Cindy and Lynn: Exhibit halls full of new books and publisher events make attendees giddy but they can strain the patience and goodwill of even the most generous publisher marketing rep. We’ve been regularly attending ALA’s Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences and a few Book Expo events since 2000 and we’ve seen some ugly behavior. In Seattle at Midwinter, this exchange was overheard as an attendee tried to take a hardcover book from a publisher’s booth display:
Attendee: Oh, my Grandson will love this book.
Publisher Rep: That is our only display copy, but it’s published now, and available for purchase at bookstores and online.
Attendee: Why would I buy a copy when I can get one here for free?
The reps have heard it all, we’re sure, but we were astonished. So here are a few tips. They probably won’t be seen by the right people, but you can help spread the word if you know someone who needs a dose of Miss Manners for Library Conferences.
- Advance Reader Copies (arcs) cost more to produce than a finished hardcover book. It’s a privilege to get one, and if you do, you should commit to reading it and promoting it if you find it worthy.
- The one who picks up the most arcs does not win. And taking handfuls of the same arc, not cool at all.
- Exhibit Hall guidelines prohibit wheeled carts. Leave them at home. Strollers and scooters are allowed as long as they are in use at all times (we don’t believe that means “in use” to haul your books and conference swag!)
- The Publisher booths should not be treated like the Hunger Games Cornucopia, although it would be fair to let the reps pick off the attendees who behave badly.
We’re sure you’ve experienced similar acts of greed and ill manners. Leave us a comment with the worst exhibit hall behavior you’ve seen. If you’re a publisher and want to remain anonymous, feel free to email one of us and we’ll add your story to the post while protecting the innocent. And, tune in after ALA for a follow-up post about what you can and cannot do with those treasured arcs you nabbed.
bookendsblog.net 
And please remember, when you get those arcs, you CANNOT add them to your collection. That’s a big ILLEGAL, but you would be surprised how many collections I have worked in, that have cataloged those arcs right along with purchase items.
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If an audio publisher is giving away freebies, it doesn’t mean you get one of each title. I actually saw ten single copies on a giveaway table, and one attendee was helping herself to one of each title, leaving the table empty. Aaaarrrggghhhh!!
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That’s what we’re talkin’ about! Thanks, Ann. We are eager to hear the stories…who else has one to share?–cd
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