BEA's Bilheimer Offers 10 Tips for a Successful Show

Roger Bilheimer, an independent consultant who handles media and publishing industry relations for BookExpo America (BEA), and who this year is overseeing special events at the trade show, offers 10 tips for a successful trip to Washington, D.C., this May:

1. Visit Book Expo America's website, www.bookexpoamerica.com, for a wealth of information and to register or order event tickets.
   
   
2. Access the website's Exhibitor List and sort by booth number or product category, so that you can plan your time efficiently and make the most of the trade show floor plan.
   
   
3. Check Special Events for each day of the show. Plan your day accordingly, slotting booth visits between author events, conferences, and autographing.
   
   
4. Get to special events early. Many have first-come, first-served seating, and they fill up quickly.
   
   
5. Wear the most comfortable clothing and shoes possible (don't minimize how important this really is!)
   
   
6. Check for the latest news at BEA's virtual Press Office. Here you'll find previews of new titles, announcements about authors, and other information that can help with further planning and scheduling.
   
   
7. Set up meetings before traveling to Washington and schedule them before or after show hours to maximize your time.
   
   
8. Benefit as much as possible from the myriad education offerings by assigning staff to attend specific sessions each day and have a plan for communicating with staff manning the store in case you have questions about orders.
   
   
9. Be selective in the free books, galleys, catalogs, posters, and other items that you pick up each day -- you will have to carry them around the show floor. If you do pick up too much to carry home, make use of the convention center mailing service.
   
   
10. Make sure to pack plenty of business cards!

[For the most up-to-date information about ABA's programming at BEA, visit www.bookweb.org/aba/convention/.]