BookExpo 2005: the grandest book "party" comes back to the publishing capital of the world

Black Issues Book Review, May-June, 2005 by Robin Green

Many of the convention hotels have shuttle service to the convention center, a wonderful convenience and a significant savings. Parking fees will put a serious dent in your budget, even if you leave your car parked at your hotel garage. Unless you have time and a specific need to travel by car around New York, skip the rental car and use public transportation. Excellent transportation service is available from Newark, LaGuardia and Kennedy airports to hotels for your local travel needs.

By all means, do venture out! There's no place on earth like New York City, and you don't want to miss the shopping, dining, theater, nightlife and nonstop entertainment. If you're able, tag on an extra day or two before the convention to take in a play, visit museums or take a walking tour of Harlem. You'll be much too tired afterward!

Network, Network, Network

Whether you are a first-time attendee or a veteran of BookExpo, following are some suggestions that may help you maximize your business opportunities, and make the expenses for transportation, lodging and entertainment worth it:

HAVE SEVERAL CONCRETE GOALS IN MIND. Then use the online schedule of events to plot your path. The convention guidebook is available a few weeks before the event. Opt to get it early and take time to review it. Develop a list of must-sees, and check the Web site frequently to be certain those individuals and companies will be represented. As often as possible, schedule appointments in advance.

BRING YOUR ESSENTIALS: A cell phone to confirm appointments or at least a prepaid calling card to avoid costly hotel phone charges; at least 250 business cards; brochures; fliers; postcards; bookmarks; capability statements; and press kits.

DO NOT JUST LEAVE STACKS OF YOUR POSTCARDS or business cards around for whomever to pick up. Instead, hand them out directly. A personalized delivery served with a smile has a much better chance for serious consideration.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION. The convention floor is HUGE. Save cute shoes for evening. Wear shoes for walking and standing during the day. Do not try to bring your rolling luggage onto the convention floor. Suitcases carelessly left in the aisles have ignited more lawsuits than convention centers care to recount, so they are typically banned. Try a backpack. If you show documentation of a medical condition, you may be able to get special permission to bring assistive devices onto the floor.

CHECK EXCESS BAGS at the convention center. Later, drop off all the freebies and at the end of the day, take them back to your hotel, or ship directly from the center to home.

SHIPPING FEES MAY TARNISH the joy of receiving so many freebies, so grab judiciously. Do not take everything you are offered. Leave your address and ask that catalogues and other promos be mailed to you. You might consider bringing an empty suitcase or packing lightly to leave room for your treats. If you have a shipping box and an account with a service, your hotel may accommodate your packages without the handling fees tacked on at the convention center.