As we mentioned the other day, we are starting to line up the ducks and get ready for Book Expo America.

When: May 30 to June 1, 2013
Where: Jacob Javits Center in New York
Where Exactly: Booth #s 2767 and 2768

Veteran BEA attendees know that preparation is the key to making the most of the event. It is an unparalleled opportunity and you want to come off as a consummate professional!

There is a lot to prepare for, too. Not just the logistics of getting there and getting your badge, but what to do once you enter the Exhibit Hall with the other 20,430 attendees.

That’s where I come in. I am a seven-time veteran of Book Expo America. And I am still learning … I bring home some new idea every year. Then I pack it away and save it for spring!

The show changes every year, too. Book Expo America adds new events and platforms. My job is to make sure you are ready for anything.

I built our trade show webinar series not just to help you prepare for BEA, but to leverage the event to meet your goals.

• Some classes are specifically for Honorees attending Book Expo America for the first time.
• Some Webinars are refreshers for people who haven’t been to the event in a couple of years.
• Some classes are brand new.

ALL of the classes are action oriented. They are filled with practical ideas that you can apply right away. You’ll receive information about best practices and show etiquette for when you’re there, and expert advice on how to prepare.

Book Expo America Bootcamp the MCA Way

This year we will run four sessions of each of our Trade Show series webinars. For 2013 we are adding two new classes to the lineup. Read on for more details.

Passport to Learning holders can attend all sessions for free. Honorees who register for Book Expo America by March 20, 2013 will receive a Coupon Code to attend these classes for free.

Click on the class date to register for the class.

Early Bird Registrants and  Passport Holders receive the first pick of their class dates and times. You will receive an email with your Coupon Code. Do NOT register before you have that information.

On March 25, 2013 we will open registration to all interested Honorees and IBPA members.

NOTE: Only students registered to attend the classes will have access to the post-webinar recordings.

RoI: Are Industry Shows Really Worth the Expense?

“If I can’t sell my award-winning book or product, then why would I go?” It’s a great question … and one we are asked a lot. The short answer is: you can take orders. In this class, instructors and veteran show experts talk about ways to start making connections for long-term relationships and also about other things to do / look for at industry events.

• Monday, April 15 @ 3pm
• Thursday, April 25 @ 3pm

Rock Star Autograph & Demo Sessions

Three out of every four attendees take time to get a autographed copies of books or stop to see a product in action. These are opportunities to meet and grow your audience par excellence. In this one-hour session, get answers to your questions and get tips to help you make a great, lasting impression.

Instructors: Cathy Teets, President of Headline Books and Terry Doherty, MCA Director of New Media

Early Bird Price: Free. Non-Early Bird Price: $15 until 4/26. Price goes up to $20 on 4/27.

Dates & Times (all times EDT)

• Friday, April 12 @ 11am
• Tuesday, April 16 @ 1pm
• Monday, April 29 @ 2pm
• Monday, May 13 @ 3pm

Prepping for BEA (formerly BEA: What’s In It For Me?) 

This introductory class walks you through the basics of North America’s largest book publishing event. This is much more than an overview of Book Expo America. Learn best practices for preparation and on-the-ground opportunities, as well as what items to pack and how to make the most of your time in the Big Apple.

 

Instructor: Terry Doherty, Director of New Media

Early Bird Price: Free. Non-Early Bird Price: $15. Price goes up to $20 on 4/27.

Dates & Times (all times EDT)

• Friday, April 5 @ 2pm
• Tuesday, April 23 @ 11am
• Thursday, May 2 @ 1pm
• Wednesday, May 15 @ 2pm

NEW: Get Appy – Tradeshow Networking in a Digital Age

BEA is crowded, busy, and chaotic. You want to take advantage of every moment you’re there … and remember who you met when its done.

In this 1-hour class, learn about 10 Apps that can turn your smartphone or tablet into your BEA virtual assistant.

Instructor: Terry Doherty, Director of New Media

Early Bird Price: Free. Non-Early Bird Price: $15. On 4/27 the price goes up to $20.

Dates & Times (all times EDT)

• Monday, April 8 @ 2pm
• Friday, April 19 @ 3pm
• Wednesday, May 1 @ 3pm
• Thursday, May 16 @ 3pm

NEW! Start Spreading the News – Social Campaigning for BEA

Buzz doesn’t just happen … you’ve got to build it. Getting people excited in your work – and going into BEA with YOU already booked in t heir planner takes a plan.

In this 1-hour webinar, discover how to create a social media campaign to excite loyalists and new fans alike. The class includes live demonstrations, too.

Instructor: Terry Doherty, Director of New Media

Early Bird Price: Free. Non-Early Bird Price: $15. On 4/27 the price goes up to $20.

Dates & Times (all times EDT)

• Wednesday, April 10 @ 1pm
• Wednesday, April 24 @ 3pm
• Monday, April 22 @ 2pm
• Tuesday, April 30 @ 11 am

Don’t See a Class You Need?

Be sure to email me and I’ll see if we have information in the Academy Library that can help. Send your query to academy [at] momschoiceawards.com, and be sure to include BEA in the subject line.

Image Credits:
Buzz Button: NetAlloy on OpenClipArt.org
Smartphone and QR code: lbear on OpenClipArt.org
2012 BEA Show Floor: BookExpoAmerica.com Digital Press Room
Author Autographing, Booth visitors from Little Pickle Press: Mom’s Choice Awards.