BookExpo, UnBound, and BookCon – New York City’s conventions for book fans and the publishing industry – have been formally cancelled for 2020. The events had been postponed from May to July in the hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic would be contained. However, event director Jennifer Martin acknowledged both the escalation of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the challenges facing the publishing industry in a statement announcing the event’s cancellation.

“We stand with you and we will do everything we can in the coming months to highlight your business, bring our community together, and support you,” Martin said in a statement. Refunds will be automatically issued by event organizer ReedPop. This strategy stands in contrast with the company’s sister organization Reed Exhibitions, which is refunding just 60 per cent of exhibitors’ registration for the London Book Fair.

The events will return in spring 2021.