This week I am attending BookExpo in New York City, a giant tradeshow for those working in publishing, held at the Javits Center.
I LOVE BookExpo. I love watching those who work in publishing grab galleys of books not out yet, with a gleeful look in their eyes. I love watching people stand on long lines to meet their favorite author. I love that you bump into authors constantly. I love that you see how the culture and commerce of the book industry tries to figure itself out, right before your eyes.
Here is my photo recap of the event so far, and I will try to illustrate some of the things you can do at BookExpo.
At BookExpo, you can… become completely overwhelmed even before you pick up your badge:
At BookExpo, you can… realize that all of publishing will fall apart if the new Malcolm Gladwell book doesn’t do well:
At BookExpo, you can… bump into Dr. Ruth:
At BookExpo, you can… meet the guy who illustrated the new Harry Potter covers:
At BookExpo, you can… see a completely unreasonable table for use at a tradeshow:
At BookExpo, you can… feel the difference between big publishers and the rest of us (hint: an extra 2 inches of padding under the carpet):
At BookExpo, you can… see how much “BEA loves Education”
At BookExpo, you can… pay $15 to eat this:
At BookExpo, you can… mingle in plush booths:
At BookExpo, you can… peek behind the curtain of private meetings at Random House:
At BookExpo, you can… be encouraged to take a nap on the floor:
At BookExpo, you can… feel bad for authors who have no line for autographs:
At BookExpo, you can… see Guy Kawasaki shoved into a small booth:
At BookExpo, you can… realize that you never – EVER – mess with Chuck Palahniuk:
At BookExpo, you can… also see Chuck Palahniuk shoved into a small glass interview booth:
At BookExpo, you can… see friends give wonderful presentations (hello Ryan Chapman and Ami Greko!):
At BookExpo, you can… go to parties with amazing views:
At BookExpo, you can… mingle:
At BookExpo, you can… mingle some more:
At BookExpo, you can… get a super secret map to Smurf Village!
All in all, a fully enjoyable event. Thanks to everyone who has made it possible!
-Dan