What Happened to BookCon?

BookCon was launched in 2014 by ReedPop, a prominent organizer of pop culture events like New York Comic Con, with the aim of creating a fan convention that merged pop culture with the literary world. It was designed as a public-facing counterpart to the long-running industry trade fair, BookExpo America, seeking to boost its image and attendance.

The convention quickly gained popularity, drawing thousands of fans, authors, celebrities, and publishing professionals. It featured author panels, book signings, and opportunities for readers to engage directly with the book industry. Over the years, it hosted numerous best-selling authors and public figures, becoming a significant fixture in the book community.

However, the event faced challenges leading up to its initial discontinuation. While BookCon itself was popular, its sister event, BookExpo, had been experiencing dwindling attendance and a shifting landscape in the publishing industry, with much business moving online. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for a major change. The 2020 BookCon was initially planned as an in-person event but was canceled due to the pandemic and held virtually as 'BookConline'.

In December 2020, Reed Exhibitions, the parent company of ReedPop, announced the indefinite 'retirement' of BookExpo America, BookCon, and Unbound. The company stated that it would 'explore new ways to meet the community's needs through a fusion of in-person and virtual events,' acknowledging that the pandemic had accelerated a re-evaluation of their event structures. This decision marked the end of an era for many in the publishing world, though some noted that BookExpo had been 'dwindling in size and scope for years' prior to the pandemic.

After a nearly five-year hiatus, ReedPop announced in June 2025 the return of a 'reimagined' BookCon, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City. The announcement emphasized a renewed focus on the fan experience, promising intimate author chats, book swaps, workshops, captivating panels, and crafting zones. This return was partly attributed to the rise of platforms like BookTok and a new wave of young readers.

As of April 19, 2026, BookCon is actively underway in New York City. The event has been met with significant demand, with tickets for the 2026 convention selling out rapidly, leading to some online discussion and disappointment among fans regarding ticket access and scheduling. Despite some initial controversies, the event is proceeding with a full schedule of panels, author signings, and various fan experiences. Looking ahead, BookCon 2027 has already been announced for April 10-11, 2027, also at the Javits Center, indicating a sustained commitment to the revitalized convention.