How to get the most from attending writing conferences

Last week’s Book Expo America (BEA) marked my second time flying to New York City to attend this gathering of readers, publishers, bloggers, and publishing industry innovators for a three-day extravaganza of All Things Book.  If you’re not familiar with BEA, think ginormous summer camp for book lovers.  Piles of books.  Authors galore, from James Patterson and Nathan Lane to Doctor Ruth.  Thousands of eager readers.  

Exhibition Floor - Book Expo America 2015

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Readers stand in formal signing lines for autographs from the likes of actor/Kid Lit author Julianne Moore.

There’s so much to see and do, it’s easy to get overloaded.  For me, BEA and other such author events are charged with excitement and anxiety, especially at the start.  Did I bring enough business cards?  How can I tote all these books without getting back strain?  Can I overcome brain overload to make my best connections with people?  Plus, my only pair of comfy shoes, an absolute necessity at BEA, reduces fashionistas to tears.  But once at the venue, I get my bearings, charge ahead, and come away happily renewed. 

To help you experience BEA from the comfort of your armchair, I divided the Expo into three functions according to the people it attracts and opportunities it offers: Book Lovers, Knowledge Seekers, and Networkers.  

Are these categories quantifiable and scientific?  No!  Can they overlap?  Of course!  Do they give you an overview of this and similar amazing events?  I hope so!

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Books and lines at everywhere at BEA

1.  Book Lover
Goal: 
Snag as many books and author autographs as humanly possible.

Recognized by: 
Bulging tote bags filled with books.  Social media selfies showing them with famous authors.  

BEA has books on every corner…paperbacks, hard copies, 3-D, and e-books.  You can’t walk more than a few steps without bumping into stacks of books that are yours for the taking at publishers’ booths and hundreds of happy authors autographing their novels 

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I found a WWII mystery for my dad and cute picture books for my nieces.  Most books don’t cost anything.  They’re free, given away as Advance Review Copies (ARCs) to adoring readers who will generate that pre-launch buzz to pump up sales once the book is officially published.

One of several bag-stowing areas at BEA

Veteran Expo book lovers will tell you to bring an empty suitcase, check it at the venue, and fill it with books when your stash gets too heavy to carry. 

No worries if your bag is filled.  There’s also a postal facility at the Javits Center for shipping books home.

While BEA targets those in the business of writing, it morphs into Book Con on the weekend, an event open to the public.  Here, book lovers by the thousand find their next new book to be signed by their favorite authors.

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2.  Knowledge Seeker
Goal:               
 Learn about the craft and business of writing and publishing.

Recognized by:  
BEA workshop schedule tucked in pockets or on mobile devices, often with notepad or tablet for recording notes.

BEA offers concurrent learning sessions in different tracks, like marketing, publishing, reading content, and technology, that are facilitated by thought leaders.  Depending on your interests, you can stay in one track for the entire time or mix it up to pop into any 50-minute session.  I stayed with tech and marketing tracks and will be sharing tips in the coming weeks that I learned.

The Middle-Grade Author Buzz was awesome.  I was introduced to four outstanding novels for middle-graders coming out this fall, PLUS, I snagged free ARC copies of each. But that’s another blog post!

Learning also takes place informally on the exhibit hall, which is in a HUGE space, easily the size of two or three football fields, and is separate from conference sessions.  For instance, I want to reformat my print versions of the Sweet T Tales with hard covers and titles on their spines, so my books can be shelved in libraries and my local Indie bookstore.  I spent 15 minutes with the patient sales manager from Ingram Spark (IS).  He broke down the print-on-demand process and cleared up several questions I couldn’t figure out earlier from the IS website.

Prepare to navigate a crowded, huge venue

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3.  Networker
Goal: 
Make new contacts and meet as many people as possible.

Recognized by:  
Bulging pockets of business cards or mobile app to digitally exchange contacts.  Usually huddled in small conversation groups everywhere.

Once the show is over and the shuttle bus battles Manhattan traffic to get you to the hotel, there is no time to rest --- even though you’re tired and your feet are swollen.  Whether you’re solo, meeting friends, or connecting with new BEA acquaintances, there’s so much to see and do in New York!  Rest assured you’ll run on adrenaline that offsets any sleep deprivation.  All in all, the entire experience is one of the best parts of a book lover's life!

After dark: Cat (right) and Sis with Elphaba

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Conferences are incredible opportunities to meet people whose passions are the same as yours.  There are people who can help with your writing life, but it’s super-important to pay it forward and be ready to help others.  With 20,000 people, one Starbuck’s, and a limited number of restrooms in the Javits Center, I found standing in lines was one of the best ways to network with people!   I met wonderful librarians, bloggers, and writers while standing in line at the women’s room.  

Even introverts easily start conversations, bemoaning long lines or asking about the next best author signing opportunity.  I love hearing about these new ideas.  Plus, the energy of the show is magnified in the sharing of personal insights.

Publishers and others throw glam after-parties.  Special-interest groups, like librarians and audio-book producers, offer on-site networking coffees and lunches. 

IMHO, everybody who attends BEA, or any bookish affair, needs to be a networker to some degree.  So, bring plenty of business cards and remember to follow up with a quick note to everyone you meet.

On top of meeting new acquaintances, one of the very best parts about BEA was FINALLY meeting people IN PERSON who I meet in cyberspace and social media.  Imagine, hearing their voices and giving hugs, RIGHT there and then.  Awesome!

Photos: Cat Michaels and BEA 2015

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Please join the conversation in the comment section.
Which of the three Expo goers best describes your style?
What additional suggestions or resources can you share for making the most of a book event?

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