Previously an annual event, organisers last year announced that the Cape Town Book Fair would take place biennially instead. This followed a call from the publishing industry to remain in line with its production capacity. In addition, the book fair will now also have a strong trade element to enhance its marketplace appeal. To kick off this new chapter the Cape Town Book Fair has opted for a fresh look and feel, starting with an eye-catching new logo.
Having attracted 273 exhibitors and more than 33 000 visitors at the last fair, held in 2010, it has established itself as the best platform for the exchange of information and trade in the business of publishing. Presenting a dynamic opportunity for engaging the African, Arab and Asian publishing worlds, you could say it's a global marketplace where delegates meet and trade in rights whilst providing a unique atmosphere with a fabulous African flair for readers.
This year the Cape Town Book Fair will coincide with the 29th International Publishers Association (IPA) congress. The congress attracts between 600 and 1 000 delegates while the speakers are top professionals and policy makers in the book sector. This means that the fair will be enhanced with a decidedly international flavour of the who's who in the publishing world.
According to Brian Wafawarowa, executive director of the Publishers Association of South Africa (PASA), the value of the 29th IPA Congress being held in Cape Town is enormous. "It will be the first time that the congress is being held in Africa in over 100 years. The congress will take place from 12 - 14 June and the book fair from 15 - 17 June. The spill-over effect for the Cape Town Book Fair promises to make it the best attended ever."
The first morning of the Cape Town Book Fair will be dedicated to the trade visitors. Thereafter, doors will be opened to the public from 14h00 and the events will run until 22h00. Whether you are launching new authors, titles, products or services, wanting to increase media coverage, build your brand awareness, generate new leads, retain existing customers or simply sell more books, the Cape Town Book Fair offers the platform to make this possible.
For more information on booking a stand or registering as a trade visitor, go to www.capetownbookfair.com.
