*CLOSED* Help for a new 'Power Reader'

[Amy]

Hi there!

I've been a little leery of posting anything here, since I'm not in the industry, and I didn't want to intrude. :) I hope it's okay!

I was just wondering if anyone give me an idea of what to expect as a 'Power Reader' attendee? I love books - reading them, thumbing through them, smelling them, everything! :) So, when I saw the link to purchase the ticket, I jumped at it and was giddy for a few weeks afterward. But, it's very difficult to find any info on what to expect, because most of the 'stuff' out there is for/from industry folks. Of course, I've been reading about the expo for years, but knew that it wasn't open to the public. Now that it is (somewhat), I have no idea what it's like. I know about the various book signings, but other than that, is it basically going from booth to booth and shopping? Can anyone give me any help/tips?

Thanks SO much! :)

[Keri]

Hmm... Well, I've never attended as a Power Reader but last year was the first year they lurked among us and I remember them well. They were all rather lovely.

I don't know about this year but last year the Power Readers had a distinctive colour of lanyard to distinguish them from the rest of the crowd. I think that was so that publishers could spot them more easily, so don't be afraid of them. They will want to make a good impression.

I know that there are things exclusive to Power Readers this year, such as a lounge and signings...but I don't think there is anything they are excluded from.

There are plenty of autographing sessions, both in the autographing area and in-booth signings...though the latter haven't been added to the site just yet. There should also be a few events on the author stage too. Check the events for the first and see what interests you: http://bea13.mapyourshow.com/5_0/sess...

This has all the general information - http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Power-... - though you might have seen it already. From browsing the booths, to attending signings and stage events, to meeting new people, there is quite a lot to do however.

Sorry I couldn't give you more first-hand information - but if you need any help, I'm sure there are plenty of people more informed than myself who will be happy to. :)

(General tips include comfortable shoes - not flip-flops, your feet will die - and there is also a bag check in for $3 where you can go to drop off your books so that your load is lighter. Plus, general politeness etc.)

[Amy]

Thank you so much for the info!!

I was wondering about the time the event starts, also. I see that it says registration opens at 7 a.m., but the exhibit hall doesn't open until 9. Any idea what time I should plan to arrive? I'm dragging my grumpy hubby with me, so I don't want to make him get up any earlier than is necessary! Of course, I don't want to miss out on anything, either! :)

And, thanks for the tips! Comfy shoes, check. Bag drop, check. General politeness? Hmmm...check for me - hubby will depend on what time he rolls out of bed that morning! ;o)

Thanks again!!

[Keri]

Well there are a few things that happen before the event hall opens.

For instance, there is the author breakfast which starts at 8:00 am and goes until 9:30 am. You have to pay extra to attend that. Information here: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Show-I...

Also, some author signings require tickets because they are so popular. You don't have to pay for the tickets but they are limited, so you have to arrive early to get them. I mean as soon as Javits opens at 6am early.

[Hannah]

Hi Amy!

First off, feel free to post away and ask a million questions. We're a friendly bunch. :)

I did a post on my blog for what Power Readers can expect:

http://theirishbanana.blogspot.com/20...

And I've done several other BEA posts and have links to other helpful posts on my blog:

http://theirishbanana.blogspot.com/p/...

[Amy]

Thanks for the help, ladies! I really appreciate it!! :)

[Amy]

Hannah, that was such an informative post on your blog...thank you so much!!

[Hannah]

Amy wrote: "Hannah, that was such an informative post on your blog...thank you so much!!"

Thanks, Amy! :)

[Stephanie (Stephs Stacks)]

Hi Amy! Really, you could take the tips and tricks from all of these blog posts and apply it to your experience exactly. The only difference between your pass and "industry professionals" is that you are going only on Saturday. The hints will all still pertain to you regarding galley drops, scheduling, signings, etiquette, what to wear and bring, etc.

Power readers aren't treated as second class citizens at BEA :) You will be right in there with the rest of us and we won't even know the difference unless we read your badge :) Actually, I think Power Readers even have access to their own Power Reader Lounge!

You will love it! See you there! We have a few tips posts on Steph's Stacks if you'd like to check them out!

BEA Tips and Tricks Series

[Amy]

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear from all of you, because my excitement for going to BEA was tempered somewhat because I didn't know what to expect. :)

I think I read somewhere that we should bring backpacks, or some other bag to make carrying stuff around easier. Is that the case, or will we look like lunatics if we walk in with empty backpacks?? LOL And, how does that bag check-in work? Would we just drop off our bags when they're full, and pick them up again when we leave? (i.e. should we plan to bring even more than a backpack, just in case?)

[Stephanie (Stephs Stacks)]

Hi Amy,

This post might answer a few storage questions for you:

BEA Tips & Tricks 2

and Hannah's take as well:

BEA Tips & Tricks: Part 5

Hope that helps!

[Amy]

Last question, I promise!! Do you recommend bringing a suitcase when we'll only be there for the one day? Is that more for people who are there for the length of the event? Or do you think we'd be fine with a bag or two each?

(SOOO sorry...I should be good after this! :o)

[Stephanie (Stephs Stacks)]

No problem! I would say bring one. I don't leave my suitcase there for the duration. Everyone has to take their suitcases home each day and they are pretty full each day, I promise you.

Also, since you are going on Saturday, you are lucking out in the respect that many publishers don't want to lug all of their leftover books home at the end of Expo. So, they just start handing them out willy-nilly. More books for you! So, although it is a shorter day, it is still a busy one book-wise.

Keep the questions coming! I'll bet there are people reading this that have the same questions as you, but just don't want to ask them :)

[Amy]

Okay...a suitcase it is then!!

And, thanks again to all of you...really!! You put my mind at ease, so now I can stop stressing and get back to being excited about going. :) If I think of any other questions, I'll be sure to let you know!!

[Hannah]

BRING ONE. I filled mine up every single day.

[Shannon]

Thanks to everyone for posting helpful information. Looks like I should be bringing a bag!

[Amy]

I just wanted to chime in and say thank you again to all of the INVALUABLE info you provided. I had such an amazing time today, and I *never* would've survived without a suitcase! Now I just feel like I need to sleep for a week. HOW do you guys do this for several days in a row?? (Don't get me wrong, I'd love to, but I think I'd have to get a personal trainer first! Lol). Thanks, again!!