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BookCon Roars Back: NYC Welcomes Literary Fest
17 Apr
Summary
- BookCon returns in 2026 after a six-year hiatus, delighting readers and authors.
- A boycott emerged due to ReedPop's parent company's ties to ICE contracts.
- Future events will implement reservation systems to improve attendee flow.
BookCon is set to make a highly anticipated comeback in 2026, marking its return after a six-year absence. The beloved publishing convention, which was retired in 2020, has generated immense excitement, with tickets selling out immediately upon release. This year's event, held at the Javits Center in New York, promises a blend of familiar elements and fresh additions, catering to current trends like romantasy and #BookTok.
Organizers at ReedPop spent 18 months planning the convention's revival, focusing on enhancing inclusivity and community engagement. A significant challenge arose earlier this year with a boycott initiated by authors and ticketholders concerned about ReedPop's parent company, RELX, and its subsidiary's contract with ICE. ReedPop has expressed support for authors' personal decisions regarding participation.
To address past issues with crowd management and throughput, BookCon plans to implement a reservation system for future events, moving away from a first-come, first-served model. This adjustment, along with enhanced security and staff presence, aims to improve attendee experience for signings and popular events. The organizers are also committed to better showcasing genres beyond romance and fantasy in upcoming years.
