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International Reading Association
(IRA)
We arrived Saturday evening, May 3, after 12 hours of being stuck in two airports and two planes that had mechanical difficulties. I hate air travel 2008. We're staying at the Atlanta Hilton, which is downtown, across from the Peachtree Center. It has this amazing atrium with glass elevators that scare the willies out of me.
May 4
Got up “late” by local standards (9:30 EDT, 6:30 a.m. my time). A nice day. The place is filled with teachers and exhibitors. We walked over to the Peachtree Center, but the place was buttoned up tight. It’s been a while since I lived anywhere that Sunday meant anything at all was closed. Schlepped our suitcase full of equipment over to the Georgia World Congress Center via shuttle bus. This was ground zero for the big tornado that hit in mid-March - and they are still cleaning up. The Omni and the center were devastated. All the downtown streets are lined with scaffolding as the window glass from the skyscrapers is still raining down. But the show must go on, and so we walked past shuttered windows to the hall.
To give you the idea of scale, the exhibits from over 1000 companies cover approximately 500,000 square feet. The bigger booths can cover up to 5000. Pearson has 20,000 and is called “Pearsonville” (obviously they were the show sponsor). McGraw-Hill’s has a gigantic interactive amphitheater. Several vendors have structures 2 stories high. The Georgia World Congress Center, Building B is about 2 million square feet – 50 conference rooms will be in use at all times. It’s taking 16 hotels (actually 18 after the tornado destroyed the Omni) and 21 buses to serve all the attendees and exhibitors.
Vendors to the group include some of the largest educational publishers in the industry – Pearson, McGraw-Hill, etc. And many others one never hears about outside of this narrow range. Also heavily represented are the program vendors (computer and testing), as well as ancillary equipment sales. Beagle Bay acquired a “corner” booth – what actually was delivered was a three-sided (aisles on 3 sides) booth. Fortunately, we ordered 3 tables (2 6’ and a round 30”), so we were equipped. The booth is catty-corner from Wizards of the Coast (we’re the last people to understand that this group is owned by Hasbro) Hogwartian bookstore (see the BEA 2006 blog entry for Saturday on this same blog for a picture). We’re only 2 rows from the lunch area, which is great because people must pass by us to get there. The titles we’re showing (some of our own and some who signed up especially for this show) were roughly grouped into 4 categories, Reading (Dark Dreamweaver, Quest for the Other Kingdom, The Call to Shakabaz and Washoe Seasons of Life), Spanish (A Story for All Seasons, Comic Mnemonics), Science (Stationery Flight, Women Astronomers and I Sit and Stay (told you it was “rough”) and Teaching Skills (Drama in the Classroom, U.N.I.Q.U.E./Leadership Garden and If I'd Known Then…). Signs were created and bookmarks with a 50 word summary and age range were created. We made one more trip back to the hotel for more books and equipment and finished early enough for a walk-about of Atlanta’s downtown. For dinner, we went to Trader Vic’s in the Lower Level of the Atlanta Hilton. I had fabulous smoked salmon (top 10!) and Robin had a terrific rack of lamb. May 5, Opening Day
Ran into the show with minutes to spare (a combination of the always-late Simonds and a slow-to-launch shuttle). Set up quickly and were just in time for the 15 minute thunderous drum marching band that was only 2 aisles away. So even if we’d wanted to, we couldn’t talk to the early birds for the noise. We hear that Jamie Lee Curtis gave the keynote and was fabulous. The Workman rep across from us (who has never done this show before) tells me that his wife was baby Jamie Lee’s hospital nurse. “She wiped Jamie’s bottom!” You never know who knows whom. Our strategy for the show, in regards the books: we plan to feature 2 titles on the front round table for half a day each. In the main booth, we’ll move each book to different locations on a half day rotation (at the half way point of each day, all the books were moved to a new location – rather like the proverbial “Chinese Fire Drill”) in order to ensure that each book had “star time” and never got stuck in a “dead spot.”
The primary method we used to show the books, however, was to ask each IRA attendee who approached the booth what their function was (teacher or administrator) and what areas they served. From there, a few books were discussed. We used the teacher’s (or administrator’s) interest to guide us, but we also took certain leaps. We had previously read and studied each title, and could determine from things attendees said what might work, even if it wasn’t a 100% fit. Some surprising results occurred from this bit of stretching. The theme for the day seems to be ESOL/ELL teachers. Our Spanish books (Comic Mnemonics and A Story for All Seasons) are getting a lot of attention. As before (2004), most attendees we spoke to are elementary school teachers and consultants. But we are seeing administrators and high school teachers, too.
The booth across from us – Barron’s Children's Educational – is selling books for 50% off. You’d think he was selling water in the desert to thirsty people. When you think about how little these teachers make – and how little they are given for “outside resources” – it’s shocking how much they spend. We had originally thought to sell copies, but when we couldn’t acquire a temporary sales tax license, we decided to go the “flier and give-aways” route. When we hand teachers a book, they are astounded anyone would be so kind. “I’ll treasure this!” and “Seriously? I can just… have it?” Linda Settles of Edict House (Quest for the Other Kingdom) came by. She and her husband flew down from Richmond in a private plane (her husband flew them). They seemed very amazed by the venue and didn’t stay very long. The folks directly behind us have never done a trade show, let alone IRA. They are awestruck and confused. They plugged into our electrical tap and were gobsmacked that there was a charge for that. We offered to split the cost with them – and once again they were stunned their half would be $50. Very busy from 10:30 to about 2:30. [The folks behind us *really* don’t have a clue. They left at 3:15. Bad show form. Be present at opening; stay until close. These people are seriously NFL (Not For Long)] A bit of a rush 45 minutes before close at 5. So in the end, we were very tired and ready to go “home.” Awfully glad we sprang for the extra padding under the carpet in the booth (everything costs a mint at a show like this. A wastebasket was $35! We went without and visited the communal can twice daily). Our feet are *really* hurting from walking and standing all day! An amusing aside for those who have suffered through the long lines for the ladies' loo (how's that for alliteration!) at BEA's Javit's Center venue, The folks who run the Georgia World Congress Center went and changed half the men's bathrooms to ladies' rooms. Why? Teachers = women. Still. We saw maybe 6 men who weren't exhibitors all day. Robin is grumped because he has to trek across the building to find a bathroom. Went to dinner at Benihana. Table companions were 3 teachers from St. Petersburg, Florida and a local criminal judge (she had a great sense of humor). Straggled back to the hotel for early bedtime. May 6
The show starts at 9 a.m. I am not a morning person… and apparently neither is anyone else. Hardly any visitors until 10:30. And the folks in the booth behind us didn’t show up until 10 either. Frederick at the Barron’s booth is thinking about taking all their chairs and hiding them if they do this tomorrow. Of the predictable trade show swag – rulers, pens, posters, books, etc – the strangest is the “instant relic” vase. They’ve got happy teachers ensconced at tables merrily faux painting new vases to look old and then carting the boxes around the show floor… along with several bags of books etc. Talked to a woman who is teaching a Phi Beta Kappa regional leadership class and was wild about U.N.I.Q.U.E./Leadership Garden. She thinks she’ll be placing an order soon. Spoke to many teachers about I Sit and Stay. While they like the concept, they are unsure how to blend it into their curriculum. Finally, one teacher suggested the publisher contact the national PTA office and try to sell them the Sit and Stay kits for fund-raisers. While Robin was at lunch, the teachers from dinner last night showed up. I hooked them up with some freebies and they left happy.
Several literacy and reading consultants felt our books would be useful. Since No Child Left Behind (the number of anti NCLB t-shirts being sold here should tell you the general mood about the program) and Reading First (a study shows this program has had absolutely no effect on literacy) have emphasized testing and program teaching over content and reading for pleasure, so showing regular books to this crowd can be slightly daunting. They like books, but can’t use them. However, the coaches need them to snag the interest of kids who are left behind by all this teaching to the test. The Call to Shakabaz received loads of interest, since it involves all African American characters. A Story for All Seasons got interest for the same reason, for the Latino population. One teacher from Philadelphia was very excited at the idea of incorporating The Call to Shakabaz for two of his classes – which would be a 70 book order if he acts on it. The show closed at 4 (the neighboring booth cleared out at 3 again). Very tiring day. Had dinner at Steak and Ale and the waiter told me to go home and go to bed! Did I look that bad? Robin says, "Um, yes." May 7
Show started at 9 again. And again, things got off to a slow start. The neighbors behind us didn’t show up until 10:30. The number of men attendees is up considerably. We think there is 1 man for every 100 women here now. Had some very interesting talks with various people about some of the books. One principal of an elementary school in Rhode Island was simply fascinating in his innovative approach to becoming one with the community. Shows what money invested in education, teachers and good administrators can bring. He liked Washoe Seasons of Life and U.N.I.Q.U.E./Leadership Garden. RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) has a booth in the aisle behind us. No books. It seems to be about promoting some website. We’re not clear what the score is… and I have to admit disinterest. However, a woman who I know hasn’t been booth-sitting (they are all wearing polo shirts with logos. She was wearing a black skirt suit) came over. She indicated that RIF may be interested in buying a large quantity of Washoe Seasons of Life. I did not mention that we sent the book to the headquarters back in 2004 when it was published. Just keeping my fingers crossed we can close the deal. A 400 book deal would be most welcome! Had a sandwich at lunch that the bread was so stale I couldn’t bite through it. Chips were stale, too. Of course, I didn’t get a receipt, so I couldn’t demand a refund. Drama in the Classroom received a lot of interest today. Previously, teachers had laughed at the title and said they had enough of drama in the classroom to read about it. However, there was a session taught about “acting” vocabulary and the book covers vocab exercises (as well as math, science and many other topics for K – 8). Still more interest from reading coaches in The Call to Shakabaz. Woza Books should see a real spike in orders after the show. Dinner at Hard Rock Café. I always forget how loud it is there, and food so-so. Went back to the room to read and knock-off. May 8 – Last Day
Opened the show at 9 again. We were surprised that so many attendees were present. I know Alice Walker was giving the closing speech, but didn’t hear how it was. Apparently, there were no other classes today, so it was really busy. Since it is an international show, we see a lot of folks from all over. The person we talked to from farthest away was a woman who was teaching at the American School in Luxemburg. The contingent from Nassau, Bahamas were fascinated by Drama in the Classroom; as were the three from Puerto Rico. Actually, that seemed to be the book of the day. Reading coaches seemed to discover it today, as well. Talked to a bunch of administrators today. They all were excited about using U.N.I.Q.U.E./Leadership Garden and If I'd Known Then… as teacher development tools. One fellow was talking about acquiring 100 copies of U.N.I.Q.U.E./Leadership Garden for a teacher selection process. Last year, they used Covey’s book. Rather swiftly, it was 1 p.m. and time to pack up. [Robin and I had a bet that the people behind us would be gone by 12 or 12:30. They were gone by 12:15, but left their booth set-up. We’re not sure why. Did they plan to come back later?] We gave away our last books (to a literacy group) and stowed the gear in a suitcase. Everyone agreed it was a terrific show. Made a fast exit, as, if you’ve ever been at one of these things at tear-down, the exhibit people are ripping up the carpet literally under your feet. You don’t want to be in the building longer than you have to. Dinner at Jalepeno Charlie’s – a Mexican restaurant on the second floor with a patio. Food was decent, and the rain held off while we were there. May 9 Staying in Atlanta until Sunday, so had the day to ourselves. Slept late, shipped some stuff home, then went to the Georgia Aquarium. A very nice facility stuffed to the gills with school children (not having kids, I forget that Friday is field trip day). A really nifty place. It boasts the largest glass viewing wall in North America (there’s supposed to be a huge one in Barcelona). Beautiful whale sharks, beluga whales, my favorite otters (both sea and river) and penguins for Robin. Surprisingly good food at lunch. The place was put together primarily with money from the founder of Home Depot and they plan a huge expansion for 2010. The camera battery is low, so I will skip taking pictures today. Next went to CNN. The CNN Center was hit pretty hard by the tornado, but it’s still a rather amazing place. Trekked through the studios with yet another class. At least they were quiet. My grandfather, who started the first TV station in Kansas City, would have been astonished at such a place, with robotic cameras and 7 different news studios (CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espanol, CNN Radio, CNN Sports, CNN Airport News, CNN Headline News) and all the support staff that entails. Back to the hotel (we took a cab instead of walked this time) for a bit of a lie down, before heading out to “Fire of Brazil,” a Brazilian steakhouse restaurant we’ve been dying to try. May 10
Our favorite pieces were a small painting by John Singer Sergent of his cousin on the beach. They know it was extemporaneously painted because ~there is real beach sand in the paint!~ Also loved the painting by Samuel Morse (yes, the telegraph guy) of his young family. A very intimate and lively painting. One wonders what would have happened if he'd been a painter instead.
May 11 Woke up at 5 a.m. to catch the shuttle into the airport. We've heard the rain and thunder all night. But the TV now tells us there are tornadoes on the ground just south of us. GULP! A little worried. But we got to the airport and the storm moved southeast. A very nice trip to Denver. Ack! I forgot it was Mother's Day. Absolute panic has set in. Will call my mother and regale her with travel and hope that will suffice. Ack. Got to Reno fairly folded and stapled (and the landing made us wonder if we might end up mutilated). Happy to be home. The earthquakes seem to have stopped while we were gone. Downloaded pictures and sent out a report to the publishers and authors we represented at the show. My feet feel like semi-deflated soccer balls. Ow. We're pooped but pleased at the success of the show! NEXT YEAR We are planning on going to the Phoenix convention and are thinking about going to Minneapolis. We hope you will consider joining us. The three things we’re thinking about doing differently: In-booth
signings Please contact us if you are interested in exhibiting your title(s) with us next year. Back to
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Another
nice day. Got up late, then went to the 
Walked
through the Ashley Park neighborhood (which was charming) to the
Our favorite was the
Very,
very pooped. Went out to dinner at a contemporary Italian place called
Avio. Walking there, we saw at least 2 high schools' worth of
prom-goers. Dozens of limos and limo buses roamed the streets, stopping
to disgorge teen butterflies. Robin remarked that girls in gowns look 10
years older, but young guys in tuxes just look like little boys in
daddy's clothes. The kids were well-behaved dressed in their finery. And
the food was just fabulous. If I lived in Atlanta, Avio would have to
reserve a booth for me full time. 
