BEA 2012

Yay! It's that time again. For BookExpo America!

Last year, I made it to BEA for one day and it was amazing and I knew I'd be going again this year. I never get a chance to attend other huge book events like ALA because traveling isn't always do-able so I'm super happy that BEA is in New York, forty minutes away!

I told myself this year I would be more organized. Last year I didn't think using the Build Your Agenda on the BEA website was necessary. That I'd be able to find everything on my own, walking back and forth through the whole place...I was wrong and I've learned my lesson. To get through BEA, you must be prepared! So I used their show planner this time and have a schedule printed out on a spreadsheet. There's a lot going on, I hope I don't miss anything.

I've read other bloggers' posts on BEA and the top things I always read about are dress code, transportation and bloggers holding lines. Dress code to me is dressing comfortable. No sloppy or baggy clothes, no sweatpants or gym wear. Nice shirts, fitted jeans or khakis with sneakers, flats or sandals. You could even wear black tights or shorts. Just look decent. I made the hugest mistake last year and drove my car into the city thinking I could get early bird parking specials or find parking on the street. I didn't get either and had to drop a wad of cash to put my car somewhere. I'm taking the train with my rolling suitcase this time. For those of you who are nervous about the NYC subway system, it can be an overwhelming experience but it's safe and cheaper than taking a cab. Also, if you're going to get a bottle of water or soda, buy it outside from a cart. Don't buy it inside. I'm all for splurging on a hot meal but not on something that's going to run right through me. Now, about the bloggers. All the bloggers I've ever met have been really nice and I've never had an argument with one. Luckily, I've never had to deal with this issue but there are some groups of bloggers who appoint one person to stand on a line for autograph sessions while the others go in search of more books. So when the line gets moving and you think you have only one person ahead of you, here comes 10 people who claim their spot was being held. I may be wrong but I think I'm a pretty reasonable person. If you're holding a spot for a friend, I'm cool with that. But not a soccer team. I hope this doesn't happen while I'm waiting on a line. Not going to be pretty.

Are you going to BEA? Let me know and if you see me there, come over and say hi! I'm going to be on Twitter most of the time so it's the best way to get in touch with me (@bookslikestars). Also going to be abusing my Instagram account with pictures.

See you there!