BookExpo America, which recently announced it will be in New York City until 2012, will take place on May 28-31, 2009 at the Javits Center.  I’ll be in town that weekend, and plan to offer comprehensive coverage of the event.

BEA is planning major changes that won’t affect this year’s conference (including a condensed schedule), but it’s a sure sign that the overall publishing industry is in the midst of its own crisis and much needed makeover. From BEA:

We feel that this is a move that is timely and responsive to industry needs,” notes Lance Fensterman, Industry Vice President and Show Manager for BookExpo America. “It makes sense on a multitude of levels, not the least of which is that it will provide the majority of our exhibitors with a cost reduction, as well as more flexibility in managing their presence at the show. We wanted to take decisive action in setting our future course and this is our first major step towards a new vision for BEA for years to come. New York City is also the publishing capital and we are anxious to build a strong identity between New York and BEA. There is a significant media presence in New York City and we would like to take advantage of this, not only by building media attendance, but by involving the media in a substantive way in our programming.”

Organizers note that the other critical factor in announcing the new venue location is a shift in dates to reflect a more condensed show which will take place in the middle of the week. “To put it simply, our goal in planning the show this year and beyond has been to focus on quality, not quantity.” Fensterman continues. “This has become a theme for us and shortening the show dates and trying to make the show fit into people’s schedules conveniently and without being a burden is a positive step in this direction. We want to increase the quality of our programming by stripping away unnecessary sessions, and we want to extend some programming to the show floor so that we have a thoroughly interactive and engaging atmosphere from the moment the show begins to the moment it concludes.”

Here are the BEA dates through 2012:

2010: Conference/Special Events and Show Preview – Tuesday, May 25th (exhibit hours 4-6pm); Wednesday, May 26th (9-6 show hours); Thursday, May 27th (9-5 show hours)

2011: Conference/Special Events and Show Preview Tuesday, May 24th (exhibit hours 4-6pm);  Wednesday, May 25th (9-6 show hours); Thursday, May 26th (9-5 show hours)

2012: Conference/Special Events and Show Preview Wednesday, May 30th (exhibit hours 4-6pm); Thursday, May 31st (9-6 show hours); Friday, June 1st (9-5 show hours).