LBF shifts 2021 dates with the aim of bringing the publishing industry together in person for first time since the outbreak of Covid-19

London, 4 November 2020. Reed Exhibitions has today announced that The London Book Fair will take place from 29 June to 1 July 2021, with Andy Ventris appointed as the Fair’s new Director.

LBF, which was originally scheduled for March 2021, has been moved to June to provide the best possible opportunity of creating a live event where the publishing industry can reconnect and do business.

With over a decade’s experience delivering global events, LBF’s new Director Andy Ventris is an accomplished leader who joined Reed Exhibitions in 2013 and has worked across some of the company’s key brands. With feedback from LBF stakeholders showing that 89 per cent of exhibitors and 76 per cent of visitors believe face-to-face meetings are extremely important for business, the new June dates have been chosen in line with the current UK projected timelines for large-scale events restarting.

Andy Ventris, Director of LBF said: “Having worked with the LBF team in recent months, I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Director, especially at this time of great change. There continue to be many challenges facing us as we plan LBF 21, and I believe it’s crucial that we are open and transparent with our exhibitors, partners and visitors throughout the process.

“Large-scale events in the UK are subject to ever-changing national and local guidelines and regulations. We have made the decision to move LBF to June 2021 to create the best opportunity of hosting a live event.

“Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic we will continue to closely monitor the situation, and if the current outlook changes will make a final decision on the live event’s feasibility by the end of March 2021 at the very latest. We want to give all our partners, exhibitors and visitors this date to work towards, as we appreciate how much planning and resource goes into preparation for a trade fair of this scale.

“We thank the publishing community for its ongoing support and we look forward to meeting again in 2021.”

Darren Johnson, CEO at Reed Exhibitions UK, added: “The London Book Fair is an iconic event in the global publishing calendar with a 50-year history. The Fair is of huge importance to Reed Exhibitions, and, in response to feedback from our stakeholders, by moving the Fair’s dates we hope that it will serve the industry as an opportunity to reunite in person in 2021. We are delighted that Andy Ventris will be taking on the role of Director. Working together with the experienced and passionate LBF team, we are looking forward to bringing the industry back together in 2021.”

Planning for 2021 is taking place in collaboration with the LBF Advisory Board, who are meeting in November.

David Roche, Chair of the Advisory Board said “LBF was created to facilitate the book business and support the publishing industry. Reed Exhibitions have curated the show over recent decades and through some challenging times. LBF, as part of Reed Exhibitions, the biggest player in staging global exhibitions, are uniquely placed to deliver a buoyant, safe and exciting environment for the Publishing industry to carry out face-to-face meetings again, and for new business to be facilitated. The Advisory Board has been strengthened to work closely with the LBF team: together I am confident that we can deliver a brilliant experience for all our visitors.”

Taking place at Olympia, the LBF organisers are working closely with the venue to ensure a safe event environment that meets the needs of visitors and exhibitors. A number of health, hygiene and safety measures have been developed and these will be reviewed and implemented as the event approaches.

Nigel Nathan, Managing Director, Olympia London, said: “We’re delighted that The London Book Fair will once again be taking place at Olympia London in June 2021. The London Book Fair is a highlight in our calendar and always brings so much energy and vibrancy to our venue and the surrounding area. Working with the LBF team, we’re putting a wide range of safety measures in place ready for this big event – sensible measures to make sure the show is as enjoyable and memorable as always for the publishing community. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

LBF will return to its usual Spring dates in 2022.