Hi Cara,
Next week will be my third time attending YALC, so as some one that has a physical disability (Fibromyalgia and Ankylosing Spondylitis) as well as Anxiety. I thought I would share my tips for surviving YALC.
- Extra Help Pass
London film and Comic Con do an Extra help pass so you are more visible to the crew if you need more help. 19th July is the last day to pre register that you require additional help. But if you miss this, you can ask on the day. It just may take you a little longer to get into the convention. For more details visit the accessibility page https://www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com/index.php/yalc-accessibility
- Comfortable Shoes
Take in consideration your feet will swell as you will be on them for long periods of time. I wear trainers with memory form insoles.
- Portable Fan
It can get very hot inside the Olympia, so its very handy for keeping you cool. I also find the cold air helps when i am feeling overwhelmed. The fan i have is rechargeable so I don’t have to worry about batteries.
- Wheeled Suitcase
If you are taking and buying more books at YALC. This will save you having a bad back and sore shoulders. Also when standing in line it’s easy to learn against.
- Portable Charger
There are plug sockets available on the floor, but they are sort after. I find it easier to have a portable charger with me so I do not worry about anything running out.
- Twitter Notification
Publishers attending Twitter will announce giveway etc on their Twitter account. So having your notification set up is important so you don’t miss out. What I do is when the floor plan is released I note down the publishers and set notification up for them. I will do that the day before I go, but you could set this up in the morning before YALC starts.
- Food and Drink
You are allowed to bring in your own food and drink. They are places inside that you can purchase food from but they can be expensive. There is a Tesco express across the road so it a good place to pick up a couple of bit last minute. I would advise bring your own drinks so you can stay hydrated. Or remember to bring a bottle as Olympia twitter has confirmed that Crussh Juice Bar will refill bottle with water for free.
- Schedule
On the YALC website there is a schedule for each day, which show the author signing, the workshop, talks and agent area. Print them off and plan what you would like to do. I have things I want to do, and things i would like to do. So i no what I want to priorities and don’t feel guilty if I don’t do everything.
- Layout
YALC do a floor plan which is released closer to the event. I print it off so it easier to find the stalls I want to visit. It also locate toilets and the Exits. On the YALC floor there is a main toilet with several stalls. This is found on the back wall of the floor. The disabled toilet is near the lift next to the cloakroom.
- Books to sign
This year there is restrictions regarding the amount of books you can get sign by some of the authors. Keep an eye out on YALC social media pages for the most up to date information. Also thinks which books you really want signing as you will be taking them back and too, and you can spend a long time in lines waiting for the books to be signed.
- ARC/ Giveaways
Publishers give out advanced copy of books and giveaway existing books thought out the weekend. The publisher either announce what will be available that weekend via social media. Also @littlehux and @JennieLy are working with publishers to create a list which they believe will be up for Monday before YALC. This lists are so helpful, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out or lining up for a book you don’t want.
- Shopping
Some of the stall will take card payment but I find I find it easier to take cash and use that when ever possible. Olympia doe have cash machine but they tend to have lines. I also cant confirm if those machine charge you for taking money out.
- Medication
Time really fly by at YALC so I have an app on my phone that remind me to take my medication. If you take medication you can download apps or set it as a calendar reminder. As if you are like me and hate taking medication them late, as it mess up the rest of my medication schedule. Or make you iller it a life saver. I also bring a little first aid kit with me with plaster, blister plaster etc as I like to be prepared.
The main thing is to have fun and rest when you need to. Everyone there is so lovely friendly and there for the same reason the LOVE of books.
If you have any question or queries regarding YALC, leave me a comment or you can connect me on any or my social media accounts.
I will be there all weekend so come feel free to come over and have a chat.
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Thanks for reading,
