What's Happening?
BookCon, a major publishing convention, is making a comeback in 2026 after being on hiatus since 2020. Organized by ReedPop, the event is set to take place at the Javits Center in New York. Tickets for the two-day event sold out quickly, and reservations
for author signings and exclusive events were also snapped up. The convention aims to cater to the evolving interests of the literary community, including the rise of 'romantasy' readers and the influence of TikTok's #BookTok community. However, the event faces a boycott due to ReedPop's parent company, RELX, owning LexisNexis, which has a contract with ICE. Some authors have withdrawn from participation in response to this revelation. Despite the boycott, ReedPop is proceeding with the event, emphasizing support for authors' personal decisions.
Why It's Important?
The return of BookCon signifies a revival in the publishing industry, offering a platform for authors and readers to connect after years of pandemic-related disruptions. The event's success in ticket sales and reservations highlights a strong demand for in-person literary events. However, the boycott underscores ongoing tensions between corporate affiliations and social responsibility, reflecting broader societal debates about ethical business practices. The situation presents a challenge for ReedPop to balance commercial interests with community values, potentially influencing future corporate strategies and event planning in the publishing sector.
What's Next?
As BookCon 2026 unfolds, organizers will likely assess the impact of the boycott on attendance and overall event success. ReedPop may need to address concerns about corporate affiliations to maintain trust within the literary community. Future iterations of BookCon could see changes in reservation systems and event programming to better accommodate diverse interests and avoid logistical issues experienced this year. The outcome of this year's event could influence how similar conventions navigate ethical considerations and community engagement moving forward.
