I've never been to the ALA, but I was at BEA last year, which I gather is somewhat similar. The most popular things from the publisher (aside from books) were bottle-openers with the publisher's web address and logo, magnifying glasses with the same, and condom-pops (although that wouldn't work for your publisher). They also gave away lots of folders with information about the publisher and a catalog of titles in print. Other publishers seemed to be doing a brisk business giving away tote bags (especially the heavy ones with squared bases, that could hold books flat), posters, and buttons that lit up/blinked.
Just about everyone gave away pens. And candy. People took them, but did not seem to care about them. It was more of a hoarding instinct.
But having scheduled booksignings at the booth definitely created a steady flow of interest. Also, if you're having someone doing book signings who has multiple books in a series available, signing book #1 the first day, book #2 the second day, etc. will get more interest than signing all the books on all the days.
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ninetydegrees
no subject
2005-02-01 12:51 (UTC)Just about everyone gave away pens. And candy. People took them, but did not seem to care about them. It was more of a hoarding instinct.
But having scheduled booksignings at the booth definitely created a steady flow of interest. Also, if you're having someone doing book signings who has multiple books in a series available, signing book #1 the first day, book #2 the second day, etc. will get more interest than signing all the books on all the days.