In late June-early July, NIAS Press exhibited at two conferences: the EuroSEAS conference in Paris and the ASAA conference in Melbourne.
Editor-In-Chief Gerald Jackson gives his hinsights on the status of book exhibitors, sales numbers and personal experiences attending an academic conference after 3 years of pandemic- induced online conferences. Read more below.
EuroSEAS (28.06 - 01.07) in Paris
EuroSEAS had its issues for us but it was an in-person conference. Numbers were way down on the 2019 Berlin conference thanks to Covid and travel chaos in Europe but even so it is fair to say we had a successful conference. There was great interest in our books and those of our partners ISEAS, NUS Press and Silkworm plus we got to talk to a good number of authors with interesting new projects. The conference shared in this success because a good publishers’ exhibition is a natural meeting point, an intersection of ideas and of energy, plus a venue allowing authors to float their projects in person with publishing professionals.
ASAA (05.07 - 08.07.) in Melbourne
In contrast, the ASAA conference had a hybrid format and actual numbers attending in person were low. Frankly, it is hard to call our attendance there a success but it was great to reconnect with our authors, such as the fabulous Margaret Kartomi (here pictured).
Some big-name presses stayed away from EuroSEAS this year and not a single US press was visible. Is this a sign to come? Certainly, economic headwinds are affecting all publishers but unsatisfactory experiences at some past conferences is beginning to weigh on publishers’ decision-making. The organisers of future conferences would be wise to ensure that an often vital ingredient in their success isn’t missing and not take their exhibiting publishers for granted.
