During the last few weeks, I've had the pleasure of attending two large book expos - the Book Expo America (BEA) and the American Library Association (ALA) convention.
I marvel at how these huge shows can be so organized - right down to the minute in terms of exhibit openings, seminars and author breakfasts. I went to quite a few exhibits and autograph signings at the BEA and the authors arrived on time and the signings went off without a hitch. The author breakfasts started on time even with some very well-known celebrities and authors and I found all the exhibits to be well organized and well staffed.
Yesterday, I attended the ALA Conference and, again, was so impressed with the exhibits, author signings and variety of seminars and conferences offered to attendees.
In early May I was able to tour a convention set up in progress and was amazed to see what the hall looked like only 24 hours before the beginning of the convention. Large electronic lifts in use throughout the hall, unpacked crates everywhere and people working all over the room. Nothing was ready - you couldn't even tell that there was going to be a convention the next day. Amazing.
I have to give credit to the companies that organize these conventions and to their hard-working employees. They are generally behind the scenes and don't get the recognition they deserve. So here's to you!
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