Conferences aren't just a great place to get books signed by your favorite authors. They are also where book people can come together and talk about the growth (or lack thereof) of the industry. Where we need to evolve. Who is leading the charge. And so much more.

Until this year, I had never been to a book convention. I dived into the deep end and attended 4 between May and October. Here's what I've learned along the way.