Trending topics at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2012

The latest international developments – from mobile devices to self-publishing platforms to multimedia services – will be on display at the Frankfurt Hot Spots, six presentation areas for technology exhibitors. On a space of approximately 1,400 square metres, around 100 exhibitors will present their products, including Nook Developer (Barnes & Noble), Amazon Corporate, Jouve, Moglue, Acapella and Neobooks. At the Sparks Stages in Hall 4.2 and Hall 8, CEOs of international corporations will discuss strategies and best practice examples.

The latest trends will be examined from all angles in the Frankfurt Academy’s conference and professional programme. Here’s an overview of these trending topics:

Trending topic 1: Innovation & Technology – New formats for digital content

While sales of e-readers in Western Europe increased by 93 per cent in 2012 according to GfK, sales of tablets have experienced even more dynamic growth and are up by 142 per cent. Amazon’s European launch of the Kindle Fire in October 2012 should spur this trend. This development will increase the demand for multimedia and interactive publishing content. With EPUB3 and HTML5, two standards have been introduced that enable publishers and authors to cost-effectively enrich their e-books with images, videos and music. Around 30 trade events at the Frankfurt Book Fair are dedicated to these two technologies, including the three-hour workshop “HTML5 & EPUB 3 for advanced learners: The next level for e-books”, part of the Frankfurt Academy’s professional programme (11 October, 2.30 – 5.30 p.m., Hall 4.0, Room Entente).

Trending topic 2: Rights & Licences – Licensing business increasingly digital & crossmedia

From printed books to interactive apps – the Frankfurt Book Fair is the most relevant trading centre for the international licensing business. The Literary Agents & Scouts Centre LitAg (Hall 6.0) has grown by 4.4 per cent in 2012 – 311 agents have reserved 445 tables. One of the focuses of this year’s International Rights Directors Meeting will be the huge rights market that is China – with all its opportunities and risks. Many smaller rights markets will also be highlighted – with respect to digital rights as well.