Friday, July 11, 2025

Discussion - BookCon is Back!

This Week's Topic

BookCon is Back!



I have to admit, I was over the moon when I received multiple notifications that BookCon has risen from the ashes and will return in 2026. I don't know about you, but I was excited by this news. 

I have a special place in my heart for BookCon. It was the first bookish event I ever attended. I know! What a way to start! I was overwhelmed by the number of book lovers in one place and by all the choices I had. It was never easy selecting which panels to attend, but it was also fun just walking the convention floor where I would see bloggers I followed and many authors as well. 

I had been to other conventions as well, but none compared to BookCon. Why is it so special to me? 
  • It was my first.
  • It's local for me. Other than the one year Javits was closed and the Con moved to Chicago, this event was right in my backyard. I could travel the 35 minutes by train and didn't have to be burdened by the cost of airfare or hotels. 
  • I feel like we get some of the best authors because of the location. 
  • It's HUGE! I cannot get over the number of readers who flock to this convention. 
  • The panels are always top notch. I sat in so many incredible panels and had an amazing time. 
  • You're in the city. There are other things to do when you leave (though you may be tired). 
I am not sure if I will be able to attend in 2026, but I sure would love to go to BookCon again. 

Now it's your turn!




Have you ever been to BookCon?
Let us know in the comments!

11 comments:

  1. I thought about going to one of these types of things but I'm not big on crowds so probably not. lol

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  2. So I have to admit that until another bookish friend told me that BookCon was back, I didn't even know it had gone away bwhaha. Oops? I actually hated BookCon when I went, I know, that is probably blasphemy, right? I went to the one at Javits, and then when it was in Chicago I was also in Chicago, but I was like... nah heh. So maybe I am unfairly harsh on it, but it was just incredibly overwhelming to me! I am more chill than I was back then though, so who knows, I would be open to giving it a go again. Maybe. But I definitely hope you get to go!

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    1. BookCon in Chicago was small. BEA was ok, but I thought BookCon there didn't compare to NYC. I think it depends on what you want from it. I love the panels and with the VIP pass, I was able to get into everything I wanted to see.

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  3. I've never been to BookCon but now I want to look into it more!

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    1. It's a fun reader event. It's HUGE, but there is a great energy.

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  4. Having been to so many conferences as a teacher, especially reading ones, I have never been to a "con" event and probably never will. But how exciting for those who enjoy them.

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    1. It's a fun time. So many readers and writers in one place.

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  5. I haven't been to a bookish event since grad school. I miss them. Maybe I should look into going.

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    1. It could be fun! But it's a trip for you. It's a day trip for me. A lot less expensive.

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  6. I felt the exact same way when I heard BookCon is coming back - I have SO many core memories from those cons!!

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