The goings-on at the 2004 BookExpo: this year, all eyes and ears in the publishing industry will focus on Chicago, host city of BookExpo America

Black Issues Book Review, May-July, 2004 by Robin Green

BookExpo America (BEA), returns June 3 to McCormick Place in Chicago, where it has met before, most recently in 2001. The convention center is one of the few large enough to accommodate this whale of a conference with ease, and it is centrally located, accommodating thou sands of industry professionals who live and work on opposite coasts.

No matter which rung you occupy on the industry food chain, you need to belly up to the BEA bar at least once in your lifetime. BEA is the literary "Super Bowl": a comprehensive industry event where you can experience the full scope of book publishing, marketing, distribution and sales. With thousands of exhibits, hundreds of authors and scores of conference sessions, BEA is also a networker's dream. This is the place to solidify business relationships and make new connections, seal deals, score significant discounts, spot trends, check out your competition, exchange ideas, connect faces to voices and e-mail addresses, discover all that's new and position yourself for your rise to the top.

A School of Hard Knocks

The American Booksellers Association (ABA) will host a smorgasbord of classes to hone booksellers' skills. One of the best is a three-day Booksellers School, a comprehensive course on opening and managing a profitable independent bookstore. The ABA will also have a daylong educational program on Thursday with courses on marketing, inventory management, competition and self-evaluation, and forming business alliances. Sessions will run throughout the convention highlighting the many benefits of ABA membership, including legal advocacy, legislative updates, Web site and gift card programs, technology updates, discounts, education and contacts.

BookExpo America 2004: June 3-June 6, 2004, http://www.bookexpoamerica.com

POWER IN UNITY

Black Pub Exhibit Aisle

For those who buy, sell, write or write about black books, this is a watershed year. The big news from the convention floor is the grand opening of the first African American Publishers Pavilion.

Niani Colom, associate publisher, Genesis Press, Inc.; Tony Rose, publisher and chief executive officer, Amber Communications Group, Inc. (Amber Books); and Adrienne Ingrum, associate publisher of Black Issues Book Review, began promoting the idea and making plans at the 2003 BookExpo.

"We've acquired a 1,400 square-foot space that will house leading African American publishers, including Genesis Press, Black Issues Book Review, Amber Books, Third World Press, FYOS Entertainment, Strebor Books International, Walk Worthy Press, Red Sea/Africa World Press, Literally Speaking, Just Us Books, and Black Americans in Publishing," says Colom.

The organizers wanted to leverage the participation of African American publishers and create an immediate, visual impact that will undoubtedly translate to the participants' bottom lines.

"Because there are so few African American publishers and the exhibits are so spread out, it has been difficult in the past to gain heavy traffic flow," says Rose, vice chair of the National Association of Black Book Publishers and chairman of the coordinating committee for the African American Publishers Pavilion.

Colom said that by grouping the publishers "we present a united front, a powerhouse similar to a major publishing house with different imprints.

"We fully expect more foot traffic, more sales, a greater impression on the industry in general and, specifically, on the convention attendees," she added. "We want to create a buzz. Black books are selling extremely well, and we want the entire industry to take notes.

The pavilion will be located in the McCormick Place South, Level 3 Exhibit Hall A, Booths 4148 to 4157. For more information, e-mail ncolom@genesis-press.com.

FOUNDING A BLACK PUBLISHER'S TRADE GROUP

The National Association of Black Book Publishers (NABBP) held its first meeting in New York City at Londell's restaurant in Harlem in March. The organization's founding members are: Kassahun Checole, Africa World Press; W. Paul Coates, publisher of Black Classic Press (vice chairman); Niani Colom, Genesis Press; Katura Hudson, associate editor of Just Us Books; Haki Madhubuti, publisher of Third World Press; Tony Rose, Amber Books (chairman); and Denise Stinson, publisher of Walk Worthy Press.

Associate founding members are Bill Cox, Black Issues Book Review, Faye Childs, Blackboard Bestsellers, Inc.; Adrienne Ingrum, Black Issues Book Review; and Max Rodriguez, QBR: The Black Book Review.

According to the association's announcement: "The NABBP mission is to serve as the trade association for Black publishing and to promote the reading and recognition of African American interests and authors in the larger society and market. Its goals include expanding the influence of African American works end promoting the Black Publishing Industry making it more profitable, and inclusive for authors, readers and publishers."

The organization plans to establish formal networks for technical assistance and lobbying, create literacy programs, provide educational information about publishing. For further information on how to join the National Black Book Publishers Association, please contact: Niani Colom at 662-329-9927 or Tony Rose at 1334 East Chandler Blvd, Suite 5-D67, Phoenix, AZ 85048; telephone: 480-460-1660; fax: 480-283-0991; e-mail: amberbk@aol.com.