Despite a few whispers about the unfortunate demise of audiobook retailer Earful of Books ("It's a real shame," noted one distributor), the mood among audiobook publishers and retailers at this year's BEA was noticeably upbeat. That enthusiasm was reflected by Audio Publishers Association president Eileen Hutton, who stated, "Audiobooks are stronger than ever. Sales growth in audiobooks is happening at a much faster rate than in print books and there's no end in sight."

In addition to Hutton's bright projection, a number of attendees identified a continuing shift to the CD format and an increased general awareness of audio as positive trends.

The industry got down to business early, beginning with Thursday's all-day APA Conference held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. At the APA's morning membership meeting, newly elected board members were announced. Stepping up to the plate for 2002-2003 are: Robert Allen, president of Random House Publishing Group; Diane Ring, Beverly Hills Public Library; and Michael Taylor, marketing and sales director for the Audio Partners.

Throughout the day, approximately 170 APAC attendees congregated for concurrent educational panels covering such topics as how to market to teen and Hispanic audiences, how to promote audiobooks in schools and libraries and what the audio technology landscape looks like. Reaction to the day's programming was mixed, but mostly positive. "The Past Presidents panel was very interesting, I thought," said Bill Hartley, publisher of Audio Renaissance. "But I wanted more time for question-and-answer. Sometimes it takes a while for the audience to get to the on-point questions and deeper discussions. That didn't really happen." Paula Sieffert, director of merchandising and purchasing for audio retail chain Talking Book World, commented, "I was somewhat disappointed in APAC. It seems to be much of the same information from year to year." And Time Warner AudioBooks v-p and APA v-p Maja Thomas noted, "While they tended to cover a lot of the same material, it was standing-room-only for two of the panels I attended, and that's great."

Sandwiched between morning and afternoon panels was a luncheon featuring Seth Godin, author of Unleashing the Ideavirus (S&S Audio). His humorous and energetic talk was definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Also during the luncheon, the APA presented its second annual Audiobook Heroes Award to audiobook producers David Rapkin and John McElroy, who, in 2001, cofounded the Wavedancer Foundation to assist disabled audio industry performers, writers and members of the production community. Wavedancer's first benefit, a star-studded literary event held February 2 in New York City, raised more than $300,000 for audiobook narrator Frank Muller, who sustained serious injuries in an accident last fall. In an emotional presentation, attendees listened to a taped message from Muller's wife, Erica; Rapkin and McElroy also received a CD containing a message from Muller.

A Brisk Pace on the Floor

The official opening of the BEA floor on Friday signaled a bustling and productive few days for audio industry attendees. "We've had nonstop appointments for both rights and sales," said Alisa Weberman, publisher of Listen & Live Audio. For Philip Walshe, managing director of Bolinda Publishing in Australia, "the show has been terrific. We're having really good rights meetings all around."

Other companies reported a slightly tougher road. "Due in large part (I believe) to our poor booth location, I would not rank this year's BEA among the most positive or productive," said Sandra Gilbert of Naxos Audiobooks. took a positive view of less foot traffic.

"We're having a very, very good show," said Hugh Penton Jr. of Penton Overseas. "My appointment book is filled. I would much rather take the time for appointments than have people rushing in to grab stuff."

Many audio publishers and retailers took a break from the floor to attend the second annual APA Audiobook and Author Tea on Friday afternoon. Authors Walter Mosley, Scott Meltzer and Janet Evanovich shared humorous anecdotes about how audio has touched their lives--and how their audiobooks are perceived by listeners. "I was pleased at how well-attended it was," said Hartley of Audio Renaissance. "Everyone seemed to enjoy it. What more could you ask?"

Capping off the audio festivities at BEA was the APA's Audie Awards Dinner Gala. Attendees agreed that the black-tie event held at the United Nations and featuring many audiobook luminaries was the industry's best yet.

Looking ahead, fall audio highlights discussed at BEA include plans for a new industry-wide marketing effort, new imprints and series and more big titles than ever, including works by Pat Conroy, Scott Turow and Stephen King. For a closer look at fall's audio bounty and all Audie winners, see Audio, June 3.