The first time I went to BEA (then ABA) I remember two things clearly: feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and the publisher who reproduced the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in their booth. (I think it was Random House.)
This year I still felt overwhelmed but what struck me the most was how connected I felt to the publishing industry. As much as I like social media, and I believe in the power of the networks I’ve created, nothing beats “In Real Life.” I’m completely exhausted today but I loved being unable to walk more than 5 feet without stopping to chat with someone. That first year I really only knew my colleagues at BDD and it was great to see so many of them again this year along with so many people I’ve worked with or consider colleagues vis-à-vis Twitter.
The conversations I had were mostly upbeat. I love talking to people who have hopped to new roles which they are loving, or are super excited about an upcoming book, or new digital opportunities. The floor was jam packed both Tuesday and Wednesday. But on Thursday it was quiet even with the “General Public” wandering around in their bright green badges. I couldn’t help but imagine the public thinking that we were indeed a dying industry based solely upon the quiet aisles.
In addition to walking the floor, which reminds me I’m really looking forward to reading “Age of Miracles” and “The Twelve.” I went to a few educational sessions where I fed my brain with more nuggets on social, marketing, video, metadata. I couldn’t help but notice some new booths in “The Digital Zone” and some others which didn’t come back… we are indeed an industry in transition. I also was pleased to notice the physical integration of some digital partners into heart of the show area. I’m sure this is a financial decision on the cost of a booth but I’d like to think this is also a mind shift. I was very sorry to have missed the Stephen Cobert breakfast but I loved watching Patty Smith interview Neil Young!
And last but not least, I’ve worn many hats and I always find it fascinating to hear how former colleagues introduce me to new people. I’ve gotten <insert adjective> operational, sales, marketing </insert adjective>, but my new all time favorite was “she gets shit done.” Thank you Kim.