ReedPOP, the world’s largest producer of pop culture events, is writing a new page in the world of experiential events with the launch of BookCon — a one-of-a-kind interactive consumer experience where books and pop-culture collide. Headlined by best-selling authors and the world’s hottest Hollywood talent, BookCon will bring books to life through a series of panels, podcasts, author Q&A’s, quiz shows, and more. Its introduction continues ReedPOP’s innovation in the live event space and marks the third show that the company will host in New York City this year. BookCon will debut during BookExpo America (BEA), the number one book and author event in the United States, in New York City on May 31 at the Javits Center.

BookCon is crafted for creative-minded, passionate book fans in the publishing capital of the world.  Every aspect of the show is thoughtfully designed to appeal to the modern-day book lover with an appreciation for broader pop-culture and where these worlds intersect. Through the course of the event, attendees will experience the origin of the story in all its forms by interacting with the authors, publishers, celebrities, and creators of content that influence everything we read, hear, and see.

BookCon’s headline event will feature a panel with Amy Poehler and Martin Short who will have books coming out this fall from Dey Street Books and HarperCollins, respectively. Best-selling author, John Grisham, and comic book legend, Stan Lee, will headline other marquee events at this inaugural show. Future panels and Q&A’s along with talent will be announced soon.

“We’re in the unique position, as the producers of BEA, to curate the best talent and publishers and deliver them to fans through a truly interactive experience. BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books giving book lovers access to their favorite authors and wherever they intersect with TV and film,” said ReedPOP’s Global Senior Vice President, Lance Fensterman.

As an original consumer extension of BEA, BookCon will have unprecedented access to the world’s most accomplished authors and most influential publishing houses.

“Readers value the opportunity to meet authors in live, unmediated environments, and BookCon will be a great facilitator for those kinds of experiences. It has the potential to become a major big tent event for authors, booksellers, readers, and publishers,” said Paul Bogaards, EVP, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

Liz Perl SVP, Marketing, Simon & Shuster added, “Books and authors play an increasingly important and public role in entertainment and pop culture, and fans are looking for new ways to get involved, share their passion, and participate in the publishing world. This is the perfect time to expand upon BEA to provide the kind of behind-the-scenes access to talent, trends and works. We’re really looking forward to introducing our books and authors to these dedicated readers and hearing about what excites them.”

Rick Joyce, CMO, The Perseus Books Group commented, “I have been a fan of ReedPop’s brand of quirky, smart and influential consumer programming ever since the first New York Comic Con. Book geeks-plus-book industry is a smart cocktail, and I know Lance and his team will give it the just the kind of twist it needs to attract passionate readers who will in turn amplify the impact of our books in the marketplace. Bring on BookCon!”

BookCon marks the third major show that ReedPOP brings to New York City, propelling their mission to continually define and innovate the world of experiential events. It joins the biggest pop-culture event on the East Coast – New York Comic Con – and the recently announced Special Edition: NYC – a new comic book only event for fans.

Since ReedPOP’s first event in 2006, the sold-out New York Comic Con, the group has sought to dually produce exceptional experiences for passionate audiences and grow the industries surrounding these passions, and this philosophy has led to burgeoning attendance, the support of major creators and publishers, and partnerships with leading entertainment brands including Lucasfilm (Star Wars Celebration), UFC (UFC Fan Expo), and Penny Arcade PAX).  ReedPOP’s events now reach 600,000 attendees, welcome 3,000 exhibitors, showcase 2,000 guests, and occupy 4,000,000 gross square feet across 15 conventions on four continents around the world.

Additional exciting details about BookCon exhibitors, talent, and sponsors will be revealed in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.TheBookCon.com or BookCon’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram).