Navigating BookExpo America: A Checklist

It’s no secret that BookExpo America can be overwhelming. With the event less than two weeks away, now is a great time to revisit recommendations from booksellers who are accomplished at achieving their key business goals at the show while grabbing galleys, attending events, and making new connections.

Over the years, many ABA member booksellers have offered tips and tricks for making the most of the BEA experience, but their number one recommendation is to plan ahead. With time being the most valuable resource, heading to the convention with a detailed plan about whom to see, what to discuss, and your top goals can make this BEA your most productive year yet.

Here’s a checklist to help you draft a plan of action for before, during, and after the show.

Plan ahead

• Choose three of your most important BEA goals and make sure to get them done.
• Decide whom to meet with from the publishing houses present and be sure to schedule appointments ahead of time.
• Make arrangements to meet face-to-face with phone reps from publishers, wholesalers, and other vendors who are not normally available for in-person meetings.
• Develop a bulleted list of topics to cover at each meeting. Time is often limited, so be concise.
• Bring supporting materials, including a marketing kit, event photos, or program information, when making a pitch to a publisher.
• Develop a one-sheet that outlines bookstore highlights: visitor numbers, special events, proximity to major cities and airports, etc.
• Connect with a veteran bookseller to get tips and advice about navigating BEA. Regional association directors can recommend the best person in your area to reach out to.
• Ask publisher sales reps for recommendations about whom to meet with, the best galleys to grab, and any signings or parties to keep an eye out for.
• Use the BEA Show Planner to highlight publishers and their booths on an interactive map, add events and appointments to a master agenda, and print or e-mail a custom-made schedule. Sign up for the BEA Mobile app to use it on the go.
• Purchase tickets now for the ABC Children’s Group at ABA’s special events and for the ABFE Art Auction to Benefit Free Speech in Children’s Books.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to network with publishers at ABA’s Meet the Editor; the deadline to sign up for this free event has been extended to Friday, May 15.
• Remember to pack comfortable shoes and a big stack of business cards.
• Keep up with the latest BEA news in Bookselling This Week, Publishers Weekly, Publishers Lunch, and Shelf Awareness.

At the show

• Follow the plan: having spent all that time planning ahead, it’s important to stick to your schedule. Attend scheduled events and meetings and use free time to network and visit the show floor.
• Grab a tote bag right away or, better yet, bring one from home, so there’s a place to put business cards, catalogs, galleys, and swag while traversing the floor.
• Bring business cards to hand out, and don’t be stingy.
• Talk to anyone and everyone, and ask for their business cards. For easy reference and recall later, make a note on the card about the person you spoke to and what was discussed.
• Don’t be shy about talking to publishers or company staff at their booths.
• Check out the non-book offerings and gifts on display, and any other items to augment store inventory. The trade show floor offers special Gift and Remainder pavilions.
• Utilize the BEA floor plan: running back and forth on the floor can be exhausting.
• Visit the ABA Indie Bookseller Lounge (Meeting Room 214, at the front of the “200” aisle on the trade show floor) to meet some of your favorite authors, learn about ABA programs and services, relax and have a snack, and meet with fellow booksellers.
• Attend a range of ABA and BEA programming, including bookseller/publisher networking events, the Celebration of Bookselling and Author Awards Lunch, and the ABA Annual Meeting and Town Hall.
• Remember to stay well-hydrated and take breaks for meals and snacks.

After the show

• Reach out to new connections: pull out those business cards, send a quick e-mail, and keep the lines of communication open.
• Follow up on any open discussions from meetings with publishers, distributors, or industry professionals.
• Make plans to attend the next BEA: attending each year helps you strengthen relationships from the previous year, make new connections, and better understand the industry.

The countdown has begun; there’s no better time than right now to plan for BEA.