New Virtual Networking Event for Book Bloggers

by Donna Huber

I know many people were disappointed to learn that there would not be an Armchair Book Expo event this year. It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends. It also gave bloggers an opportunity to explore different topics and help each other out. It is the only blogging event I have done every year since I started Girl Who Reads. Because I found the event beneficial, I've decided to organize a similar, but smaller, event for this year.

I highly commend the volunteers that organized Armchair Book Expo every year. It was a grand event, but all the work that was needed to pull it off was enormous and I can see why they needed a break. I know I don't have the kind of time needed to organize an event on that scale. So things will be different, but I hope just as enjoyable.

What would this event look like 

It's still in the planning stages so I welcome any suggestions on what you would like to see.

I see keeping the daily topic(s) with link-up as that is probably the most beneficial part of the event - getting to know one another, seeing how others blog, offering tips and advice. I would also like to keep the Twitter parties as they are probably the most fun (volunteer moderators would be needed). I also would like to keep the Instagram Challenges as that helps up grow our network, but also helps others learn how to engage with our audiences on a different platform. Another possibility would be a Facebook event of some sort - maybe doing author/blogger takeovers.

I really want to focus on the networking aspect of the event.

While this event will continue to take place during Book Expo of America, there won't be as much of an emphasis on it. I think coordinating on-the-ground correspondents and such is too much work for me to take on. It was also the part of the event that I cared the least about.

Similarly, there won't be the big list of sponsors doing giveaways for the daily topics and such. While I loved getting the swag, I often felt bad when I didn't get around to reading the books I won. Also, the recruitment and organization that it takes to make sure everyone gets notified properly of prizes are more than I can take on. We will still do Giveaway Day in which individual blogs host their own giveaways. I encourage you to reach out to authors/publisher that you regularly work with to see if they will offer prizes for the giveaway on your own site.

What's Next?

First, mark your calendars for May 30 - June 2. Plan for daily topics on May 30, 31, and June 1 with June 2 being catch-up/wrap-up/giveaway day. Leave a comment below so I can gauge interest in this event.

Second, help spread the word. It's not strictly open to book bloggers, but authors, publishers, editors, cover designers, etc. who blog are also welcome to join the event. I think having a wide variety of people from the publishing industry will provide more diversity in the conversations.

Third, what are your thoughts and ideas? I need a name for the event - Book Blogger Expo? Leave comments below about what topics you would like to see covered, can you help with a Twitter party or Facebook takeover, is there some aspect of Armchair Book Expo that you would love to continue, etc.

Anyone have design skills they are willing to volunteer for making a logo for the event?

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Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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