Last May, when I only had a foot in this whole book blogging door, I decided I wanted to go to Book Expo America (BEA) in 2010. A long weekend in New York City – I could manage that. Then the BEA organizers scheduled BEA for the middle of the week (Tues-Thurs). A long weekend is one thing but a whole week? I automatically decided I couldn’t go.
Next I knew, everyone was signing up for BEA and talking about and I was getting very jealous of everyone who was able to go. Then the Book Blogger Convention was announced for the Friday following BEA and my desire to go to BEA increased even more. But I still didn’t think I could go.
Then Emily from Books, the Universe, and Everything had a fantastic suggestion: why not go for part of BEA? She only went for one day last year and had a wonderful time. Once this idea got in my head, I knew I had to go. I finally decided to go for the last day of BEA, the Book Blogger Convention, and then stay through the weekend to visit the city. It wasn’t that hard to convince Ben to go to New York with me once I got the housing situation figured out (thanks very much to the generosity of a certain friend).
So that’s it: I’m going to BEA!
I’m very excited to meet all of these online people I know and get a new look at the publishing industry. I’ve been reading tips from past attendees and wouldn’t talk of anything else for days. Apart from driving through it on I-95 and a couple of layovers at JFK and LaGuardia, I have never been to New York City, so part of my excitement is simply seeing this city that I’ve been longing to visit for most of my life.
To anyone else who is also attending these events: I will see you in just a few short months!
my books. my life. 
Yay! Did you get your business cards yet?
I’m reconsidering going to the Book Bloggers con too, now. (But I may not go, just because I’m pretty sure at that point, I’ll want to be home in Baltimore–with my dog–reading my loot.) But we have to hang out during BEA. 🙂
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No cards yet. Still deciding on them.
We will definitely have to hang out at BEA or the Book Blogger Con if you stay (which you should).
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I’m probably not staying since I’m doing all three days of BEA. If it’s awesome, I can always do both next time. 🙂
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That’s great! It sounds like a lot of fun. 🙂
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Yay! I’m so glad you can come! 🙂
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Me too!
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I really wish I could go. I just can’t make it happen this year with the amount of vacation I have saved up (I am going to England in March, though, so I can’t really complain). But after reading everyone’s EXCITEMENT over going this year, I’m going to try and go next year. It would be so cool to spend so much time with other bookish people, plus see all my East Coast friends. 🙂
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Well I would probably pass up BEA for a chance to go to England. Maybe I’ll see you there next year. 🙂
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I’m super excited you’re going to be able to make it to both BEA and BBC!
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Me too! I can’t wait till May.
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