Hey Everyone!
So summer is officially over, but the fun does not end! Love N. Vegas is making it’s annual appearance on October 27th-29th in Las Vegas! There will be author Meet and Greets, Opportunities to get NEW Releases, and even a Costume Contest – who could ask for more at a book convention?
In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought I’d take a moment to give you my…..
Top 5 Ways to Prepare For Your First Book Convention!
1. Plan, Research, and Organize!
Before you plan any trip abroad to a convention or even a state, the important thing is to have a PLAN! If you are planning on flying to attend the convention, there are exclusive deals for Vegas Hotels and Flight packages going on right now that you can plan ahead and research deals for Vegas Hotels and Flight packages! If you are driving and from out of town, I stock up on gas cards by buying them with my Kroger card and racking up my points so I can get discounts at the gas pump on top of using the gift cards.
After planning on either driving or flying and booking the hotel, I like to ORGANIZE the specific print outs of hotel reservations, plane and convention tickets (if digital tickets are not available), rental car information, and convention events info and place them all in one folder I can put in my carry on bag or purse. That way, you know all of your important information is in one place where you can instantly grab and pull out instead of being spread out in multiple places. Plus, you won’t have to keep peeking at your phone every few seconds to make sure the right apps are open and drain your battery.
Another thing I’d like to do is RESEARCH the surrounding areas around the hotel where you are staying and the convention area. Restaurants, stores, etc.. they will come in handy especially if you are traveling on a budget. If you can find coupons or special deals going on in those places, print out and store them in the folder as well.
2. Stock up on Snacks!
Let’s face it, we all get hungry and when we are on the run at a convention, the prices at the snack and food stands around can be a bit pricey. This is where our pre-planning comes in handy! Taking a short trip to the grocery store nearby and stocking your car and hotel mini-fridge with snacks and food will save you big bucks and keep you full on the go. Granola bars and mini-chip bags are life savers!
3. Costume Ideas!
Comic-Con is not the only convention you can show up as your favorite character! Get out of your comfort zone and let your imagination run free! (My Potterhead family, I’m looking at you) Since the majority of book conventions hold costume contests, the sky is the limit to what you can do. Even if you don’t want to sign up for the contest, dressing up is a fantastic way to connect with your fellow book lovers throughout your time at the convention.
I can’t tell you how many people I’ve connected with just by dressing up by my favorite character and vice versa. So what are you waiting for? Put on your robe, grab your wand, and make some magic with your costume! And if you’d rather be a Katniss Everdeen, Feyre Archeron, or other character – do it! Just remember to have fun!
4. Keep Your Black Marker Handy!
Whether you are meeting your favorite author or meeting a new one for the first time, ALWAYS have a black permanent marker handy. Some authors may have them at their tables to use to sign your books or bags, but there are times where they will run out or you may happen to bump into them. Behold the magic marker moment!
5. Pack Extra Mini-Tote Bags in One Bag!
Imagine if you are going to a library sale or a book sale. What do you usually bring? One tote bag? Two? A lot of times, there are many opportunities to purchase ARCs, books, or swag at book conventions. But if I don’t have enough bags to carry all my new “book children” I get super bummed. So, I found an alternative. I usually a couple totes into each other then fold them in half and place them to one side of the tote I will be carrying most of the day. That way you’ll have plenty of bags to use. Also during book conventions, there are some stations that will have tote bags filled with plenty of book swag to add to your collection! The extra bags will help you not have to place the other books you get into those special bags.
Summer may be over, but Love N. Vegas is on!
Check it out here and join in on this momentous occasion!
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What are your ways that you prep for a convention, book or otherwise?
What are your favorite memories?
If you could dress up and go as your favorite literature character, who would it be?
Let me know in the comments below!
Charmed Book Haven Reviews 