Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Book Expo America Question

With all I've been reading about the Book Blogger Convention and Book Expo America, I've been starting to seriously consider going to both of them. I've never actually been to a big convention like this, so I was wondering if anyone who went last year would be willing to share what they thought. Did it seem like an entertaining event that kept you busy or did you just have to wander from booth to booth? Did they seem friendly toward independent bloggers? Was it worth the expense of traveling and paying for a (holy expensive Batman) hotel room in New York City? Any other general thoughts?

7 comments:

Anastasia said...

Kristen,

Check out couchsurfing.com - it's a way to find lodging (i.e., a couch) anywhere in the world. I know of quite a few people who use it, both as hosts and as surfers. Also, you're welcome to crash at my place. Email me at nephtis5 at yahoo for details if you consider it.

Mad Hatter Review said...

I've gone a few times and it is worth going if you have the time to spare. One tip on housing is to stay in Weehawken which is right across the water from the Javits center via a 15 minute Ferry. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a backpack.

The show it self will be smaller this year than ever before, but that might actually be a good thing. Be sure to plan out what Publishers you want to go to and look at the signing schedule when it is released. There are always some good panels as well. Last year they had a Blogger area where you could jack in your laptop or use a free pc to do a post from the show, which is nice.

Angiegirl said...

Lol. I just posted on BEA and the Book Blogger Con today. Over here. I went last year and, personally, thought it was totally worth it. You do a lot of walking from booth to booth and sitting in line. But you do a lot of talking to other bloggers and librarians and readers and I loved that.

I would love to meet you there, Kristen! Happy to answer any questions, too.

The Mickiverse said...

I have been a few times and I loved it. It is a holiday for book lovers. A few suggestions. Wear your most comfortable shoes. Unless you are driving in yourself, be prepared to UPS boxes home. They are on site. Bring a really sturdy large bag, you pick up a lot of swag.

Kristen said...

Anastasia - Thank you for the information as well as the offer to crash at your place. I really appreciate it and I did send you an email a little while ago.

Mad Hatter - Thanks for the details. Weehawken sounds rather nice. I didn't realize the show was going to be smaller this year - it still sounds rather large! Thanks especially for the tip on planning where to go - I'm glad to hear there will be a schedule later. Glad to hear they have free PCs too since carrying around a laptop sounds like it might be a bit difficult there...

Angiegirl - Thank you for your post on BEA; I did read it today and found it very informative. It does sound like fun, and I would love to meet you there, too!

The Micki Verse - Thanks for the tips! I didn't know they had UPS on site - that is good to know since I was wondering how I would get everything home again after hearing about the accumulation of swag at BEA.

Thea said...

This is not going to be a very helpful comment, but it has to be said:

KRIIIIIIIIIISTEN!! COME TO BEA! COME TO BBC!

Because, ahem, I (and Ana too) want to hang out :)

In conclusion, come to New York. It will be fun.

Kristen said...

Thea - Hehe. :) You all have managed to convince me - I checked to make sure I could get that week off from work today and I just finished registering for the convention/BEA! And I can't wait to meet you and Ana!