Noting that "many are aware that we have been talking with Reed Exhibitions/BookExpo America about the possibility of co-locating the ALA Annual Conference and BookExpo," ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels made the following announcement today:
“The American Library Association and BookExpo America are today jointly announcing that discussions regarding any co-location of the two events has been concluded. Communication from exhibitors, attendees and association members indicated that each show is serving its constituency, and after extensive discussion, the ALA Executive Board determined that current arrangements work best at this time.
“Both ALA and BEA noted that the exploration had been a positive experience and that doors have been opened for other possible collaborative activities between ALA and the American Booksellers Association, the American Association of Publishers and BookExpo.”
Fiels had announced October 4 that conference management firm Hall-Erickson would take on a greater role in managing ALA conferences.