Slay Your First Book Convention

With the big Love N Books convention coming up some of you may be going, and this is your first convention. I wish I would have read a post about how to survive your first convention before I went to my first one. So friends, here is a list of things to keep in mind. Go by these guidelines and you will slay your first book convention like a pro!

Before You Go: 

Check out hotels and deals: I would do this as early as possibly. We waited last minute, and almost didn't get a room. The hotels nearest to the convention fill up quick. If you can get a room close to the convention do so. You can check out discounted Las Vegas hotel and flight deals here.

Map out your way to the convention: When you get your tickets you should get emails with more details. Once you find out where you are staying, map our your route to the convention. I know this sounds like overkill, but trust me it's worth it. You are going to be overwhelmed out of your element, make it easier on yourself by have a plan. 

Organize what panels you want to go to: Pick out the panels you want to go to the most. Have a game plan of who you want to see, and set alarms on your phone! This way you wont get caught up and forget the time and miss the panel you were looking forward to. 

See if you can bring your own books: This was my BIGGEST mistake! I cannot tell you how much money I had to fork up, because I didn't bring my own books. 

Have your books ready and posted notes already done. Make it easy on the authors and the people working the convention. Go ahead and PRINT your name on a posted note, and put the note on the title page inside the book. This way the author knows exactly how to spell your name. If you don't you take the chance of them writing your name wrong, and that would be a big bummer. 

Check the weather Know what the weather is going to be like. You don't want to be in a super cute outfit and it pour down rain, and you have to meet your favorite author looking like a wet rat. I know this sounds silly, but it's one thing people forget in the hustle and bustle of preparing. 

Make a packing list: Write out the outfits, books, accessories, and for the love of everything make sure you bring your hair heating tools! I forgot ALL of my hair heating tools, and I cannot tell you how bad my hair looked. You are taking pictures with your favorite authors, you want to look cute! I sadly did not. 

Have with you: 

Books and a crate! This is another BIG mistake I made. I didn't bring a crate. My poor husband had to carry all my books. I also couldn't get all the books I wanted. They had arcs, and I was so upset I couldn't get them all. I think this crate would be a great one. It holds up to 55 lbs, and we all know how heavy books can get. 

Do NOT forget your passes; When you leave your hotel make sure you have ALL your passes. 

Comfortable clothes: This is your time to fangirl and wear your book inspired outfits,but make sure it is comfy! You are going to be standing all day. Please please please wear comfortable shoes! 

Bring water and snacks if allowed: Every convention I have attended allowed food and snacks. I recommenced coffee, water, and prepackaged snacks. The last thing you want is to be hangry while meeting your favorite author. 

CASH!!!!!!  Some vendors will only accept cash so cash is a must! 

FULL BATTERY/BATTERY CHARGER You are going to be on Instagram, twitter, and Facebook posting all your pictures so that battery needs to be fully charged. If you have a portable charger BRING IT! The nice thing is they aren't very expensive. Between my husband and I we have a few. You can click here to see one that I recommend. 

Be Prepared: 

To wait in line; but be there early: Talk to people around you, bring something to pass the time, eat your snacks, take your pictures. Just be prepared to have ideas on how to pass the time. 

To meet friends you will stay in touch with: I will say that the waiting can be hard, but while waiting is where I met friends that I still talk to to this day. Take advantage of being in line with people that can relate to your excitement. Find out their favorite books, who they are there to see, if they have a blog you can follow, etc. 

To cry, sequel, fan girl, and to make lifelong memories: 

It's okay to fangirl. You are meeting some of your role models. You are going to sequel, get excited, and maybe cry, and that is okay. Just live in the moment. You are going to remember this day forever.  

Transportation: I know I touched on this earlier but please have a plan of transportation, and make sure you have enough money for it. 

Where to eat: You can look up places where to eat while in line. Fun fact, we ate close to the convention, and a lot of the authors did the same. That was super fun and exciting!

Now you are ready to slay this convention. Remember to have fun and try to not get stressed out. Go with the list above and everything will be great!