Conference Program

Conference Program | American Library Association

Exhibit guide is up oooohhhhhhhhhh!!!! Cue me yelling "ALA KENDALL! ALA!" at the husband unit. Doing my initial frantic perusal and then I'll go back and methodically start my scheduling spreadsheet. Any other Littens going??? #alaac17 #ala

Zelma I always go and yet, had to skip this year. Bummer! ☹️ 7y

Fancypants I'll be going and it's my first time! Both excited and nervous 😁 7y

BookFreakOut @Zelma Darn! I won't be going next year but want to do DC in 2019. My mom and I make a vacation of the exhibits. 😁 7y

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BookFreakOut @Fancypants Are you doing the full conference or just exhibits? I only do the exhibits but would be happy to give you some tips for that. It's super fun! 7y

Fancypants @BookFreakOut the full conference. But I'd love love advice on the exhibits! I'm almost already overwhelmed by all the options. 7y

Zelma @Fancypants have a blast. I've been going to annual or midwinter for years. My advice is wear really comfy shoes (you will walk more than you think), bring a refillable water bottle (there are usually water stations everywhere), bring on sturdy tote bag ( the one they give you will break), print out your schedule rather than rely on the heavy catalog, also makes it easier to know where you're headed. Continued below 7y

Zelma @Fancypants have a back-up session planned for each one you go to (some are not at all what you expected), don't try to pick up every arc you see, be more selective and your back will thank you. My favorite session I never miss is the Harper Collins Book Buzz. They do a great job spotlighting amazing titles and always have some great arcs. Have a blast! (edited) 7y

Fancypants @Zelma thank you! That makes a lot of sense. I'm trying to create a smaller binder to take a long with the print outs. 7y

BookFreakOut @Fancypants All good advice from @Zelma! I usually start with 1 sturdy tote that's easy to get on and off my shoulder and if you need more bags lots of booths have them. We fly SW for the free checked bag so I can pack light with a large suitcase and fill it with what I pick up. Have never needed to ship stuff home but post office will be on site, and they usually have poster tubes to take which can be nice for not folding them. 7y

BookFreakOut @Fancypants I make a spreadsheet with date/time/booth/author for any signings or timed giveaways I'm interested in so I have all my interests together. Some people have multiple signings, possibly @ different booths, I include all my options. The program book itself is huge & unwieldy. It will likely have an insert of booth coupons, I go through those before I hit the exhibits and tear out any I'm interested in & keep w/my spreadsheet printout. (edited) 7y

BookFreakOut @Fancypants I'm an introvert, but have learned it's good to be chatty here! If I see someone with an ARC I like, I ask where they got it )and make a new friend!). If I see someone tweeted a pic or there's a big banner for a book on display, I ask at the booth if they have any more, and often they'll pull it out from beneath their tables. New piles get brought out frequently, but there's always a rush first thing. 7y

BookFreakOut @Fancypants For signings by big authors, lines will often form beforehand. Unless it's changed, signings are in-booth, not a separate area like BEA/BookCon. To cut down on boo crowding, the staff often directs the pre-line against an outer wall and may make a paper sign telling people who it's for. You can always ask if they have a line going if you can't find it, and it never hurts to ask what people are lining up for if you can't see the booth! 7y

BookFreakOut @Fancypants Booths are usually chill about you bringing a book to signings if you already own it. If they're selling them it's typically below retail, I've paid $5 for hardback but there's no set price. I've gotten free finished copies at signings in addition to ARCs, depending on what book they're specifically promoting. It's a blast, hope you have a great time! 😁 (edited) 7y

Fancypants @BookFreakOut thank you!!!! 7y

MrsGreen @BookFreakOut So many good tips!! Sounds a lot like BookCon. I can't wait! It'll be my first ALA. 7y

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