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Contrary to some reports I’ve read that the there was less “buzz” at this year’s FBF, I’ve come away with aquite different impression: Nearly everyone I’ve spoken to has been very busy. A large contingent of execs have even remained in Frankfurt an extra day or two to continue taking meetings, well beyond their traditional Saturday exodus (hoping to avoid the public, one presumes).
Among those still working hard this Saturday morning was Colin Finlay, director of strategic development for UK photo agency Photoshot (Hall 8).
He was more than enthusiastic about FBF 08: “This is the best show we’ve ever had,” he said. “The first morning alone we had three high level new customers – something that hasn’t happened before.”
Photoshot, which provides stock photography for books, magazines and the Web, has been doing steady Fair trade with publishers from all the major European countries. “We’re also particularly happy with our contacts with customers from publishers in the New Europe and Russia,” he said.
And despite the general gloomy outlook for the economy, he perceives no slowdown. “Publishers have budgets and are buying.”
He also provided an impressive dollar amount of revenue generated here at the FBF, but asked I don’t disclose it.
Finlay’s only complaint about this year’s show: The continuing security checks going into Hall 8.
“It made sense after 9/11, but it’s not really necessary now,” he said, “It’s not even all that secure – just someone going through your bag. They should do it probably with airport style X-ray machines or not at all.”
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