I know, I know it was just two weeks ago that I set the goal for myself to attend the duration of BEA and hang out with my blogger friends. But guys, I think I need to reprioritize how best to spend my vacation time. I’m starting to feel like, BEA, been there done that. And what would I really gain by going for a second year in a row? More free books and some author elbow rubbing? Tired feet and a sore back from lugging around books and sleeping on my friends’ sofa bed? I was just a newbie blogger last year, so I did a ton of networking and I feel I really benefitted from that. But at this point, I’m thinking my readership is not going to vastly improve just by handing out cards to a slew of people who are also handing out cards. Yes, I could make more personal connections, and the swag is great. There’s also the issues of logistics and cost. New York City is not cheap, nor is BEA registration and all the additional add-ons.
But do I really need more books? Do I need to stand in long lines to get books signed? Do I need to spend 3 full days walking the expo floor? No. Would I feel like I was missing out if I didn’t go again? Probably. Would I have a ton of fun? Most certainly. But there will be other BEAs and I can live vicariously through my fellow bloggers and participate in Armchair BEA.
Most importantly, I think I would rather use that vacation time to head down to North Carolina and spend some time with The Mom and The Sis at the BEACH. The Hubs and I did not make a trip down there last year and The Mom and The Sis did not make it home for Christmas. I think I would rather have QT with my family. I know The Hubs would be greatly relieved by my decision not to go to NYC and would much rather be included in a fun beach-bound vacation.
I’m on the fence here, people! Tell me, fellow book nerds, what would you do in my situation? Is it really necessary to have a double-dose of BEA, or is it enough to have experienced it once? Are you planning on attending this year? If so, have you gone in the past?
Comments on: "To BEA or Not to BEA" (9)
I’d head to the beach. I think that is where your heart is telling you to go
Ditto, it sounds like the beach is calling you.
As a newbie blogger, I am considering attending this year. But I am wondering–do bloggers usually attend the entire BEA conference, or just the blogger part? What are the pros/cons to both options? It sounds like you attended the whole thing.
Kelly- the blogger conference was just ok, more for networking than content. I only spent 1 day in BEA floor last year, that was the funnest part. As a newbie, I would take advantage if as much as you can. It’s an amazing if overwhelming experience for a first timer. I just don’t think I have it in me to dead with all the logistics.
Jumping in here, but I went to BEA last year (first year & I’ve been blogging for 2+ yrs now) and I didn’t go to Blogger Con. I’m going to BEA this year and I’m (again) not going to Blogger Con.
Blogger Con is great for networking and learning how to better your blog and getting tips & tricks from people who have been doing this for awhile. Yes, last year got a bad rap but I truly think BEA heard all the complaints and has doubled its efforts to fix what went wrong. This year seems like it will be vastly better.
I considered going to blogger con, but just feel that it isn’t right for me. Plus, I only can financially spend so many nights in the city and I would rather be at BEA every day (where I was able to network) than miss a day of that.
Same here, I’m thinking the beach. From what you’ve said it sounds the best idea and a break with your family wouldn’t involve so many queues or standing
Go see the family. Much more important in the long run.
Beach…I had a great time last year for one day at the BEA, but do the beach.
Elizabeth
The only thing that makes BEA so much fun for me is that I go with my family. If I had to choose between BEA and my annual beach trip (with my family also), beach wins everytime because I see more family members.
BEA is awesome. It’s fun and exhilerating, but you said it yourself – you don’t need the books or the stress. If you find you missed going, then go back next year. It’ll be there again.
I will most likely be on the every-other-year plan. And it’s coming to Chicago in 2016!!!