More space for children’s and young adult books
Frankfurter Buchmesse brings together publishers in Hall 4.0
Children’s and young adult media will gain significantly greater visibility at Frankfurter Buchmesse (7–11 October 2026): Hall 4.0 will become the central hub for the sector. All relevant publishers from the DACH region will exhibit there together. What was previously spread across a larger hall is now being brought together: with clear visibility for trade visitors and members of the public.
New stage, strong programme
At the heart of the new area is the Imagination Stage. During the fair week, it brings together trade programmes and public events:
• Kids Conference – the international trade conference for the children’s and young adult book sector
• MMU Conference – a panel discussion by Manchester Metropolitan University on diversity in children’s and young adult literature
• Specialist talks on cross-media storytelling and funding opportunities for publishers
• At the weekend, the Imagination Stage becomes part of the Frankfurt Kids Festival and opens to the general public
Short distances, clear navigation
Hall 4.0 brings together children’s and young adult media alongside other popular segments such as comics, manga, fantasy and audio. Trade visitors will find related topics in the immediate vicinity. Wide aisles, a café and ample seating create space for discussions and meetings. In addition, the newly designed networking and signing area brings authors, publishers and retailers together in one place.
“Children’s and young adult books have always been strongly represented at Frankfurter Buchmesse – now they will also be visible at a glance. In Hall 4.0, publishers, retailers and the public will find everything in one place. This changes the way we experience this sector,” says Birgit Fricke, Key Account Manager Sales.
Background
Frankfurter Buchmesse is fundamentally restructuring its hall concept for 2026. Each hall will be given a more focused thematic profile. For children’s and young adult books, this means having their own, clearly recognisable space rather than an area within a larger hall.