Power Readers: Survival Guide

To help ensure your first visit to BEA is a good one, here are some tips for our Power Reader fans to help them survive and thrive during BEA!

Personal Comfort

Wear comfortable shoes that have a good sole preferably rubber based because you'll be walking and covering a lot of ground at the show.
Bring either a Camel-Bak or refillable water bottle to have on the go, all of that walking builds up quite a thirst!
Be sure to bring a backpack with two shoulder straps to carry any needed items as well as of the promo items given out by the exhibitors. Check back for a list of exhibitor giveaways.
Bring charger for your smartphones or camera to charge on-site.
Take a break every few hours to relax and calm down from the hustle and bustle of the Exhibit Floor and Autographing Area—visit the Food Court and grab a snack or bring a granola bar or power bar with you.
Go to bed early on Friday, May 31 so you will be bright eyed, well rested, and energized for a full Power Reader Day on Saturday, June 1.
Pack a light sweatshirt or sweater, running around the exhibit floor may make you hot, but once you enter a conference or leave the exhibit floor, you may get a bit chilly.

If you are staying in a hotel, familiarize yourself with local eateries as well as the best way to travel from the show to your hotel be that walking, bus, or taxi.
Familiarize yourself with the floor plan by accessing BEA Mobile at www.BEAmobile.com and downloading the app. Be sure to take notice of the bathrooms on every floor.
Use My BEA Show Planner to schedule the exhibitors you want to see and the events you want to attend in advance so you get the most out of your day. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the floor plan and take notice of the bathrooms on every floor. Get started today!

Always take note of where you enter the Javits—use something as a landmark so you know where to leave. During the day, take note of landmarks, booth, exit/entrance as points of reference so you'll always have your bearings in the convention center and on the crowded exhibit floor.
If you are going with friends, be sure to identify a central location to meet up if you are going to split up to experience BEA so you can meet up again at the end of the day.
Access BEA on Twitter to stay up to date on any announcements—@bookexpoamerica

Scope out the food court options for food allergies, budget, and acquired tastes.
Be sure to have breakfast before heading to the convention, even the smallest amount of food will give you hours of energy to carry you till lunch.
Be sure to grab lunch so you are energized for the afternoon.