Book Con Attendees discussion
BookCon Tips and Updates
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FAQs
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Mod
A: If you are buying lunch, bring around $25. You may not necessarily pay all of that, but it is good to have a little extra just in case.
If you are bringing money for specific books, check online and see about how much the books you want to buy are worth and then go from there. If you are just bringing money for books in general, maybe like $40 or so... because books are inconveniently expensive. However, there WILL be a lot of free stuff and it will be a lot to hold, so I advise not buying too many. If you will, buy at the end of the day.
And, OF COURSE, always have emergency money with you in case because you never know what could happen. For this, bring how much you are comfortable with.
Mod
A: When you show up really depends on your day and your plan.
Anyone interested in Special Events Hall Panels should show up before 8:00 because that is when the queue hall opens. For more details about that, check out the thread. Otherwise, maybe show up between 8 and 9:30 if you want to get in with the first wave of people.
Last year, I wasn't interested in anything before 11:00 and I showed up to BookCon around 10:15, got in with a short wait, and was on the showfloor by 10:45. However, this may not be the case for you, especially with the new queue lines and queue hall. If you want to get a spot on the special events panels (the John Green one will probably be the most anticipated) then you should show up maybe and hour to an hour and a half before. This may be excessive, but compare your times to other people and go off of that.
If you are coming to just enjoy the day without a plan, showing up not too long before it starts would be fine as well.
Remember, this is just based on MY experience and some people may tell you otherwise.
Mod
A: The in booth-signings take place for a longer period of time (usually) and are on a much more relaxed time constraint. The authors usually hang out at their booths and their is more time to talk to them. However, it is more likely you must purchase the books to have them signed.
The autographing area has books given out for free, but timing is much more restricted and there is a line. BookCon staff will be more directly overseeing this area and your time with the author will be about a minute or so.
Both give you different advantages and if you can try some of each, definitely do it!
Mod
A: Yes! If you have your own lanyard or bought the commemorative one for this year, you can definitely use it! If you already have your ticket, feel free to attach it prior to even coming and you don't need to get one there.
If you don't have a lanyard, no worries! BookCon will provide free standard lanyards in buckets by the registration area. you can just grab, attach it to your ticket, and be on your way.
Also, if you don't have your ticket yet, you can bring your own lanyard and wait to attach it when you get there!
Hope this helps!
Mod
A: If you ordered your shirt BEFORE May 1, the merchandise will be sent out on May 18 and you will get it when it arrives at the address you chose to send it to. If you bought it AFTER May 1, you will be able to pick up your items at BookCon. Make sure to get to the area early to avoid a line!
If you didn't buy anything online, you may still be able to buy something if there is anything available. You will DEFINITELY need to get there early so you don't miss your chance while supplies lasts.
Sarah wrote: "Q: What is the difference between in booth signing and the autograph area?A: The in booth-signings take place for a longer period of time (usually) and are on a much more relaxed time constraint. ..."
unfortunately, I have noticed that the "table" autographing may require a book purchase. Be sure to check the details of all events.
Does this run both Saturday and Sunday for 2016? I only saw an option to purchase Saturday tickets, or does the $30 ticket work for both days?
BookCon for 2016 is only one day (Saturday) and will be located in Chicago this time around. As for BEA, that's a whole different event that is somewhat related and is for professionals (teachers, publishers, authors, bloggers, press, etc.) BEA has its own site with all that info! Hope this helps!
Mod
Stephanie's response is correct. I will be starting a new BookCon 2016 group sometime in the late February/early March for others to ask questions on this year's rules.
These FAQs are not about getting to BookCon or things like parking, but about how to better enjoy your experience. I went to BookCon last year and only moderators (who have also been to BookCon before) will post here.
I will be deleting all comments posted here, so if you have any questions, beyond these, ask it on the OTHER THREAD! This is just to keep things on here organized. Thank you!