BEA2U – Book Blogger Conference and Social Networking

Posted 15 May, 2012 by Danny in Blog, Danny, Discussion, Featured, Pushy / 27 Comments

Β It’s Tuesday and we are getting closer and closer to BEA! Only 4 more weeks … OMG!

This week, we would like to talk about Book Blogger Conference, tell you how it was last year, what will change this year and what to expect. Maybe some of you still haven’t decided to go there and maybe this post will clear things up a little.

First off, Pushy and I had a blast last year! It was an amazing event!Β  *Pushy* It really was so much more fun that even I was expecting!

BBC -2011

The morning started with aΒ breakfastΒ and it we just sat on a random table and got to know some new bloggers which was really nice! We got time to catch up with some bloggers we knew and it was just a nice way to start the day. There keynote speaker was Trish from Smart Bitches Trashy books and I loved her talk about blogging! Then, there were some awesome panels and the one I loved most was the Publisher and Blogger Talk – where representatives from publishing houses talked about what they expect from us and how much they love us.. Yes they do πŸ™‚

*Pushy* All of these were great for their own reason.Β  One of my favorite parts of breakfast and lunch was the random networking that was going on among all the bloggers.Β  We met so many bloggers outside of YA, swapped stories of what worked for us and what didn’t and just got the chance to feel like we’re part of a bigger movement in the publishing world.Β  And yes, all of the talks were fantastic, but my favorite part was when the rep from Simon and Schuster came right out and said that she doesn’t mind negative reviews, so long as their respectful.Β  It’s always been my opinion that not every book gels with every reader and you can state why you didn’t like a book without trashing the book or the author themselves and it was SO VALIDATING to hear this rep state the age old rule:Β  all publicity is good publicity!

In the afternoon was however the most awesome event: Author Speed Dating!Β Β  *Pushy* OH HOW I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It wasΒ fantastic, we were sitting at an awesome table with some incredible bloggers such as Kate (Vervixen) and we meet phenomenal authors! Among them were Lisa McMann, who was so awesome Β I totally fell in love with her! Kiera Cass who talked about The Selection and Michelle HodkinΒ Β and L.A. Weatherly – who was the cutest ever!

*Pushy* This was one of those moments as a blogger that was truly beyond compare.Β  Authors rotated in and out and not only were they supportive of what we did, they wanted to know how they could work with us, asked advice for how to best reach out to them, and just talked about how much they loved books too!Β  It was as if your best friends from school came by to chat…and they just happened to be super awesome authors!!!

Clearly, Pushy and me had lots of fun and we were happy we went – so of course we decided to go again this year too!!

BBC – 2012

Changes:

  • Moved from Friday to Monday –Β Β In our opinion this is even better, since we all get to know each other before the craziness of BEA and when we meet in line we might see alreadyΒ familiarΒ faces!Β  *Pushy* Also, by Friday, I was EXHAUSTED.Β  Monday will be better, because we’ll be so fresh!
  • Organization: BBC now officially belongs to BEA. Before it was organized by Bloggers (Galleycat) and after they realized that they won’t have time to organize it again, they sold it to BEA. I think it shows how much value Bloggers apparently have, I mean they areΒ organizingΒ a whole event for us! I am excited to see what changed and what they have in store for us!Β  *Pushy* I know there’s been some push back on the sale of the event, but I say the organizers of BEA know a good thing when they see it.Β  If it’s just one long day of marketing, no one will ever come back.Β  My hope is that they’ll have the kind of access to really grow this event into something even better than it was in previous years.

Panels:

You can see the whole schedule here, but we would love to pick out the highlights for you:

  • 8:45 – 9:45 am : Continental Networking Breakfast + Swag BagΒ Network with fellow bloggers and guest authors!

*Puhsy* Okay, hello?Β  You had me at pastries and swag, babe!

Some amazing authors will be there,Β Jenny HanΒ &Β Siobhan Vivian,Β Ally Condie,Β Marie Lu, Tricia RayburnΒ and many more! Β I’m super excited to meet maybe have a chance to chat with them, but also to see some fellow Bloggers who I haven’t seen the whole year!

  • 11:15 – 12:15 am :Β Blogging Today: What you need to know and what’s nextΒ Listen to a diverse panel of bloggers talk about the craft of blogging in today’s world and about what lies ahead.

*Pushy* Color me intrigued….

The afternoon has a very interesting Panel:

  • 12.30 – 13.30 : Let’s Talk Blogs! Networking LuncheonΒ Make New Friends:Β sit at tables identified by different genres and led by a blogging author from that genre (YA, SiFi, Romance, Literary Fiction)β€”you choose where you want to sit with those that want to talk about the same stuff you do!

*Pushy* So the question is, branch out to something new, or make new friends in your favorite genre???

  • 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Demystifying the Book Blogger & Publisher RelationshipΒ 

This is definitely I want to go and hear about! I’d love to hear about Publishers and how the see us and what they expect from us!

*Pushy* Who can say no to chatting up the publishers?Β  They bring us the books we love so much!Β  They’re always there for us when we’re desperate for a particular ARC to review.Β  Making that relationship stronger is a no-brainer!

So clearly, BBC is an event to network! Not only can you network with fellow bloggers, make new friends but also network with some authors and the publishers!

General Tips about Networking at BBC and BEA:

Have someΒ businessΒ cards ready.

I printed around 100 – which was way more than I needed and was totally Β fine last year. Β This year we even have our mailing address printed on it. Β We have been asked for our address so many time last year that we decided to put it on our cards this time.

Talk to the people around you when in line.

Obvious hu? But yes, just do this. If they are waiting in the same line like you, changes are high you maybe either know this blogger (just not her/his face) or they blog in the same genre and it would be great to check them out! Β Or they might be readers and love the same books! For instance, I met the mother of the a guy how does cover designs for HarperTeen.. I mean awesome much? Also, it was the most awesome thing when someone looks at your Badge and says: Oh hey, I know your Blog! So, even though you are at BEA with you friends, don’t be afraid to split up – it will be fun and you’ll meet some awesome people!

Talk to the Publisher, be nice respectful and leave your card.

You have to catch the right moment to get a nice chat with the publishers. For instance in the morning when everyone runs to grab the freshly disposed books (and I mean runningΒ literally...) this is not a good time. But there are times when they just stand at their booth, this is your time to go introduce yourself and ask if you could give them your cards. Often a conversation starts from there. And be patient, you will get your time! For instance we had a super nice conversation with two girls from Penguin. This was just right after a big event at their booth and they were so nice and giving us tons of books even though we didn’t even ask. It was just nice chatting with them. So don’t push yourself at them, there will be the perfect time and opening πŸ™‚

So that’s it for today! I hope we gave a nice overview of BBC and how to Network – which basically comes natural right?

Anything we missed? Anything you want to ask or add?Β Shoot!Β 

and… are you goingΒ meaning, are we going to see each other and Network at BBC :))?Β 


Much Love,

Other BEA2U posts and upcoming posts:

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27 Responses to “BEA2U – Book Blogger Conference and Social Networking”

  1. Great post as always! I need to sign up for BBC ASAP. What company/website did you use for your business cards?
    Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Manga Mondays (102): Skip Beat! vol. 4 by Yoshiki NakamuraMy Profile

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    Danny 5/15/2012

    Oh I’m glad you do Alison!! So we can meet already on Monday! So excited! I think it will be super fun and chatting with all the fellow bloggers and some awesome authors!!

    Glad you like my cards!!! They turned out so pretty! And i was sitting over them since forever lool!

    I used Overnight Prints they are really awesome and have super quality!
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Wrecked by Anna Davies – Review & GiveawayMy Profile

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  2. I’ve never been a fan of speed dating, but AUTHOR speed dating? LOL I love it!! x) When I first started blogging, I always thought that authors would always lurk around the blogosphere, but then I learned how busy they were and it kind of trumped that dream. So it’s so cool how these awesome authors took time out of their busy schedules to show how they actually really DO want to connect with bloggers more! I am touched :’)

    Awesome post, you guys! And ALSO: Your business cards are so WOW-worthy GORGEOUS! I wish I could be that design-talented! x) <3
    Mimi Valentine recently posted..Review: RevivedMy Profile

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    Danny 5/15/2012

    haha me neither and I was never on such a Speed Dating. But, Author Speed dating was phenomenal!!! It was so much fun and talking and chatting with those cutest as hell authors was one of my highlights!
    Although there was on author who was really rude – we were talking to Michelle Hodkin (because we loved her so much and we wanted to hear more and more) and she was just about to read her blurb to us when this author interrupted and said ” Can we talk about my book now? ” Seriously, we were all speechless and stunned.. Now I can totally laugh about this :))
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Wrecked by Anna Davies – Review & GiveawayMy Profile

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    Amanda @ Letters Inside Out 5/15/2012

    Awesome! That’s one of the few places I was wanting to try. Thanks!
    Amanda @ Letters Inside Out recently posted..Guest Post: Revived Playlist – Cat PatrickMy Profile

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  3. Your cards are gorgeous! What printing company did you use? I’m nosy. πŸ˜‰

    I’m needing to order some new ones myself.
    Amanda @ Letters Inside Out recently posted..Guest Post: Revived Playlist – Cat PatrickMy Profile

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    Danny 5/15/2012

    Of course!! I used Overnight Prints and they are awesome, super quality and fast!!!
    Overnight Prints Can totally recommend them!
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Wrecked by Anna Davies – Review & GiveawayMy Profile

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  4. Amazing post πŸ™‚ !!
    I absolutely love your business cards, they look gorgeous !!
    I can’t wait to read about your adventures at BEA next month girls !!
    Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote recently posted..Teaser Tuesday : Insurgent by Veronica Roth :My Profile

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    Danny 5/15/2012

    Thanks Sweetie!!!! I’m glad you love them! I was sitting and working on them since forever, because once they are ordered they are ordered.. I’m happy how they turned out :))
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Wrecked by Anna Davies – Review & GiveawayMy Profile

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  5. Super excited to go to this this year! WOO HOO!!! I’m going to be a hot mess since Melissa and I are flying in at the ass-crack of dawn, but I will be there with a ridiculous smile on my face ready to pounce on you all:) IT’S ALMOST TIME DANNY!!!!

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    Danny 5/15/2012

    I am soooo glad you decided to come to BBC!!!!! And you know, what you have to do the minute you arrive at the conference – look for me and then HUGFEST!!!!!

    Seriously, I’m soosoosososooooo giddy with excitement.. I can’t even sit still :))
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Wrecked by Anna Davies – Review & GiveawayMy Profile

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  6. I think it’s SO great there is something just for book bloggers. We do work hard and don’t get paid so it’s nice to get some validation, that we are worth something to them. It sounds so fun!

    I love those business cards! I have mini moo cards and love them but because they are small I think when you’re handing them out to people getting lots of cards they can get lost in the stack or dropped. I’ve heard overnight prints is great so I’ll have to check them out!
    Candace recently posted..Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh BardugoMy Profile

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    Danny 5/16/2012

    Yes – I really love this event and when I heard that BEA bought the rights for this event and decided to continue it even though the original organizer didn’t have time anymore I was super excited. Basically it shows their appreciation for us bloggers!

    Thanks Candace, they really turned out pretty and I’m a little proud of them :)) I was also looking at moo – they also have super awesome cards. What I liked here was the rounded corners and the quality. :))
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth – Character Interview & GiveawayMy Profile

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  7. I’m looking forward to going to BBC. Love your business cards; they are adorable. I just got mine printed a few weeks ago so I am all set. The only thing I have to worry about is fan-girling out about how awesome this all is or being too quiet because I am a bit shy. We will see how it goes. Can’t wait to meet you, guys! Hope to see you there!
    Gina recently posted..Fallen Book Discussion (Week 7)My Profile

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    Danny 5/16/2012

    Hehe Gina, don’t you worry about fangirling! Seriously, I know that I can also not hold myself when I will meet all those awesome bloggers and authors!
    And yes, it’s easy to be shy and overwhelmed, but I promise you this goes away super quick! πŸ™‚

    So excited to meet you gina!!!!
    Danny recently posted..Blog Tour: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth – Character Interview & GiveawayMy Profile

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  8. No BBC for me :*( Just BEA, next year? I am all over BBC!
    I am excited as the days are getting closer and closer! I signed up for a speed dating thing this year, but I think I wont be eligible if its only for BBC. I received an email and said to myself “why not? It sounds awesome!”
    I also signed up for the “Power Readers Breakfast” are you going to that too?
    If I see ya I’ll say “HEEEY GURRL” lolz..
    Cant wait to read more of your BEA/BBC posts πŸ™‚
    Francine recently posted..{Teaser Tuesdays}: Mirage & Open HeartMy Profile

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  9. Your business cards are so cute, and unique! I got a few bumble-y ones made up, I’m happy to hear that it’s okay too! Oh my, and I am so nervous and feeling so overwhelmed! I’m only going in for one day, Wednesday, so I’m hoping that it won’t be as crowded than it would earlier in the week – I don’t know where to start! lol!
    I hope to bump into you guys! Can’t wait πŸ™‚ and again, thanks for posting these tips! It does help to have a good idea as to what to expect, thanks so much!
    margie c {the bumble girl} recently posted..A Review: The Chaperone by Laura MoriartyMy Profile

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