Thousands of bookworms flocked to the Javits Center on May 31 for the first-ever BookCon, a public extension of Book Expo America, the publishing industry trade show.
BookCon featured book signings, author panels, and a show floor with publishers. In particular, the event focused on young adult fiction, devoting most panels to the subject and presenting exhibitors targeting younger readers, a strategy that reflected the high percentage of teen attendees.
BookCon’s panels included appearances by actress Amy Poehler, Humans of New York (HONY) photographer Brandon Stanton, Divergent author Veronica Roth, and author and video blogger John Green.
A massive number of fans lined up for Green’s panel, centered around the movie adaptation of bestselling book The Fault in Our Stars, and crowds nearly rioted when turned away from the packed auditorium. The panel itself included Green, director Josh Boone, and actor Nat Wolff.
At the HONY panel, moderated by Tumblr CEO David Karp, Stanton demonstrated the process of shooting a subject for his blog. He promoted Little Humans, his new children’s book, and announced a second Humans of New York book for adults. Stanton doled out career advice to young attendees as well: “Never have a ‘zero’ day. Always do something to work – no matter how intensive – towards your completing you goal.”
Organizers have not announced whether or not BookCon is here to stay for another year.
