Hier kommt schon ein follow up zu unser gestrigen Meldung [mehr…]: Die Präsidentin des amerikanischen Verlegerverbands AAP, Patricia Schroeder, hat in einem Brief an Buchmesse-Chef Volker Neumann die „rückhaltlose Unterstützung“ seiner Bemühungen um bessere Konditionen für die Buchmesse und ihre Aussteller ausgesprochen:“Ich bin sehr beeindruckt, dass Sie Ihr Versprechen wahr machen und sich für uns einsetzen,“ schreibt Schroeder. Die US-Aussteller seien in hohem Maße verärgert über de Preistreiberei der Frankfurter Hotels und Restaurants und hätten bereits mit Reduzierung ihres Messepersonals reagiert. Die amerikanischen Verleger seien „selbstverständlich“ bereit, eine Verlagerung der Buchmesse an einen anderen Standort mitzumachen, falls dort ein Ende der Preistreiberei gewährleistet sei.
Hier der Brieftext im Originalton:
Jan. 24, 2003
Dear Mr. Neumann,
As you know, the Association of American Publishers represents most of America’s book industry.
We wholeheartedly support your efforts to make it possible for our members to attend the International Book Fair, which is one of the most important in the world.
When we met, I passed on comments to you my members had made about the unconscionable price increases the Frankfurt hotel and restaurant industry put in place during the Fair.
They were angry about having to pay for 5-7 nights even if they were there for one or two days. They were angry about the doubling and tripling of prices for rooms and meals. Many said they had cut back and the Fair was getting so expensive, they may just have to quite coming. Last year there were fewer visitors, and some who came, brought fewer people.
You listened very patiently and I am very impressed that you are trying to take action. The Fair is very important to the world of books. Many places would love to host it. We wish you great success in your attempt to convince the Frankfurt community that new and fair pricing practices are essential to the future health and vibrancy of the show.
Our members want to participate and do not want to be priced out. Obviously, if the Fair is moved, they would follow it to the new location IF these price increase practices did not follow.
In the U.S., our cities bid for large trade shows, and part of the bid usually is a reduction in prices. Thanks so much for understanding our members are very serious about this issue and we back you in your attempts to solve it.
My Best,
Patricia Schroeder
President & C.E.O.
Association of American Publishers
