BookCon is back and rolling into the Javits Center in New York City April 18-19, 2026. ReedPop retired the event during the COVID pandemic, so this will be the first in seven years. Much has changed since then, both in the bookish community and in the world at large, bringing changes and first-time con-goers.

Major events like BookCon can be overwhelming for everyone, but especially for those who haven’t experienced something on this level yet. There’s a vast difference between events like BookCon and general book conventions like Steamy Lit, RomanceCon, and Love Y’All. If you’ve been to one of those events, at least triple the crowd size. While an estimated 25,000 people is on the smaller side of ReedPop events, it’s still much larger than other book festivals.

As someone who attends 10-15 events a year, I’m here to help you set accurate expectations and plan your successful weekend.

What’s different from the last BookCon:

Since 2019, the Javits Center expanded the building itself, adding onto the north side. This newer area is where BookCon will be held instead of the building at large. At the time of this writing, there isn’t an event map available, so it’s unclear what all will be where, but based on room number assignments, we know they will be using all levels of that wing. The main stage is now on the 5th floor, so don’t head toward the Crystal Palace if you landed a coveted reservation.

Online reservations were a change from years past, and one that was a hot topic among attendees. This has become pretty standard practice at most large events in order to prevent stampedes and other unsafe situations that could lead to injuries. If you didn’t get a reservation for something you really wanted, there will be standby lines, so there is still some hope.

ReedPop launched their After Dark programming since 2019, so prepare to stay late. This includes events like the Fantasy Ball, which is currently listed as a first-come, first-served event. If that’s high on your to-do list, expect to spend a good chunk of your Saturday afternoon getting ready and waiting in that line. I’d recommend having a line buddy to alternate holding space and getting ready.

The number one thing to expect is this: BookCon will be overwhelming at some point. With thousands of attendees talking, large booths, bright lights, lots of colors, and occasionally music, plus a million things to do, it’s easy to feel anxious or stressed. BookCon does offer a quiet room, so if that’s something that will help you, make sure you get familiar with its location when it’s announced. Other recommendations would be getting some noise-dampening earplugs or something that helps you release nervous energy, like a fidget toy.

There is more than you can possibly see or do. With nearly 300 authors attending, publisher booths, panels, convention signings, in-booth signings, indie alley, vendors, and pesky human things like bathroom breaks and meals, doing it all is physically impossible. Pick your priorities before you get there, and limit those must-dos to 3-5 per day, but accept that they might not happen.

You can also expect the Javits to have a variety of temperatures, so dress in layers. It’s usually pretty toasty on the vendor floor and signing hall, but chilly in the panels. Even if you don’t plan to attend panels, I’d still recommend a light longsleeved option since you never know when they might discover air conditioning…

Best practices for having the best weekend:

1. Spreadsheets are your friend. Go through the schedule and add what you’re interested in to your own spreadsheet. There is a really great one that has all public information listed, but that isn’t always the best way to go. I recommend having access to that one in case you find yourself in a lull and need something to do, but definitely make your own.
   
   My method is putting all of my interests on a spreadsheet, but leaving the left column empty. Then I arrange them by order of priority. Don’t include so much information that you confuse or overwhelm yourself, but you want to have backup options in case you don’t get into your top choice. You never know what is going to be popular! I also color code each event by what it is (signing, giveaway, panel, etc.) and mark my top priorities.
   
   Ultimately, the best spreadsheet is what works for you. My husband prefers his schedule in a list form, so do what makes sense and is comfortable.
   
2. Be realistic with your schedule. When planning, include a buffer for getting around. Depending on where you’re going, it can take several minutes to get anywhere in the building, especially if you have to take high-traffic areas.
   
   It is possible to get multiple signatures in one timeslot, but it is a challenge. Sometimes, authors have really long lines, and if BookCon uses the chute system that ReedPop uses for NYCC, it’s difficult to line-hop. Also, authors do leave early from time to time, so don’t be surprised if you show up and the table is empty. Again, this is where those priorities come into play.
   
   Plan for meals. Include a block of time for exploring vendor booths and indie author tables. Trust me. If you don’t, there’s a good chance you’ll get distracted and forget. No one wants you hangry because you haven’t eaten in 8 hours.
   
3. Don’t get caught up in hype. It’s incredibly easy in this kind of environment to get in lines for things just because it’s there. I joke that the competitve spirit overtakes us in that building and we all go insane, but grabbing something you’ll never read means it’s not in the hands of someone who is truly excited for it. Focus on what actually interests you and you’ll be happier with how things go at the end of the day.
   
4. Expect to spend a lot of time in lines. Like, way more than you want to. If you’re like me and extra time on your feet is painful, I recommend packing a collapsible stool in your bag. It will save you. Also, expect long bathroom lines. Head that way long before it becomes an emergency.
   
5. While you’re in line, talk to people. You’re in the same line because you share an interest. There’s no easier way to make friends than to blabber on about random topics while you wait. Some of those connections could turn into life-long buddies or besties.
   
6. Pack light, but effectively. You’re going to have everything you take with you for hours, and that will weigh on your body, but you also don’t want to miss anything. My top things to have are: stool, mini fan, Ibuprofen, mini deodorant, hair tie, snacks, and a refillable water bottle.
   
7. Organize your books before you get to the event. Carts are not allowed on the vendor floor, but you can check them for a fee and access them for another fee throughout the day. With giveaways and signings, I group my books for signings in chunks and switch them out/drop off acquisitions at scheduled points. I don’t have the ability to carry a backpack since I usually have camera gear for interviews, so I have a tote bag of books for signings and an empty tote bag for goodies.
   
8. Budget BEFORE you arrive. Money flies fast when you are in the heat of the moment. Know your limits and stick to them. My personal strategy is to not buy anything on the first day, outside of an event pin. Look at all the options and decide what you really want, then go back for the top items.
   
9. Cell signal will be atrocious. The Javits is notorious for its horrible signal, so expect messages to be delayed. Getting on social media from the vendor area is difficult. If you need to make a call or check on something, head out to the lobby for better luck. BookCon says there will be wifi, but that’s also spotty at best during NYCC. If you’re with a group but plan to split up, agree on an exit strategy at the beginning of the day.
   
10. Be intentional about exploring. There are 280 authors coming to BookCon and you probably don’t know all of them. Go to a panel where you don’t know the writers and see if their work could be something that interests you. Be open to new genres, writers, and vibes. You never know what could become your next obsession.
    
11. Utilize standby lines if you didn’t get reservations.
    * Main Stage: Lines usually start at least 90 minutes before the panel time. At other events, ReedPop usually allows the VIP line first, then ADA, then GA with reservations, then opens it up to standby. They usually get a fair amount of standby guests in, especially now with the option to add a +1. There are a plethora of reasons why people miss, and I’ve seen many people make it in. Note: They will clear the main stage between all panels, so if you have reservations back-to-back, know that you’re likely going to be further from the stage in the second one.
    * Signings: Usually, staff has already alloted timing for standby lines. If there’s someone you really want a signature from but didn’t get a reservation, swing by and ask a volunteer or staff member what time they will allow the line to start. Everyone I’ve talked to thus far on the line team has been super helpful in directions and timing.
    * Most panels do not need a reservation, so take advantage of the great talks happening in other rooms when you can.
    
12. Follow publisher guidelines. Every booth will have different rules for their giveaways. Please follow them. If they say ‘don’t line up more than 20 minutes before’ a drop time, just don’t do it. I’ve seen people insist on getting in line because it’s close enough, then get skipped entirely when it’s go-time because they didn’t follow the rule. Staff is watching and they know when you’re not playing fair.
    
13. And on that note, for the love of all that’s good in the world, be kind to the staff. I do not care if they’ve told you to take a lap ten times because the line is currently capped or if you just want to be mad at someone from RP, JUST BE NICE. It’s not that hard and it will go a long way in making this an event worth having again. SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU. It really is that simple.
    
14. Read the fine print. When the publisher booth schedules hit, it will only add to the feeling of drinking from a fire hose. Please read their guidelines carefully. Some in-booth signings will include a free book, while others will require you to buy a book from that booth in order to join the line. Some require tickets that are handed out at various points of the day. Read their schedules carefully so you don’t end up missing out.
    
15. Plan ahead for heading home. I fly to a lot of events, so here’s my packing strategy: First of all, I put all my books in gallon zipper bags. It’s a cheap way to protect them and doesn’t take up too much space. I then put as many books in my carry-on as can fit since they don’t usually weigh those bags. Cloth suitcases work much better than hard shells because you can stack the books all the way through. I always test to make sure I can still overhead press the bag at least 5-10 times so I know I can get it in the bin unassisted. I’m too stubborn and rarely let my own husband do it for me, much less a stranger, but that’s just me. For checked bags, I’ll put a suitcase inside a suitcase so I’m only paying for one on the way there. This gives me two checked bags on the way home and plenty of room for all my new items.
    
16. Your attitude matters. I know there’s a lot of frustration and disappointment about the event already, but don’t let that ruin the whole experience. Dwelling on not getting a signature is only going to make you miserable, and no one wants to be around that vibe. Focus on the positives, which there will be many. At the end of the day, it’s just a bunch of paper.

If you have a question that I haven’t covered, drop a comment and I’ll do my best to get an answer for you.