Convention season begins again
This weekend, I'm headed to the first of several events this year. Convention season always coincides with warm weather, luring those of us who have gone stir craze from hunkering inside our homes and offices into more big rooms filled with people offering to teach us or sell us something.
A few weeks ago, I went to Equine Affaire, as I do most years. I'm not a presenter nor a vendor there; I'm an attendee with a few dollars burning a hole in my pocket. I attend with the intention of buying stuff, not necessarily horse-related. It's a good time.
This coming weekend, I'll be at MARCON 27 (the 27th Multiple Alternate Realities Convention) held at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North in Columbus, Ohio. I attended as a vendor for the first time last year and, with this being the final year for MARCON, this will be the last time I attend.
Vendor participation at events has, for me, been hit or miss. Simple economics would suggest that on-site sales seldom covers expenses related to registration fees, hotel accommodations, meals, etc. Longtime veterans of such events claim that the ROI in vendor participation isn't in the sales, but in the personal rapport built with one's customers. For authors, it's a way to build a fan base.
I haven't noticed any uptick in book sales after an event, so my personal experience belies that claim. However, I do see the value in meeting potential (and actual) readers face to face, in engaging in conversation with them, in building that personal rapport. I may be deluded, but isn't that what networking is all about? Making those personal connections?
Last year, I augmented my wares by offering paintings as well as books. I started by offering my best friend a venue to sell her paintings, as she was gracious enough to dedicate her time to helping me staff my vendor booth. Her paintings went over well, so I decided to add mine.
At some events, I sell more paintings than books. I'm not entirely sure what that says about my books, but it is gratifying and does help to recoup my expenses which I will then (predictably) blow on buying jewelry.
Being a jewelry junkie, I don't have too many criteria for justifying a purchase beyond whether I like it. If it weren't for the hours I keep at these events, they might almost be considered mini-vacations. I always return exhausted, drained from being "on" all day.
Many authors are introverts; I'm no exception. I enjoy meeting people and talking about books (and paintings), but the constant socialization wears me out. I'm grateful to those who purchase my work and will never know quite how much their willingness to do so means to me. Writers and painters—if I'm any sort of example—are needy souls who desperately crave validation.
Conventions give us that opportunity to seek validation from people rather than unknown shoppers via the internet. My capacity for such intense interaction is limited, but I look forward to convention season all the same.
And this weekend? Join me at the 27th and final MARCON. It'll be fun.
#conventions #henhousepublishing #hollybargobooks