First & foremost be ready to have fun!

Keep your expectations reasonable. It is unlikely you will meet every author or even all the authors you want.

Plan Ahead:

  • Review the full event schedule before you arrive. Knowing session times and signing windows help you make the most of every moment. Plan but don’t overschedule! Make time to meet new-to-you authors as well.

  • Arrive early for popular signings or panels. Early arrival often ensures a better place in line and minimizes wait time. Lines for certain authors can become over energetic comparable to airport boarding lines during the holidays. Plan for this, and brace yourself for the chaos.

  • Keep your phone charged for photos, digital tickets, and communications. Pack a portable charger if possible.

  • Bring the books you want signed, whether purchased at the event or from home. Confirm beforehand if there are limits on signed items.

  • Pack a neck-fan if you have one. They can be found on Amazon. Surrounding body heat and your own from walking around can fatigue you much faster. A neck-fan will help.

  • Pack a water bottle and a protein bar. Hydration and glucose are important. This is an exhaustive amount of walking so when you can utilize the elevators and escalator to move around. The venue it ADA compliant. If you see an open seat, take it. Your health matters.

  • Please plan ahead for any potential sensory issues including but not limited to: Lighting, sound and touch.

Mobility Support: 

  • Bring a wheeled cart. It’s a seemingly unnecessary but extremely necessary investment. Bonus if it has a lid that you can use as a quick seat. Totes and purses are great for hauling things, but books and swag get heavy and walking with it can cause shoulder, back etc pain. 

  • Wear comfortable shoes with arch support if you require it. This is a multi-floor event and there will be tons of walking. Comfortable shoes are a MUST! I know the cute shoes are always preferable but leave them in the suitcase for after the signing events or sight-seeing. 

Embrace The Community:

  • Make space for conversation and new friendships. Many attendees attend multiple events and return year after year. There is nothing better than a book bestie. So take a chance and make one!

  • Be courteous in lines and shared spaces. Respect the experience of fellow attendees, volunteers, and creators.

  • Participation beyond signing sessions, such as panels or social spaces, creates opportunities to connect with others and discover new authors. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to meet someone new to you. 

Meaningful & Fast-paced Signing Experience:

  • Understand that authors sign at different paces. Patience ensures a positive experience for everyone. Know your priorities going into the event. If it’s photos, get signed preorders. Ask for a pre-signed for sale copy. If it’s to ask questions about characters or upcoming books please try and limit it to no more than 3 questions. If you want a hug please make sure the attending in question is okay with physical touch. Please respect boundaries at all times.

  • If planning to meet several authors, consider what you most want from each interaction (e.g., a photo, a personalized message or to gush over your favorite character, etc.)

  • Keep questions or comments polite and meaningful yet concise so others also have time to engage. We all get excited to meet our favorite authors. But let’s be mindful of the line of people behind you also waiting to meet the author. And don’t forget there are many more who are waiting to meet you!

Navigation:

  • Familiarize yourself with the layout early in the day. Knowing where sessions, signing tables, and amenities are helps reduce stress.

  • Allow time for spontaneous discovery. Some attendees find new favorite authors by exploring rather than following a strict schedule.

  • Be mindful of walkways, aisles, and shared zones so everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.

Safety & Self-Care

  • Stay hydrated and take breaks. Setting aside time to rest helps you stay present throughout longer days. Attending a full day of panels and activities can be rewarding and tiring. We do not want you to overwhelm yourself or become sick. We will have a badge bedazzle station where you can sit and rest while bedazzling your keepsake badge.

  • Have essential items on hand such as water, snacks, neck fan, and comfortable footwear.

  • If you need assistance at any point, seek out a team member or volunteer; they are there to help.

Create Lasting Memories

  • Capture photos of moments and new connections, then use social media to share the experience. Make sure you tag your book besties (with consent) and the event always! Make your experience at Heathens & Heartbreakers both memorable and shareable.

  • Keep small souvenirs or notes to remember author interactions and special moments.

  • Post-event reflection helps you plan for an even better experience in future years.

Review & Feedback

  • After Heathens & Heartbreakers, provide feedback when prompted. Your insights are valuable in refining the convention experience.

  • Highlight what you enjoyed and where improvements could be considered for the next year.

Engagement & Community

  • Bring small items to trade. Readers often enjoy bringing small items like bookmarks, stickers, or friendship bracelets to trade with others, if this is your first event, or even if you’re a veteran eventer join in on this side quest of fun. It’s a great way to make a travel buddy for next year. 

  • Plan meet-ups and social mini-events. A great example is a group lunch or dinner where you put out an open invite to anyone who wants to join. This is a great way to make friends who are also attending the event.