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Monday, May 18, 2015

Bridget goes to BEA!

I've been blogging for about four and a half years now, and I never thought it would be much more than a solitary hobby. I had no idea that I would be joining such a large community or that I would meet so many great people through blogging. I also never knew that there were enormous conventions just for people who like books, but the first time I heard about BookExpo America, I knew I had to go one day.

This year, that dream is finally becoming a reality, and I'll be going to BEA next week! (And meeting our fearless leader, Jamie, there!!)

And guys, I'm totally overwhelmed. Like whoa.

There are times when there are five different things on my schedule and times when there's nothing. Since this is my first time, and I'm not a huge fan of crowds, I'm almost dreading it because I'm so afraid I'm going to miss out on something that I want to do! I'm going to at least some sessions in the blogger conference, but there are also some authors signing that day who I don't want to miss. Then there are sessions that are hours long but a few things that are only 15-30 minutes during those long sessions that I would love to duck out to see...but I'm guessing it doesn't work that way. There are also so many books I want to pick up—check out my blog tomorrow for the ones I'm most excited about on Top Ten Tuesday—and I hope I bring a big enough bag!!

So basically, I'm wondering if any of you have ever been before and if you have any tips! (And if you're going again this year, let me know because I'd love to meet you!!) 
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7 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 18, 2015 at 8:39 PM

    Have fun!!! I hope you'll have a wonderful experience there.

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  2. C.J.May 18, 2015 at 11:26 PM

    That's great! I'm going for my second time this year. Hope to see you there!

    Tips... main thing is to make your schedule and then cut it in half. I tried to do too much last year. Also bring a suitcase and get there early do you can check it!

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  3. Alexia561May 19, 2015 at 11:16 AM

    I second C.J,'s suggestion to bring a suitcase. You don't think you'll need one, but you will! It's something like $3 to store it in the luggage corral, but you can drop your books off whenever your tote bag gets too heavy and it's a lifesaver! You might want to use a luggage lock, just to be on the safe side.

    Instead of cutting your schedule in half, how about color coding it instead? Sometimes you'll get to a line and find out they've run out of books or the line is insanely long, so it's always good to have a backup.

    I loved going to BEA and really wish I could go this year, but it's just not possible. Have fun, don't forget to talk to people in line, and wear the most comfortable shoes you own! Enjoy!

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  4. My Thoughts.... Literally!May 19, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    Hey Bridget! You saw my tips already. But in terms of there being multiple things at the same time, don't freak out. You can definitely do more than one thing in an hour. My biggest piece of advice is bring your own food. That way you don't have to pay an arm and a leg, you won't forget to eat, and you go from line to line without worrying.

    And I am going again this year. I hope we cross paths. If we do definitely say hello!
    Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally

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  5. AnonymousMay 19, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    I'm going to BEA too and it's also my first time! I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and very excited!

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  6. UnknownMay 19, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    This is my second year going and I still feel overwhelmed. I'm trying to pick a few high priority because you can sit in a line for an hour and miss stuff. I'm terrible with finding out when Galley drops are and things ahead of time too. I'm like you not a fan of crowds either. No matter if you get the books you want or not it's a fun experience.

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  7. KayleeMay 20, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    I'll be at BEA for the third time this year Bridget and I would love to meet you. (I love meeting other bloggers that I only know online. I think it's surreal.) I am not a fan of crowds either so sometimes when I get a little overwhelmed I make a point to walk down a quieter aisle. I have found some of my favorite books that way.

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