French publishers opt for Frankfurt collective stand

The International Bureau of French Publishing (BIEF) has put the final touches to its plans for the Frankfurt Book Fair. A total of 107 publishers will be present on its 1,000-square metre stand, including market leaders Hachette Livre and Editis. None will take their habitual individual stands because of the pandemic.

Altogether 260 French rights and other publishing professionals have signed up, compared to around 220 in pre-Covid years, according to BIEF managing director Nicolas Roche. But they will not stay as long as usual. “Most of their meetings are concentrated on the Wednesday (20th) and Thursday (21st), with some on the Friday morning (22nd),” he said. This is because overall attendance will be down by an estimated 50%–60%.

The stand will be around 30% larger than in previous years, and will probably be the largest of the collective stands at the fair, says Roche. “We won’t be able to have a café, but hope the stand will still be as convivial as ever.” Refreshments will be available on a click-and-collect basis.

The collective stand “reflects the strong solidarity among French rights professionals,” Roche added. “Apart from contract details, they regularly share information at round-table discussions.”