Now in its 20th year, the Beijing International Book Fair is one of the world’s largest, and is attracting more and more publishers from across the world. And all of them are racing against the clock to win contracts during the five-day event, so there’s no time for distractions.
Extravagancy? No way. Banquets? All gone. This year, publishers have their minds strictly on business.
China Children’s Press and Publication Group is but one of many making changes this year to cut costs. Instead of hiring designers from outside the company, now it let its own editors and illustrators do the job.
China Publishing Group has exported more than 200 book titles at the fair, and organised over 30 activities for its business partners. But all of it has happened within this 30-square metre stand.
So with the spirit of "more business, less waste", the publishers are trying to seal more deals before the fair closes on Sunday.