Over the years, the Frankfurt Book Fair has evolved in various ways to update its program, including the addition of new conferences like ConTec, and StoryDrive. But, for the first time in nearly 15 years, the fair will introduce a series of major changes, including the relocation of English-language and American exhibitors.

Set to begin in 2015, English-language and American exhibitors will move from their longtime home in Hall 8.0, closer to, as organizers put it, "the heart of the action" in Halls 6.0 and 4.0. Additionally, the Literary Agents & Scouts Centre will be moved to Hall 6.3.

Frankfurt officials say the changes reflect the growth of the international book market, industry consolidation, and a desire to optimize “traffic flow.” The changes, it is also hoped, will generate new opportunities for exhibitors to to "interact with fellow fair-goers."

Frankfurt Book Fair director Juergen Boos told PW that the coming changes have been under discussion for the past few years, as disruption has rippled through the international publishing industry.

In the past the American publishers were largely rights sellers, and were satisfied to be somewhat isolated in Hall 8.0, Boos said. Now, American houses are more interested in buying international rights as well. Thus, putting the American and English language publishers in the middle of the fair made increasing sense.