MIBF organizer revises guidelines amid backlash over 'unfair' rule on book signings—publisher

Primetrade, the organizer of the Manila International Book Fair, said in-house activities are allowed as long as a "proper queuing system" and "crowd control measures" are implemented, according to a publisher. The revised guidelines came after it received backlash for imposing a rule banning book signings for exhibitors who only reserved 15 booths and below.

Marvin B. Aceron—the executive publisher of San Anselmo Press—shared on Facebook on Saturday, July 13 that Primetrade met with some publishers amid the issue and acknowledged that the email announcing the new rule was an "honest mistake" as higher managers of the organizers were "not consulted" about it. According to him, Primetrade also noted that in-house activities are now "encouraged."

Later in the day, San Anselmo Press shared Primetrade's clarificatory email with PhilSTAR L!fe, where the MIBF organizer emphasized that they "value the MIBF experience for both exhibitors and visitors" as its essence is the "meeting ground for all the players in the industry and the end-user to interact in person."

"We thank everyone for their feedback, and rest assured that we are working hard to streamline operations to address the raised concerns," it read.

As seen in the email, Primetrade enumerated its revised guidelines for in-house promotions. "Book signings within the booth shall be allowed provided that a proper queuing system is established and crowd control measures are properly implemented by marshals," it read. "Moreover, lines that cover the frontage of other exhibitors' spaces will be moved to another area, with the exhibitor assigning additional marshals to manage the lines to achieve a smooth coordination and flow for buyers."

The MIBF organizer explained that they set the aforementioned rules with the "need for crowd control" in mind, "to establish mindfulness of the shared spaces among participants, well as prevent untoward incidents involving the crowd." It noted that it was "not our intention to undermine any of our exhibitors."

Reacting to the new guidelines, Aceron said, "Thank you, that solves a problem, but not really my problem."

"It is clear from these communications that there are industry players who have leased 15 or more booths. What does that mean? Well, that means the organizers are going to make a lot of money (congratulations, you deserve it!)," Aceron wrote in a Facebook post. "For publishers unwilling to spend P79,000 for a minuscule booth for a few days in September (hey, that's probably a record for one of the highest rents paid on a per day per sqm basis), it means they will be in cramped alleys with their books."

Aceron said he doesn't agree with the new measures as a book reader and patron. "If the big bookstores, which already dominate the retail market 365 days a year, are allowed to dominate the four days of the book fair, what is the incentive for this bookworm to still go?" he pointed out. "To truly revive the spirit of the book fair, organizers must prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their exhibitor lineup."

The issue started last July 11, when Indie Publishers Collab PH, a community of independent publishers, noting it was making a verbatim quote, said Primetrade emailed the message: “Please be informed that we will implement that author book signings are not allowed inside the booths for those who reserved 15 booths and below to avoid disturbance to the other exhibitors.”

The group called the rule unfair "since it discriminates against small publishers" like itself, noting that it can barely afford a booth measuring three meters by three meters and costs P74,000 plus value-added tax. "Author signings at the booths draw the readers and boost book sales, aside from providing the readers opportunities to interact with the authors," it added.

Authors, publishers, and readers likewise aired their disappointment with Primetrade's new rule on social media.

L!fe reached out to the MIBF organizer for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

The MIBF is the country's longest-running and largest book bazaar, featuring over a hundred exhibitors. This year's edition will be held from Sept. 11 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.