If you’re like me and live relatively close to Columbus, Ohio and are not planning on going to the full RT Booklovers Convention (April 28th through May 2nd), the convention does offer day passes if you do want to go for just a day, plus there’s a couple of events that are open to the public. I’ll be honest, the prices are a little steep and they did turn me off of getting one for Saturday; however, if I had the chance to go on Wednesday, I would’ve gotten one. It all depends on which day you really want to go for.
That’s the thing though, if you’re only going for one day, which day is worth it? There are a ton of events going on and the schedule can be a little overwhelming for newbies like myself. If you want to go for the panel discussions, then I would suggest Wednesday since that has a lot of the UF/PNR themed discussions.
That’s the one thing you really have to figure out – look at the schedule and see if there is something you really want to go to. Like I said, the day passes are a little steep, but it can be totally worth it if you use them to their full potential – hit everything that is planned for that day since it’s all open (with a few exceptions or so I’m told). The pricing for each day is different, so that may be a factor as well. Here are the prices:
Wednesday Full Day Pass: $100.00
Thursday Full Day Pass: $175.00
Friday Full Day Pass: $175.00
Saturday Full Day Pass: $125.00
If you’re having the dilemma of finding a lot on the schedule that you want to do, which means possible getting a couple of day passes, the convention also offers three-day passes. If you wanted to go for the panels, Wednesday through Friday, a three-day pass would only be $325.00 instead of buying three separate passes for $450. If you wanted to go Friday through Sunday instead, a three-day pass would be $400. In my opinion, though, the weekend pass doesn’t seem like it would be worth it to me. There’s not a lot going on Sunday and the big events on Saturday are already open to the public. If you do want to purchase a day pass, it is recommended to do it sooner than the day of. This is mainly so the RT staff will know to have enough chairs for everyone, plus it’s an easy way for you to schedule what events you want to go to. You can purchase a day pass by calling 800-989-8816.
Yes! There are events open to the public and you don’t have to be attending the conference to go. On Friday (4p – 6p), there is a great e-book and independent book signing featuring authors from Carina Press, Circle of Seven Productions, Crescent Moon Press, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Loose Id, Samhain Publishing and Total-E-Bound Publishing. If you’re looking for a few new authors to check out, this would be an event to hit.
Friday, April 30th – MEET THE AUTHORS AT THE E-BOOK EXPO & INDY BOOK SIGNING: More than 100 e-book, small-press, comic, manga and graphic novel authors will be signing their latest books. We will have books for you to buy and e-publishers waiting to help you with your e-pub questions. Industry experts will be on hand to help with purchasing your downloads, find that book on-line or that publishing house you had questions about. Vendors/Publishers Hosted by: RT Book Reviews.
On Saturday (11a – 2p), there is the massive book fair (the one that made me give up a day of pampering so I could go) that includes over 300 authors who will be signing books for 3 hours.
Where can you meet your favorite authors, get your pic taken with them or a cover model, or get a sneak preview to what’s coming out in the wonderful world of women’s fiction? At the one and only RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair! Over 300 authors will autograph books, posters and bookmarks, and you can bring your favorite “keeper” books to have your fav author sign them!!
For those bringing collectibles and “keeper” books, we will clearly label the books for you, so as not to mistake them for new books!
This event is open to the public for a small fee of $5.00 at the door. All registered attendees will enter 15 minutes prior to the public opening.
The one thing to remember is to make sure you bring plenty of tote bags or a cart. We’re talking a lot of authors all in one place, so bring those books from home. If there’s an author that you want to meet there and don’t have a book, there will be booksellers on-site, so you may end up with even more books to bring home. Just remember to get your own books clearly labeled before going into the signing.
One more thing, I know a lot of authors put limits on how many books they’ll sign at store appearances (as a way of getting people through the line faster), so I don’t know if the convention has put a limit on the fair or not. One thing to remember, the more books you have one author sign means the less time you have to go hunt up other authors. My suggestion – I wouldn’t bring more than 1-2 books per author because you may end up with more once you get there. Plus, have you made a list of who you want to see? My list consists of over 40 authors. I have a feeling I’m going to be pushing it to get to see all of them within 3 hours.
Also on Saturday (5p – 7p) is the Mr. Romance Cover Model Competition and only costs $10 to get into.
Can there be that many gorgeous guys in one place? Who will the next Mr. Romance be? Come help us choose the lucky guy who will win a cover shoot with romance giant Dorchester Publishing.
Regardless of all of the events, just swinging by the hotel and loitering around the lobby may be worth the trip as well. There will be a ton of authors in attendance, so who knows who you will run into. That’s actually what I’m planning on doing on Saturday. Getting there early, hanging out in the hotel or the bar, hitting the book fair and finding the nerve to talk to anyone I can find. I know Angela from Dark Faerie Tales and Rayna from Naughty Editions are going to be there and I plan on finding them at some point.
So even if you can’t make it for the convention, there are still a few chances to run into your favorite authors.
The 27th annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention takes place Wednesday, April 28th – Sunday, May 2nd. Day passes are available to purchase by calling 800-989-8816 or walk-ins are welcome daily beginning at 8:30am at the Hyatt Regency, 350 N. High St. in Columbus. Go to the registration desk inside the Hyatt for convention check in.
