BEA Tips and Tricks

A few years ago, I wrote up a bunch of tips and tricks.

Here they are:

2013 Tips:

Last Minute Tips

Food Ideas and How to get around the bag rule

Your Pitch: why you're important to talk to

Making your lists

2014 Tips:

One Week Way: Get your face out there!

Dos and Don'ts

On letting go of your plans

And here's my face. Say Hi if you see me :)

BEA tips (5)

Last year I ran a series of advice on things I learned from attending Book Expo America and this year I'll add to it. I'm officially going and I'm super excited about it!

It's a week away! Get your face out there

A lot of peoples' names I might not recognize, but I know your blog name. Add your blog name to your name tag. Or your twitter handle.  I spend a lot of time reading people's name tags. 

Add a photo of yourself to your blog. 

Confession: Online, I'm much more out-going, but in person I'm pretty shy. There are times that I feel silly going up tom someone and starting a conversation because I know them online. 

I'm trying my best to get over that. I know that it's a book expo and everyone there loves books just as much as I do, so it shouldn't be hard...but it is. 

This is me (my hair is a little shorter now), say Hi if you see me, and I'll promise to do the same!

BEA tips (4)

Last year I ran a series of advice on things I learned from attending Book Expo America and this year I'll add to it. I'm officially going and I'm super excited about it!

Inside BEA:

Do: Take pictures with your favorite authors or bookish friends

Do: Stop your favorite authors on the floor to chat for a minute

Do: Chat with people in line near you, odds are you'll be seeing them in lines for the next few days

Do: Have a book with you, sometimes the lines are really long

Do: Pack some food/snacks. While there is food in the center, it's usually fast food and pretty pricey. Snacks will give you more time before the hangry feeling sets in

Do: Bring a rolling suitcase to check (Cost $3, but worth it)

Do: Have the best time ever! 

Don't: Forget that the wireless is crap in the building - turn it off so your phone battery doesn't die.

Don't: Grab more than one of the same ARC - even if there's a huge pile. 

Don't: Push your way through the crowds to grab an ARC (politeness is always welcome)

Don't: Stop in the middle of the aisle to chat, it blocks people 

Outside BEA:

I don't know how people have the energy for this because at the end of the day (including the fabulous publisher parties and whatnot), I'm exhausted and just want to collapse in my room. But afterwards, I see people's blog talking about extra touristy things they did, places they visited, and shops they went to. I'm always jealous and amazed by these posts.

I would love to venture out more. Usually I stick pretty close to my hotel area, but maybe this year, I'll see something new.

Last year (and hopefully this year), I'll make a stop at Crumbs for some delicious treats!

So figure out your priorities and do what's right for you. 

Getting Ready for BEA: part 4

Now that BEA is officially here, the excitement is starting to grow! I'm so excited to talk with everyone about books and to meet new and old friends! I'll be sharing my tips each week until the big event! 

The last few things to talk about:

Phone: The wireless in the building is terrible - it will eat your battery. Double check that you have your charger because you WILL need it! Also think about taking the wireless capabilities off of your phone for the day. It will save your battery - somewhat. 

Manners: Don't forget these at home. It's hard when there are so many people, but we're all book people and we all just want to talk about books. Treat everyone with respect and don't push your way through. 

Fun: Have a blast there! It's meant to be fun. Yes it can be exhausting, but it's also like Christmas - getting to meet so many awesome people and talk about so many books!

Get your face out there: It's a week away! A lot of peoples' names I might not recognize, but I know your blog name. Add your blog name to your name tag. Add a photo of yourself to your blog:

This is me, say Hi if you see me, and I'll promise to do the same!