BEA week is coming soon.

                                                                                                                                               

One more week my bookies and the annual book blogging convention will be here. As one of the major interest events that's taking part of  Book Expo America (BEA). At the Jacob Javits Convention Center here in New York.  Every notable and indie bookseller, publishing house, publicists, writer you name it as long as there in the business of the publication, promotion, or selling of books will be descending on the Convention center .

This will be my first time  attending BEA, I'm so pumped all the events taking place, New york will be a hot bed. So I thought as a first timer I would share some of the information I've learned as well as my excitement. So here goes, we start off with the schedule (and in the interest of keeping this article from being too long I will provide links you can click and browse for information). Since its going to be a long day walking etc I'm advised to wear comfortable shoes and keep hydrated. And of course get there early, ask questions.

Because I love you guys I trolled the sites for useful tips for first timers like you and me and Shanyn Day of Chick Loves Lit  made some suggestion that made sense.  After her experience from last year's BEA. According to Shanyn food is expensive if your fee doesn't include it she suggest having outside food its cheaper. For comparison a hot dog and soda  outside $5.00 inside the cost of a bottle of water sheesh. Keeping credentials handy like business cards etc because on a busy convention floor  the last thing you want to do is to be rifling through your purse. Wi-fi cost $4/ 1hr - $30 a day. Useful information for those of you who are interested in bringing your laptops you're better off going to Starbucks after where its free.

If you're wondering what to do with the swag, and all the books you pick up on the floor all day. You don’t have to carry all of them all day – you have two options. There is a shipping level on the bottom floor that allows you to keep a box throughout the week to ship at the end (if you use this shipping service it is about $50/box). You also could check a bag at the luggage check for $3/day and make trips to drop books off there. You are given a ticket at the luggage check and must present it to the attendant each time you want to go in – the boxes are just in a large room on many tables (you’ll need to remember where you put your box).

Also a note to those of you who are wondering if they can bring books to be signed. You shouldn't  bring any books with you to the BEA exhibition floor. All books for signings and other events are provided and unless you catch an author during a non-signing time, they likely will not sign your extra items anyway. Seating is not available on the floor only in the eating areas some distance from the convention floor. If you walk downstairs away from the exhibition floor there is a larger area with chairs, but you have to decide if the walk is worth it or the steps outside will suffice and last but not least if you intend to socialize leave your current reads at home/ your hotel room/ in the car since you will be surrounded by books and eagerly socializing all day.

The schedule

Directions * Note if you live in New york City you can get directions here

Blogger Convention Info

Book blogger website