The world of audiobooks, podcasts and smart speakers will be represented at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair (16-20 October 2019) with its own newly created themed area: Frankfurt Audio. Under this name, the 2019 Book Fair will feature a new exhibition area in Hall 3.1, including a new stage for audio topics - the Frankfurt Audio Stage - as well as a half-day specialist conference on the Thursday of the fair (17 October), the Frankfurt Audio Summit.
"The audio sector is one of the fastest-growing segments in the media industry internationally; and not just in the book sector. With Frankfurt Audio, we want to create a venue and a programme at the Frankfurt Book Fair for all topics relating to audio content, production and distribution," says Matthäus Cygan, Director Business Development Trade International at the Frankfurt Book Fair, who conceived and is responsible for the new thematic area. "'‚Audio' is internationally relevant and diverse: from classic audio books to podcasts, voice assistants and streaming platforms - there are currently new developments in all these areas; great new formats are emerging and new technologies and business models are being developed. We want to reflect this with Frankfurt Audio, initiate discussions and offer space for professional exchange. On the Book Fair weekend, the new area will become the go-to place for all audiobook and podcast fans."
The new area: Frankfurt Audio as an international marketplace for audio content
In the new Frankfurt Audio Area, which is located in Hall 3.1 with more than 600sqm, German-speaking and international exhibitors will show the latest trends and products from the audio sector. In addition to the joint presentation of German-language audio book publishers and international players, such as Beat Technology (Norway), Penguin Random House Audio (USA), Swann Studio (Denmark) and AkooBooks Audio (Ghana), media service providers will also be there. Zebralution, Storytel, Bookwire and the podcast network Auf die Ohren, as partners of Frankfurt Audio, will enrich the new area not only as exhibitors but also programmatically and with a mobile podcast studio. In the Business Lounge of the area, contacts can be cultivated in peace.
"Opportunities for exchange and network expansion were important to us in the conception of the new area - therefore, in addition to the exhibition space and stage area, there is also the Audio Business Lounge and a Café" says Matthäus Cygan.
All eyes on the ear: the Frankfurt Audio Stage
The new Frankfurt Audio Stage in Hall 3.1 offers all Book Fair exhibitors the opportunity to present their products and services. On the trade visitor days (16-18 October 2019), the stage programme will be complemented by curated trade events and discussions. On the trade fair weekend (19-20 October 2019), the stage will belong to crowd-pullers from the audio sector: well-known audiobook speakers and podcasters will meet their fans here.
Further information on the Frankfurt Audio Stage and stage booking: https://www.buchmesse.de/market/media/buehnen
The Frankfurt Audio Summit: Michael Krause, Managing Director Central Europe at Spotify, is keynote speaker
Who listens to what? How are new technologies driving audio content consumption? How do you monetize audio content through streaming and how do you use real-time data for content and marketing strategies? The Frankfurt Audio Summit, the half-day conference on the Thursday of the trade fair (October 17, 2019, 2-5 p.m.), offers concentrated expertise with top-class speakers.
Michael Krause, Managing Director Central Europe of Spotify will open the specialist programme as keynote speaker. Since October 2017, Michael Krause has been responsible for managing the Central European markets and also the German-speaking business at Spotify. Here, he focuses primarily on the areas of content and local partnerships. Previously, he was Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe and CEO EMEA at French music streaming service Deezer, responsible for more than 100 markets.
How audiobook publishers can use Big Data to adapt their marketing, content and sales strategies will be presented by Kurt Thielen, CEO of Zebralution, at the Frankfurt Audio Summit. What does the exponential growth of voice assistants and smart speakers mean for the future of storytelling? Bradley Metrock, CEO Score Publishing, will talk about opportunities of voice-first technologies for audiobook publishers and how audio can be put at the heart of new products and business models. In addition, attendees will gain insight into selected markets, such as the audiobook market in Africa, presented by Ama Dadson, CEO of AkooBooks. Statistics on the US audiobook market, presented by Michele Cobb, Executive Director of the Audio Publishers Association (APA), will introduce a discussion on global developments in audio. A round-table discussion with international players will round out the technical program.
Conference tickets are available now; the early bird discount of 30% applies until September 2, 2019. For more information on the Frankfurt Audio Summit and tickets, visit: www.buchmesse.de/audiosummit
All information about Frankfurt Audio: www.buchmesse.de/audio
