NB: Owing to hardware, software, and wetware issues it was not possible for me to post my 163rd bookfair review on Bookman’s Log. Much to my relief, faithful reader and regular contributor Jeff Elfont of Swan’s Fine Books was able to fill the void on short notice. Thanks, Jeff!!
While the fair venue was not located high on a hill, the fair promoters brought the California “shadow fair” (i.e., non-ABAA fair) back to the Gateway Pavilion at Fort Mason after a ten-year hiatus (that fair put on by a different promoter). The venue now has a modern industrial look: in the past it was 1920s wharf warehouse. For some reason during the renovation the contractors decided to keep one quaint trait…a leaky roof which resulted in one exhibitor experiencing damage to a few items. However, Team Johnson jumped right in and had moved that exhibitor’s booth before they even arrived on Saturday.
As usual, the fair promoters (Rare Books LA, Brad & Jen Johnson, Jodi Tolan, et al) did an outstanding job! Both load in and out were fast and efficient, the staff were quick to address any issues and the crowds were sizeable on both days. In my opinion, it is the primary function of a fair promoter to bring in bodies and the aisles were barely navigable from opening to closing on each day. It was truly amazing to witness the size of the crowds.
One interesting issue the exhibitors had to deal with was the Arctic temperatures of the hall during set up day. Foreign exhibitors seemed to bring their expedition clothing and fared well, we Californians suffered from hypothermia unless working feverishly to set up the booth. By fair opening the temps inside the hall had warmed and with the influx of customers it became rather balmy. Two other issues of concern were raised by exhibitors, one being the lack of trash cans in each booth and the other being no food sales inside the venue. I raised this with the fair promoters who told me it was due to the fees expected by the disposal company with an exclusive contract with the city, wherein the fees are determined by weight. According to Brad, the booth fees would have had been substantially higher had food waste been generated. Food was available in the next two buildings and was quite good.
Now on to the most important topics: sales and buying. First of all, the hall is rather uniquely configured, with one primary area and then six large individual rooms which are down two short hall ways. There was good signage to direct customers to those rooms and according to the booksellers located in the rooms they were all pleased with the flow of potential customers. After chatting with numerous dealers, I can report that almost all were pleased with sales to dealers and retail, although I noticed fewer blue retail bags going out the door on Sunday. As per buying, well thanks to a certain retail shop which is located in Santa Rosa, the buying was excellent. They had not exhibited at a fair in six years and brought good books with them. There was a dealer scrum during their set up and I think everyone left the booth pleased – I know we did.
All in all the fair was wonderful and we look forward to attending the promoter’s next fair in October.
Sincerely reported by Jeff Elfont
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