educators, attend to discover new content and educational programming opportunities. The target audience also encompasses creative professionals working at the intersection of books and other media, reflecting the show's emphasis on pop culture convergence and cross-platform storytelling opportunities in today's evolving literary landscape.
BookExpo 2026 is essential for publishing professionals, literary agents, editors, and acquisitions managers seeking to connect with the vibrant bookish community after this landmark event's five-year hiatus. Independent bookstore owners, chain bookstore buyers, and book merchandisers will find invaluable networking opportunities and access to exclusive releases showcased across the expanded Javits North show floor. Literary enthusiasts, book bloggers, and social media influencers focused on bookish content should attend to experience intimate author chats and discover emerging voices in Indie Alley. Publishing house marketing directors, publicity managers, and book promotion specialists will benefit from observing reader engagement patterns and pop culture convergence trends that are reshaping the industry. Authors at all career stages, from debut novelists to bestselling writers, should participate to connect directly with their readership and fellow creators in The Grove networking area. Librarians, literature professors, and educational content curators will discover new titles and educational programming opportunities. Book designers, illustrators, and publishing technology professionals can explore industry innovations and creative collaborations. Literary event coordinators and festival organizers should attend to network and learn from the programming strategies employed at this major revival event. The show's renewed focus on storytelling and pop culture makes it particularly valuable for cross-media professionals working in film, television, and digital content who seek book adaptation opportunities.

Who Should Exhibit

Major publishing houses should exhibit at BookExpo 2026 to showcase their latest releases and connect with the reunited literary community on the expanded Show Floor in the newly renovated Javits North spaces. Independent presses and self-published authors will find exceptional value in Indie Alley, the dedicated showcase area designed specifically for emerging voices and alternative publishing models. Literary agencies should consider exhibiting to connect with both established and debut authors while networking with industry professionals after the five-year event hiatus. Book technology companies, including e-reader manufacturers, audiobook platforms, and publishing software developers, should exhibit to demonstrate innovations to the concentrated gathering of industry decision-makers. Bookish merchandise vendors, including specialty book accessories, literary-themed gifts, and reading lifestyle products, will benefit from direct access to passionate book enthusiasts in the DIY studios and craft workshop areas. Educational publishers and academic presses should exhibit to reach librarians, educators, and institutional buyers attending this significant industry reunion. Literary services providers, including book marketing agencies, editing services, cover designers, and author platform consultants, should exhibit to connect with the diverse author community participating in signings and programming. Book subscription box services, specialty book retailers, and literary lifestyle brands will find engaged audiences among the bookish community gathering for this highly anticipated revival event that marks ReedPop's strategic return to dedicated literary programming.

Quick Info

Venue
Javits Center (Javits North, Halls 3 and 1A)
Location
New York , NY
United States
Show Status
Confirmed
Last Updated
Dec 4, 2025