BEA and Chicago
Neither were what I was expecting. BEA is huge, with thousands of people wandering — some with agendas (get as many samples as possible, buy specific genres, avoid eye contact at all costs, etc.) and some just having a good time. I saw fellow blogger Evan briefly but then couldn’t find him again, saw a few celebrities, and helped friend and client Tim sell The Playmakers.
I liked Chicago more the longer I was there. At first, it was so shockingly different from New York that all I could do was draw comparisons; after a while, though, accepting it for what it is and enjoying what’s there was easy. The architecture is fantastic, the pizza out of this world (thanks for the Bacino’s tip, Peggy!!), and the June weather near-perfect.
Next year’s BEA is in New York. Almost a shame; will have to find another excuse to return to Chicago.…
Comments:
I was sad because it was so much smaller than it normally is. In years past it’s been on two floors. There weren’t as many good authors, freebies, or good deals. Plus, I’m bitter because the motor to my father’s electric wheelchair blew and it took us three hours to get him out to the car at which point a security officer harrassed me about what I was doing. I was wrestling with an electric wheelchair that weighed a little less than me - exactly what kind of mischief did it look as if I was up to? The horrible handicapped accessibility made the whole thing a nightmare.
I can’t wait till New York though - whoo!
That’s horrible about the wheelchair!! I wonder if there’s a maximum-IQ requirement in security jobs.…
I have to say that with no frame of reference (this was my first BEA), it seemed huge. A second floor, though — wow. There’s no way my feet would have held up!
Yeah, it’s actually very rare that I make it through the entire thing in one day and I did it this time EVERY day (that I was there. I had to leave before Sunday). Also, I wanted to meet you but I couldn’t remember what booth you said you’d be in. Before they’ve had an internet cafe and I planned on checking there. When they didn’t, I was just out of luck. Le sigh!