Howard County BLK Author Expo 2026
Sat, Aug 01
|Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
An interactive community gathering and vendor marketplace celebrating African American authors and their works.
Time & Location
Aug 01, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Ln, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
About the event
The Howard County BLK Author Expo celebrates the rich contributions of regional African American authors, featuring books across all genres and for all ages.
This year’s event will be held at the historic Harriet Tubman Cultural Center—a site deeply rooted in African American history. Originally opened in 1949 as Howard County’s only all-Black high school, the Harriet Tubman School stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, education, and community.
Today, the Cultural Center preserves that legacy while continuing to uplift and celebrate Black culture and contributions.
Hosting the Expo in this space brings added meaning as we gather to highlight and elevate African American voices in literature and public conversation.
Free and open to the public, the Expo offers opportunities for:
Authors, bookstores, artists/illustrators, and writing service providers to showcase their work and connect with book lovers.
Local business owners and community service providers to reach a vibrant audience.
Aspiring authors to attend workshops and gain valuable insights into writing, publishing, and marketing their books.
Releasing a book? Host your book launch at one of Howard County’s most meaningful literary events of 2026.
Food Vendors Welcome: If you’re interested in becoming a food vendor, please contact bbpceventsteam@gmail.com.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
Item
FEATURED AUTHOR VENDOR
Registration includes: [1] One vendor space with a 6ft and a chair. All tables must have a tablecloth or covering. [2] Maximum Promotion includes: → A full-page ad in the Expo Souvenir Book with photo, bio, and book/product photos; → Featured in Expo marketing and promotion materials.
$85.00
+$2.13 ticket service fee
GENERAL RETAIL VENDOR
We will do our best to not have the same type of retail vendors. Registration includes [1] One vending space with a 6 ft table and a chair. [2] The vendor will be showcased in a full-page ad in the program booklet. Vendors must supply their ad or flyer. AD REQUIREMENTS Half Page Size: 8 ½” x 11” Portrait. Format: PDF or JPG/PNG NOTES:
$85.00
+$2.13 ticket service fee
VENDOR EXTRA CHAIR RENTAL
Includes 1 chair rental.
$5.00
+$0.13 ticket service fee
FULL-PAGE AD SOUVENIR BOOKLET
Sale ends
Jul 15, 3:00 PM
Full-page color ad in the Expo Program Booklet. Full-Page Size: 8 ½” x 11” Portrait. Format: PDF or JPG/PNG Ad must be received by July 15, 2026
$100.00
+$2.50 ticket service fee
HALF-PAGE AD SOUVENIR BOOKLET
Sale ends
Jul 15, 3:00 PM
Half-page color ad in the Expo Program Booklet. Book ad must be 8.5 x 5.5 | PDF Format Ad must be received by July 15, 2026
$50.00
+$1.25 ticket service fee
SPONSOR | BRANDING
An Expo space will be named for this sponsor. Multiple spaces are available. The sponsor will have a dedicated space where they may set up a table/small booth, etc. The sponsor's logo will be printed on Expo materials, banners, and the website with a link to the sponsor’s website. The sponsor will be showcased in a full-page ad in the program booklet. AD REQUIREMENTS Full Page Size: 8 ½” x 11” Portrait. Format: PDF or JPG/PNG LOGO REQUIREMENTS High-resolution Image | PNG FORMAT
$250.00
+$6.25 ticket service fee
SPONSOR | VIP
The sponsor's logo will appear on Expo materials, banners, and website with a link to the sponsor’s website. The sponsor will also be showcased in a full-page ad in the program booklet. AD REQUIREMENTS Full Page Size: 8 ½” x 11” Portrait. Format: PDF or JPG/PNG LOGO REQUIREMENTS High-resolution Image | PNG FORMAT
$100.00
+$2.50 ticket service fee
SPONSOR | MEMBER
The sponsor’s name will be listed on the Expo website with a link to the sponsor’s website. The sponsor will be showcased in a half-page ad in the program booklet. AD REQUIREMENTS Half Page Size: 5 ½” x 8 ½” Landscape. Format: PDF or JPG/PNG
$50.00
+$1.25 ticket service fee
SPONSOR | FRIEND
The sponsor’s name will be listed on the Expo website and in the program booklet with a link to the sponsor’s website.
$25.00
+$0.63 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00