Book Con Attendees discussion

So, a few people on the BookCon app have been asking tips about what to do for the first time! I figured we should write some stuff down here so anyone new will be able to easily check this out and if anyone asks we can just post a link!

My tips:
1. WATER. It is a long day and you will be walking. Holding books. Water is necessary.
2. PLAN. BookCon hasn't released the schedule yet, but you should plan out every second. Lines will be long and wandering around trying to see what to do will waste your time when you could be somewhere else doing something better. Have backups in case stuff fills up but it's best to sort out your priorities before.
3. RESEARCH.You may also want to read up on all the authors going and read their books. If you find yourself with a spare second or hear about something great going on, you can go check an author out and know who they are.
4. BACKPACK. Get yourself a nice backpack or bag that you will comfortable carrying. A lot of free stuff is given out and you don't want to have to pass on it because you can't carry it in your arms all day. Make sure you have space to hold things.
5. MONEY. Some things at BookCon are sold so may want to have a little bit of money if you see something you REALLY want that isn't free. Also, if you are buying lunch, you need money (duh).
6. FOOD. I have heard mixed reviews about this. I personally stopped to eat and bought food during a lull in my schedule and someone stood on a panel line for me but some people pack snacks and eat as they go. This is up to you and how jam-packed your day will be. I would ask more for other opinions on this one.
7. OPEN MIND. This is still only BookCon's second year and it is QUITE possible there will be a hiccup or two. Just remember to try not to get TOO angry and to maybe move on to another area.
8. MAP. You can't know where the cool stuff is without a map! There is one on the BookCon App (Download it) and you can also pick one up while you are there. It will tell you where to go and makes a nice souvenir.
9. SHIRT or LANYARD. If you are planning to buy a shirt or lanyard, order it in advance so you are GUARANTEED to have one. They ran out of extra to sell last year.
10. SOCIAL MEDIA. Get the BookCon App. People will be posting all day (including myself) and they will most likely know what's up if something weird happens or if you have a question. Not only that but it's a super cool app with a REALLY awesome community. You can post pictures and status updates and check in at all the panels you go to. It will also have the schedule there. It is EXTREMELY helpful.

I hope my 10 tips help any first-timers out! Send your friends here if they have any questions!

BookCon's own Fan Survival video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEgg4...

Thanks!

Soooooo helpful

Should I buy a shirt and lanyard? What did they look like last year?

Bobbi wrote: "Should I buy a shirt and lanyard? What did they look like last year?"

Last year the shirt was light gray and had the BookCon logo on it. I thought it was really cool and I wear it all the time, because I will usually get shirts for events like these. Other people may not care as much, but I personally really like it. Unfortunately, the shirt image isn't released yet, but it will most likely look good. As far as the lanyard, they didn't sell one last year and I figured it would be just a cool thing to get that would help me remember the day.

If you have to go with one over the other, I would say the shirt. (I have already ordered both; they will ship in May with the tickets)

Most importantly: if you DO like the merch and you DIDN'T buy them before BookCon, MAKE SURE you go to the booth where they are selling extras RIGHT AWAY. It is not guaranteed you will be able to buy any of it in time, but it is your best chance of getting any of the stuff if you ended up wanting to buy them.

Really, the choice is up to you, but if you really think you don't know, either wait until the images are released or do your best to buy it the day of. It's risky, but if you think you won't wear it, don't waste your money (BookCon already costs enough!). BUT, if you are most likely going to buy it, get it before so it will DEFINITELY be yours.

I PERSONALLY, would buy it. But no guarantees as to whether it will look good or not.

Thanks Sarah!

Thank you Sarah !!

how much money should poeple bring to bookcon? the tips were just what i was looking for thank you.

Joanleris wrote: "how much money should poeple bring to bookcon? the tips were just what i was looking for thank you."

It really depends how much you are willing to spend. If you are going to buy lunch, definitely set aside money (it is a bit overpriced so maybe have like $20) but money towards book purchases is up to you! I personally didn't buy books, but if you do, I think the books are sold kinda close to full price (I'm not 100% sure and there might be some deals) but it's more of a personal decision. If you are seriously considering buying books beyond the free stuff maybe bring between 30 and 60 dollars but it really should be based on your own plan for the day and how much time you plan to spend on the showfloor and not at the panels or autographing tables.

I hope this helps!

thank you for helping me out.

Additional info on BAGS: There is a space where people can "check" their bags to put books in that they didn't want to carry around on their backs all day. I believe it cost about $3 per bag to do this.

how do you buy the shirt or lanyard online if you have already bought your tickets?

Danielle wrote: "how do you buy the shirt or lanyard online if you have already bought your tickets?"

http://www.showclix.com/event/3893536...
Go to that link and only check off the amount of shirts of lanyards you want to purchase. It should work fine, I just checked.

When do they post the schedule of events and signings

Angela wrote: "When do they post the schedule of events and signings"

Super unfortunately, BookCon doesn't announce when they will release the schedule, but for right now they have released who is coming what day. Still, that could change because it was noticed that Sarah J. Maas changed from Saturday to Sunday

My best guess is that it will be posted sometime at the beginning of May when they start sending things out. This isn't official, just a guess based off of last year.

But sadly, there is no official answer to your question.

Thanks. Mainly trying to figure out who I wanna see the most so I can get to them first

Thank you for all these tips. I really am hoping I can go to BookCon!!!

Last year I:

• Brought a backpack and bought a bag (penguin classic) the day before Bookcon. I'm glad I brought both. My parents didn't care about book con so they sat downstairs with the backpack and I would come and switch out books with them.

• bring a smaller bag (pencil size bag) to keep book swag in.

• they want you to pay to charge your phone, but last year I met ONE nice person working there who showed me a hidden outlet. She said to keep my phone hidden while it was charging though.

• Plan. Last year I didn't plan extremely well and a ton of things overlapped. Be sure to discuss with your group that you're going with.

• Groups. Last year I went alone (parents went but as I said before they stayed downstairs.) I made some friends (Danielle, Safia, and Safia's friend who I couldn't pronounce the name of). It's fun to go alone and see what happens but it's always easier to plan with a group.

• Cash. Bring cash. Not all of the books are free, even though we all thought that last year. In other words, I didn't carry much cash last year.

SCHEDULE: I tweeted BookCon last week about the panels and autographing. They plan to release the schedule in April, at least one month before BookCon. So that could be as late as 4/30. Last year they added to the guest list as late as three days prior to the event.

AUTOGRAPHING: it will be held in Hall 1C this year unless it is in-booth signing which will happen on the show floor.

CHARGING YOUR PHONE: rapid chargers that run on batteries or that you charge ahead of time are very handy!

PLANNING: if you use the BookCon website and sign in, it will remember your favorites in "My Event Planner". This includes guests, exhibitors, panels and autographing. If you check the floor plan from there, it will highlight all the booths that are affiliated with your favorites. Last year my personal schedule included top 3 choices for each hour just in case. And yes, I did need them after not lining up early enough for panels (up to one hour before each).

The tips are pretty on point.

Concerning the FOOD.. definitely bring a minimum of $25 to eat. The food is pricey, so I suggest grabbing something to eat from someplace nearby. However, I would suggest you bring some snacks. The friends I made last year had to leave the line, because it was way past lunch time. Trust me, you will get caught up with the chaos. I carried a half sandwich that I ate while standing on line. It was pretty delicious lol I mean if you're already carrying an extra bag, why not make it useful both ways

Also for the SCHEDULE.. definitely plan! I did, and even with that, it's still chaotic with everything in front of you. The biggest obstacle I faced was that many authors were overlapped! So you might have to pick and choose. Good luck :)

This is probably such a silly question but when I ordered my ticket all I got was a confirmation scan thing.... They send the actual tickets in the mail right??

Angela wrote: "This is probably such a silly question but when I ordered my ticket all I got was a confirmation scan thing.... They send the actual tickets in the mail right??"

not silly! Anyone who orders before 5/1 will receive their badge in the mail. It's made of plastic and goes on a lanyard.

Thanks! I couldn't find my confirmation emails so I'm relieved to hear. Thanks again

This may be a stupid question but is BookCon handicap accessible? I may be going with a friend of mine that's in a wheelchair.

Stephanie wrote: "This may be a stupid question but is BookCon handicap accessible? I may be going with a friend of mine that's in a wheelchair."

Scroll down in this link to the part about accessibility! There is a number you can call for questions. It seems like a yes, so I hope your friends gets to go!
http://www.thebookcon.com/about/FAQs/

And DEFINITELY not a stupid question!

how do you figure out how to plan the day if you've never been?

Kaylee wrote: "how do you figure out how to plan the day if you've never been?"

Once the schedule is released (in April, maybe late April), you'll have a better idea how to plan. Pick your favorites and pray that they don't overlap. Have backup favorites in case you don't make it into a panel or autographing line. Some authors are very popular and you'll want to line up for them an hour before their slot. I hope this helps. For now we all have to patiently wait.

do they give out free books?

Kaylee wrote: "do they give out free books?"

Yes! There are definitely books given away for free, but some are sold as well. Also, to you question above, Book Con has this "My Planner" thing on their website that you can use when they release the schedule that will help you plan your day. The best way to plan is KNOW your priorities and to ALWAYS have a backup plan if something goes weird. If you have any questions the day of, post it on the Book Con App and someone will probably know what's going on or how to advise you.

thanks so much!

Is anyone else's Bookcon app acting up? Mine won't open and I tried to re download but that didn't work either

Thank you for all the useful information. My friend and I are officially going to BookCon :)

Mines crashing also

Molly wrote: "Is anyone else's Bookcon app acting up? Mine won't open and I tried to re download but that didn't work either"

Late last night I had some problems and I think it was because of the map, but now it is working fine

Check out this link to BookCon's official fan survival guide!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEgg4...

If you already have your badge what time do you think you should get there??? And when it comes to signing up for panels/signings how does that work? Do you just go to a line then tell someone what events you want to go to and they sign you up for all of them or do you have to go a bunch of places to get signed up for different things.

Angela wrote: "If you already have your badge what time do you think you should get there??? And when it comes to signing up for panels/signings how does that work? Do you just go to a line then tell someone what..."

If you already have your badge, the time you should show up depends on what you want to see. Last year, I didn't have anything on my schedule until 10, so I showed up kind of late. If you want to get everything out of your day and get in soon, BookCon states in their video to show up around 7:30.

For panels and autographing (unless this has changed), you show up before the event and line up outside. Keep in mind that more popular events will have longer lines that those that aren't going to be as crowded. For the bigger events, show up earlier, maybe even up to an hour earlier. For the smaller signings and panels, you probably don't need to spend as much time on line.

You don't sign up for anything, unless it is ticketed. A ticketed events means that there is a booth that you have to go to to collect tickets to gain access to an event. If something is ticketed, it is CLEARLY stated online. For the YouTube authors, there is a separate protocol that you can see on their website.

Plan everything so you know when to you should line up or when you should go get something signed. WARNING: Some things may overlap.

I hope this helps!

Ty. Bc online they were saying to sign up for events panels and signings you have to wait in line first come first served. So I wanted to make sure

does anyone know when they are releasing the schedule?

I'd like to know that, too!

Bleu wrote: "I'd like to know that, too!"

Kaylee wrote: "does anyone know when they are releasing the schedule?"

The panel schedule is currently posted on the BookCon app which you can download now! However, it is extremely likely to change and more things can still be added.

The autographing schedule is not released yet though, but when it is BookCon will probably post about it on Facebook. Hope this helps!

About FOOD: If you're coming from home, you can brown bag it (I didn't do that last year, but I wish I did cuz the food is really expensive). This year, I'm thinking about getting easy takeout -like from a deli or something like it- so I don't have to wait in line and pay ridiculous prices for sub-par (in my opinion) food. NYC is expensive overall, but if you can save a few bucks for books later by finding a cheaper and maybe healthier alternative, you're golden:)

I strongly advise you to bring your own water. I bring 2 bottles for myself. But if it's going to be a really hot day, I take an extra. You can also bring a refillable water bottle:)

Hello everyone !

I have 2 questions :

1. Can we go out of the BookCon and come back later ? - like if I go out to find something to eat, and have nothing planned during this time.

2. I have planned to go to the Leigh Bardugo's Panel (from 5 to 6 pm), but I also want to go to John Green's Panel (from 6 to 7 pm, if I have a wristband) and I really want to see both.

Do you think it's okay if I go to john green's panel right after leigh's, but I don't wait 1 hour in line ?

Manon wrote: "Hello everyone !

I have 2 questions :

1. Can we go out of the BookCon and come back later ? - like if I go out to find something to eat, and have nothing planned during this time.

2. I have p..."

1. Yup, just remember your badge!
2. They want wristband holders to line up at least 35 minutes before SEH events. If I were in your shoes, I'd leave Leigh's panel (quietly, respectfully) at quarter of 6 and get in line for John. You won't have the best seat for John but you'd probably make it in.

Amp wrote: "1. Yup, just remember your badge!
2. They want wristband holders to line up at least 35 minutes before SEH events. If I were in your shoes, I'd leave Leigh's panel (quietly, respectfully) at quarter of 6 and get in line for John. You won't have the best seat for John but you'd probably make it in. "

Thank you :)
I hope the autographing won't take place right after the panel

Manon wrote: "I hope the autographing won't take place right after the panel"

Fingers crossed! Last year, none of my panel/autographing (with the same author) were back to back. They signed in the a.m. and had panels in the p.m.

Amp wrote: "Fingers crossed! Last year, none of my panel/autographing (with the same author) were back to back. They signed in the a.m. and had panels in the p.m. "

Thank you for telling me :) I can't wait to know, so I can plan my day !

You can still meet authors and possibly get their autographs if you can't go to their panels right?

Stephanie wrote: "You can still meet authors and possibly get their autographs if you can't go to their panels right?"

I am not 100% sure what you mean, but if you don't go to the panels or the autographing booth, your chances of meeting an author will decrease by a lot.
They MAY be walking around at BookCon, but it would be a little rude to bother them if they are trying to have fun and tour the show floor.

If you want to talk to the authors your best bet is to see them while they are autographing. Not many authors really hung out to talk to people after panels (from my experience) so not going to panels isn't really a big deal if you wanted to talk to them personally anyway.

Overall, the panels are NOT the best place to meet them and get stuff signed, the autographing booths are.