Apple to raise iBookstore profile by exhibiting at the BookExpo America (UPDATED: Privately meeting publishers, not exhibiting)

According to paidContent, Apple is planning on exhibiting at the upcoming BookExpo America trade show, a first for the company. Apple will be sending an iBookstore employee Scott Simpson and their show presence is said to be significant based on a large booth in a prime location, next to publishers Random House, Disney Book Group and Macmillan. Apple won’t be selling anything, but their presence is meant to boost their position in the e-reading space and raise visibility of the iBookstore and iPad as an e-reading device.

UPDATED [May  18, 2011 1:00pm Pacific]: The original story has been updated with a quote from a spokesperson for the event confirming Apple will be privately meeting select books publishers rather than exhibit at the show.

via MacRumors