The history of Hong Kong Book Fair spans across three decades, creating a vibrant gathering for literary enthusiasts worldwide.
History of Hong Kong Book Fair
The precursor to the Hong Kong Book Fair was the annual exhibition organized by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation at City Hall. Since its inception in 1990, the book fair has grown into a significant annual event in Hong Kong, attracting many visitors yearly.
Organizers
The HKTDC is a constitutional body established in 1966 to promote and develop Hong Kong’s trade. It organizes international exhibitions, provides market insights, and promotes business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the organizer, is committed to fostering local reading culture by inviting the public to explore and purchase books at the fair.
Milestones
The Hong Kong Book Fair has reached significant milestones over the years.
In 1997, it debuted at HKCEC with a dedicated “Children’s World” pavilion and focused on copyright trade.
In 2001, collaborations with cultural institutions led to expanded reading programs.
The fair grew in 2004, with an International Cultural Village Book Fair trial involving countries like France and Singapore.
2006 saw extended hours and record-breaking attendance.
In 2008, the fair embraced the theme of global reading and collaborated with the British Council and Greenpeace.
In 2010, it attracted a record high of 100 million visitors. In the subsequent years, it continued to showcase diverse themes and attract numerous exhibitors and visitors.
Reading The World: Stories of Hong Kong
The 32nd Hong Kong Book Fair 2022 explores the theme of “History and City Literature,” focusing on “Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong.” The fair showcases books and artworks about Hong Kong’s history, culture, and architecture, providing readers with a journey through time and space. Thematic exhibitions and seminars hosted by renowned writers offer a platform to celebrate the joy of reading and appreciate the city’s stories.
Major Exhibit Categories at Hong Kong Book Fair
The Hong Kong Book Fair features a wide range of significant exhibit categories. These include books and publications focusing on children’s and teen’s books and religious and spiritual books.
Variety of Exhibitors
Stationery, art, and craft products are also showcased, along with e-books and e-learning resources such as e-book readers, audio-visual learning aids, and educational software. Learning centers, hobby goods, multi-media products, and sports and leisure items are also part of the diverse offerings at the fair. With such a varied selection, there is something for everyone’s interests and preferences.
Supporting Organizations at Hong Kong Book Fair
These supporting organizations include the Educational Booksellers Association, the Hong Kong Association of Professional Education Publishing, the Hong Kong Book & Magazine Trade Association, the Hong Kong Book & Stationery Industry Association, the Hong Kong Publishers & Distributors Association, the Hong Kong Publishing Federation, the Hong Kong Publishing Professionals Society, and Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd.
Updates
Hong Kong Book Fair 2023 anticipates a large turnout of nearly one million visitors from July 19 to 25, 2023. In previous years, the fair has seen a consistent increase in attendance, with over one million attendees recorded in 2018.
Call to Action
Join Readersmagnet at the Hong Kong Book Fair held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visit our booths, 1C-B23 and 1C-B25, and explore our website for more information: https://www.readersmagnet.com/2023-hong-kong-book-fair/. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity!
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