Exhibitors to make a go of it as book fair back on

The Hong Kong Book Fair has been reset for December 16 to 22 after it was postponed in mid-July because of the virus.

Publishers said they look forward to joining the event, but would keep the cost lower for stall decoration and book production, citing concerns about a probable second postponement.

The organizer Trade Development Council announced yesterday the new dates on its website, with e-mails sent to exhibitors asking about their willingness to take part.

The TDC said it will assess the risks of holding the fair on November 16 and again on December 9, and will provide confirmation to publishers at least one week in advance.

This is to avoid, as much as possible, the extra cost that exhibitors could bear for joining the event, it added.

The fair was canceled just two days before it was to open, causing complaints about the abrupt announcement and wasted expenses.

The TDC sent questionnaires to publishers early this month to ask whether they wished to have the fair in December, or would skip this year's event and wait for next July. "Over half of respondents hope it could be held by the end of this year, as long as the situation allows it," the TDC said. "There are variables amid the pandemic and public safety is still our primary concern."

The TDC has also begun preparation for the Sports and Leisure Expo in winter at the convention and exhibition center in Wan Chai.

Those joining the book fair will still receive subsidies from the government, capped at HK$100,000 per exhibitor, the same as for the postponed July event.

The TDC asked exhibitors to reply by September 7 on whether they will take part or not. If exhibitors choose to skip it or the event is eventually canceled this year, their fees will be refunded or used for next year's fair.

"We have learned from the experience in July," it said, adding that an online promotion platform will be established.

Jimmy Pang Chi-ming, spokesman of the 2020 Book Fair Concern Group representing more than 50 publishers, said the council's new arrangements were "better than nothing."

Pang added: "The most important thing is that the government can control the pandemic and the flu season in winter, so that the book fair can take place."

Many publishers are also worried they could not survive more losses if the event is canceled again, he said.

mandy.zheng@singtaonewscorp.com