Frankfurter Buchmesse 2021

This year, the world’s biggest book fair Frankfurter Buchmesse 2021 is finally to be held on site in Frankfurt again—with an audience. Publishers, service providers, and literary agents from over 60 countries have registered for the 73rd Frankfurter Buchmesse, which is scheduled to take place from October 20th to 24th, 2021, as an in-person event with digital and hybrid offerings. This year’s guest of honor will be Canada.

Frankfurter Buchmesse will bring the international publishing community together again this year. Over 110 organizations will be participating in the book fair for the first time this year. Many exhibitors will be present at 41 national collective stands, including those from Argentina, Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Hungary. Both Canada’s French- and English-language book markets will be on site at Frankfurter Buchmesse with a collective stand. And the fair’s future Guests of Honor–Spain (2022), Slovenia (2023), and Italy (2024)—will also be in attendance at large country stands.

“What we’re hearing from many exhibitors is that in-person interactions cannot be replaced by digital venues. That’s why this year we’re working to bring people back together, so the industry can emerge from the crisis stronger than before. The strategies that have proven successful in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic will be one of the most frequently discussed topics at this year’s fair, along with diversity and sustainability,” says Juergen Boos, president of Frankfurter Buchmesse. Planning efforts are focusing on providing a safe event for all participants in keeping with the relevant health regulations. “We have a special permit to hold the Frankfurter Buchmesse: According to the current health and safety plan, 25,000 participants will be able to visit the book fair each day,” Boos says.   

To facilitate in-person interactions that are as safe as possible, Frankfurter Buchmesse has cooperated closely with the health authorities in Frankfurt and with Messe Frankfurt to develop a hygiene plan that ensures the book fair can take place without putting visitors at risk. This includes an indoor air supply of 100-percent fresh, non-recirculated air, a generous layout of the exhibition halls and entrances, intensive cleaning procedures, catering that reflects current health and safety needs, and the wearing of masks. According to current planning, entrance to the fairgrounds will only be permitted to individuals who are vaccinated, who have recently tested negative or who have recovered from Covid-19. Ticketing will take place online and will require a full registration of personal information, thereby ensuring contact tracing will be possible, if necessary.

Part of the trade program will take place online prior to the book fair itself, in the week of October 11th to 15th, 2021. This will include the two-day Frankfurt Conference and the Masterclasses, intensive 45-minute sessions for sharing best practices and detailed expertise.

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2021

When?
For trade visitors:
October 20th to 24th, 2021
9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (Sunday to 5:30 p.m.)

For private visitors:
October 22nd: 2–6:30 p.m.
October 23rd: 9 a.m–6:30 p.m.
October 24th: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Where?
Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1
60327 Frankfurt am Main
Germany

Buy your tickets here and find further information and the program here.