BookCon's Grand Comeback: Navigating Fan Excitement and Industry Evolution
The Resurgence of a Literary Gathering: BookCon's Highly Anticipated Return
ReedPop fulfilled the aspirations of countless book enthusiasts with the announcement last year that BookCon would be resurrected in 2026, following its discontinuation in 2020. Since the initial revelation in June 2025, readers have eagerly scrutinized every update regarding the two-day convention, which is set to commence this Friday. Tickets were swiftly acquired upon their release last September, and reservations for author signings and exclusive activities disappeared just as quickly when they became available last month.
Preparing for the Influx: Organizers Detail Event Logistics and Fan Engagement
As BookCon 2026 approaches, organizers are meticulously arranging and preparing for the massive influx of authors and readers expected at the Javits Center in New York. This revival marks a new era for the publishing world, which had largely reconciled itself to BookCon's permanent absence after its prolonged break.
The Journey Back: Behind-the-Scenes Decisions and the Evolution of BookCon
Kristina Rogers, Vice President of ReedPop's U.S. comics portfolio, BookCon, and Star Wars Celebration, shared with Variety that the organization never truly relinquished the idea of BookCon. She explained that the event was put on hold due to the pandemic. An online BookCon event held during that period proved to be their most successful virtual endeavor. Each year, discussions would arise about a potential return. Finally, with the team's recovery and stabilization post-pandemic, and with Jenny Martin, BookCon's event director, able to dedicate time, the decision was made to bring the convention back.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape: Integrating New Trends and Community Focus
The revitalization process spanned 18 months, long before ReedPop officially announced BookCon's 2026 return. Planning involved evaluating which original elements to retain and what new features to introduce, particularly in light of the growing popularity of "romantasy" readers, the increase in book-to-screen adaptations, and the significant impact of TikTok's #BookTok community.
A Fresh Perspective: Embracing Diversity, Inclusivity, and Community Spirit
Rogers acknowledged the difficulty of reviving a dormant event years later while simultaneously introducing fresh and innovative elements. She expressed immense pride in the new team's contributions, noting that while the fundamental structure of the original BookCon remains, the current iteration prioritizes diversity, community, and inclusivity. These values are evident in the guest list, programming, and all aspects of the team's efforts.
Addressing Challenges: Navigating Boycotts and Supporting Author Choices
A notable hurdle encountered during BookCon's journey back has been a boycott initiated earlier this year. The movement began when authors and ticket holders discovered that ReedPop's parent company, RELX, also owns LexisNexis, which holds a contract with ICE. This revelation prompted some participating authors to withdraw their involvement.
Moving Forward: BookCon's Commitment to Community and Diverse Voices
Despite the boycott, ReedPop is proceeding with BookCon, and Rogers stated that the organizers respect the decisions of those who chose to withdraw. She emphasized that the decision to boycott is a personal one, and ReedPop's role is to support its community and authors. Rogers expressed confidence in the engagement and support received, affirming that the organization feels positive about its current position.
A Star-Studded Lineup: Celebrating Renowned Authors and Engaging Events
The event will feature a stellar roster of authors and guests, including Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Holly Black, Veronica Roth, Casey McQuiston, Jasmine Guillory, Tracy Deon, Matt Dinniman, Emily St. John Mandel, R.F. Kuang, Scarlett St. Clair, and Andy Weir. The programming encompasses a diverse range of activities, from a panel discussion with "Heated Rivalry" author Rachel Reid and the showrunner of its popular TV series adaptation, Jacob Tierney, to an "after dark" fantasy ball.
Fostering Collective Experiences: The Vision Behind Interactive BookCon Activities
Rogers highlighted the team's exceptional effort in identifying and curating group activities related to reading, aiming to bring together hundreds of people for shared literary experiences.
Embracing the Digital Wave: Integrating the #BookTok Phenomenon into BookCon
The #BookTok community has significantly transformed the reader landscape and publishing industry since the last BookCon. Rogers explained that this digital community, which fosters excellent social media hubs, is reflected most prominently in "The Grove," BookCon's third space. This area offers workshops, relaxation zones, stages for discussions, and book clubs, providing a comprehensive representation of the online community in a physical setting.
Bridging Worlds: Cultivating the Connection Between Hollywood and Publishing
In recent years, Hollywood has shown increased interest in reader preferences, basing adaptation decisions on the publishing community's appeal. Rogers indicated a strong focus on strengthening this connection in the coming years. She noted the excitement among fans for such collaborations and anticipates seeing celebrities representing adaptations at future events.
Learning from Experience: Refining the Reservation System for Future Events
Attendees faced challenges with this year's reservation system for author signings and panels. Rogers acknowledged that the process did not unfold as smoothly as desired, primarily due to throughput issues that hindered simultaneous access to the booking page. She explained that the team learned valuable lessons and received significant feedback.
The Evolution of Event Planning: Enhancing Fan Experience and Managing Logistics
Rogers emphasized that reservations will be an ongoing area of improvement. For BookCon 2027, the plan is to move away from a first-come, first-served model towards a system where attendees can express their interest and receive allocations. This change aims to alleviate bottlenecks. She also noted that managing crowds and ensuring safety for other signings involves extensive planning and a robust security team to prevent issues like stampedes or crowding.
Envisioning the Future: Plans and Adaptations for BookCon 2027
Discussions are already underway for BookCon 2027, focusing on refining the reservation system, curating the guest list, and exploring expansion opportunities. A key aspect of future planning involves analyzing fan engagement and feedback from post-show surveys, which Rogers personally reviews. While romance and fantasy genres have dominated, there's a commitment to better highlight non-romance and fantasy content, providing more space for genres like sci-fi and horror.