The Countdown Begins: Book Expo America 2010 & Bloggercon!
I’ve officially started the countdown! In a little over three months, I’ll be making my way to NY to attend Book Expo America 2010. I had a fabulous time last year. I got to meet dozens of bloggers I’d chatted with online for months. I networked with publicists and authors and made some pretty awesome connections.
One of the things I can’t wait to attend after BEA this year is Book Blogger Con 2010, a one day event intended to provide support, instruction, and social time for people who blog about books. Book Blogger Con will take place May 28, 2010, immediately following BEA. If you have a book blog and you’ll be in NY for BEA, this is the place you’ll need to be!
I remember when I was planning for my trek to BEA 2009. I had so many questions so I thought I’d come up with a FAQ for first time attendees! My answers obviously reflect my personal opinion 
So, without further ado!
What is the attire for BEA?
The official attire is business casual. Last year, I wore dress slacks and a casual top and layered it with a blazer. Comfortable shoes are a must! Comfort comes before cuteness! Don’t wear heels or flip flops or anything else that lacks support. On the flip-side, don’t wear your grungy old running shoes.
Are the books really free?
Yes, the majority of the publishers do provide ARCs to BEA attendees. Be realistic in what you decide to pick up. Take the time to read the back of the book and see if the book is one that you’d be interested in. This isn’t a shopping spree, the goal is not to see who can bring home the most books.
There are some publishers that don’t offer free ARCs. Don’t beg for a copy of a book. Don’t grab it off the shelf while no one is looking. If you aren’t sure if the ARCs are free for the taking, ask first!
What are five things I should bring with me?
1. Comfortable shoes (explanation above)
2. Business cards: you will be meeting a ton of new people. You will go through a great deal of business cards, so it would make sense to purchase them from somewhere pretty economical. My suggestion is vistaprint.com. You can get a pretty decent number of business cards for under $20.
3. Water/snacks: you will be doing a lot of walking. And while there are some (great) cinnamon almond vendors in the Javits Center, you should still bring your own snacks. Your days will be long and you’ll need to keep your energy up!
4. Tote bag: you will need something to carry your books in. There will be an abundance of tote bags given away but oftentimes these go very fast! So pack something with plenty of padding on the straps; your shoulders will thank you later!
5. Patience: If you plan on participating in any of the author signings, plan on standing in line for a long time. Your comfortable shoes and water & snacks will really come in handy now.
I think that about covers it! Don’t forget to sign up for Book Blogger Con! I’d be remiss not to mention that Book Blogger Con is now officially affiliated with BEA 2010! Register for Book Blogger Con and you’ll be automatically signed up to attend BEA! One stop shopping, gotta love it!
So, are you attending BEA 2010? I’d be happy to answer any questions!
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Twitter: bookaliciouspam
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Great post Jenn. Very helpful.
I can’t believe it’s almost time for BEA again! Last year was so much fun and I can’t wait for this year!
I’m getting so excited already! Last year was wonderful and I can’t wait to do it all again. Thanks for the tips–all of them are great.
Can’t wait!
Twitter: devourerofbooks
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Are we down to 3 months already? Crazy!
Thanks for the tips. So excited!
Twitter: pookasluagh
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So excited! Thank you.
Jenn, I have started the countdown here too and I think Linda (my local blogger friend who is coming) might be getting tired of my countdown. Its hard to believe that only about 8 months ago I found out I was able to go and look at its already 3 months away…yea
Super excited. Thanks for you insight. Would nice capri pants be acceptable?
Hope to see you there.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:37 AM
Cindy-
Yes, the longer capris are totally acceptable.
Thanks for the tips, especially about the expected attire – that’s really the kind of thing I need to know. CAN.NOT.WAIT!
Whoo hoo!! I’ll see you there!
Twitter: nicolebo
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It is crazy how the time goes by. I am so excited to see you again since I missed you in DC!
I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone again … and meeting so many others for the first time. It’s the best reunion of people I’ve never yet met!
Twitter: BethFishReads
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I can still remember meeting you at the Book Blogger booth / Net Galley. I bet this year will be even better!
Thanks for the hints! I don’t have any dress clothes, so hope my “good” jeans will be okay. Will dress them up with a nice shirt and blazer and hope that’s presentable enough. Will check out vistaprint.com for business cards. Thanks again!
Great tips Jenn, can’t wait to see you! Hope you’re surviving the storm. Here in NJ, we sit and wait for the snow….
I truly wanted to be able to attend these two events. We though briefly to make an educational family weekend of it until I looked up the cost of 2 hotel rooms per night. Yikes! Sadly, I will not be able to go.
I love the excitement for these events. It will be a lot of fun and I can’t wait for the Book Bloggers Convention.
Twitter: SavvyVerseWit
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I cannot wait to go to BEA and BBC this year! I loved it last year, and this year is going to be even better. Great advice.
Hi Jenn, I ran across your site while reading about BEA. I’ve been invited by my publisher, Health Communications Inc. (HCI Books), to go. I’ll be signing galleys of my new book, Naked in Eden, about my life in the Australian Rainforest. I’ve never been to BEA, so I found your advice helpful. I was just discussing with my agent what to wear. I also enjoyed many of the comments here. The excitement is palpable. Thanks for the lead on vistaprint.com.
I appreciate this whole post.
Thanks,
Robin
Thanks for the tips for newbies like me