Looking forward to the South African Book Fair

This year the South African Booksellers Association will be adopting an interactive approach to its stand at the South African Book Fair, scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention centre from 13 to 15 June.

Having participated in the now national South African Book Fair on previous occasions, it has proved an invaluable platform for us to engage and network with all industry stakeholders.

Plans this year are underway to implement an interactive podium that is equally exciting and enticing for booksellers, book loving members of the general public and well known personalities. With this in mind, the impromptu ‘soap box’ approach will provide booksellers with an opportunity to provide insight and information on topical issues currently facing their day to day business operations and the industry in general.

In addition, members of the public attending the Fair will have a chance at their 15 minutes of fame in which they can rant and rave about anything and everything related to books. Although this is first and foremost a fun way for us to interact with the public, it will also allow booksellers the opportunity to gain some insight into what the public enjoy and look for in books.

Please do get in touch with the SA Booksellers Office (saba@sabooksellers.com) if you would like to reserve a particular time to have your say.

What to expect at the South African Book Fair

A new arrival on the bookselling landscape is digital. As a key focus area at this year’s Fair, it will be interesting to see which booksellers are embracing this innovative and dynamic medium.

To succeed in this space booksellers continue to face the challenge of finding ways to create new revenue streams through e-books as well as ways to effectively interact with their customers. In this respect, this year’s Fair may well provide an invaluable opportunity for booksellers to engage in collaborative effort to defining a model that gives guidance as to what consumers actually want when it comes to digital.

Local Booksellers continue to play an integral role in promoting employment, education and entertainment, thereby making an important contribution to our country’s culture and diversity. Ultimately anyone who reads whether it be for educational or recreational purposes, learns something.

By Mohamed Kharwa, Pro Vision Books