The 74th Frankfurt Book Fair, 19–23 October, reaffirmed its position as the most important international meeting point for the book and media industry, with 93,000 trade visitors (2021: 36,000 trade visitors) and 87,000 private visitors (2021: 37,500 private visitors).
Organisers welcomed 4,000 exhibitors from 95 countries, as well as some 6,400 media representatives. The fair hosted 300 agents.
After two reduced versions in 2020 and 2021, the 74th edition was finally able to take place fully in person again.
In the Frankfurt Pavilion, politicians, cultural creatives, authors and translators engaged in lively political discussions about the protest movement in Iran, the situation in Ukraine, increasing divisions in society, all under the motto ‘Translate. Transfer. Transform’.
This year’s show put a spotlight on translation and translators and 1,500 visitors attended close to 30 events at the International Translation Centre.
“In the midst of an oppressive global political situation, this fair sent important signals: face-to-face meetings serve as an antidote to polarisation in times of heated debate,” said Juergen Boos, show director.
“Frankfurter Buchmesse was a major celebration of people’s enthusiasm for books and of democracy,” said Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. “In crowded aisles and during lively debates, one could clearly feel the power of books, the joy of reunions and the desire to engage constructively with the issues of the day.”
The agents represented at the Literary Agents & Scouts Centre (LitAg) did good business “It was brilliant to come back to a vibrant fair. The LitAg was crowded and with a very good energy, with deals and offers happening everywhere,” said literary agent Maria Cardona Serra of Aevitas Creative Management (UK/USA).
Representatives of platforms such as TikTok, Spotify and Wattpad Webtoon attended the show and 1,700 participants went to the two-day Publishing Perspectives Forum.
The show returns for its 75th edition, 18-22 October 2023. Videos of events at #fbm22 can be accessed in the show's media library and on the Frankfurter Buchmesse YouTube channel.
Photo: Marc Jacquemin and courtesy of FBM
