I agree the exhibit hall around the book vendors is like a feeding frenzy particularly during the first two days. I’ve observed this at both my ALA attendances. It was even a joke among the exhibitors, as I commented one time the noticeable cooler room temp on the side where there were more software and furniture exhibits as opposed to publishers, and the exhibitor quipped that I could go back to the “other side” to warm up since there were so many more people over there. His joke was a poke of fun at the frenzy, and did not insult me in the least, for I knew he was spot on.

Not sure what the solution is, but as I said in FB, those exhibitors shoving bags in my hand is the ONLY reason I picked up a single book, cuz I knew going in I did not have money to ship them home and I was sticking to my “carry-on” rule. So though I thought – wow, cool, really i can have them free? – I also knew I would be giving them away before going home. I generally take pics of my conference swag, and the sheer fact that I did not take a pic of a single book (other than the Winkler book which I stood in line for as a favor to a friend) shows that the books, while nice, were not a big draw for my exhibit hall attendance. My lone book pic was of a book garnered in a session, and that session gave some EXCELLENT ideas for using it in a middle or high school program–so I kept it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/c_nelson/sets/72157630321950508/

It just reminds me of a candy trade show they have. Only people in the profession are allowed to attend to see the latest wares from the makers. While I think it would be really neat to go, I can see why they only allow professionals. If they allowed the public to attend for a fee, someone would GO WILD and/or bring tons of kids and it would turn into a FREE CANDY SHOW!!. With the rising price of books, I can see how the message of “Free books!” could overwhelm what the conference is supposed to be about. It is a professional conference where business is done, things are learned and publishers have a chance to reach out to lots of library staff. While my vote isn’t to bar all from going, I think a “non-professional” day would allow others to attend and even allow publishers to market things specifically towards the general public, including bloggers.

I think she will remain responsible for her actions. She’s an adult. She said on video that she knew she was behaving badly, yet she did it anyway. I don’t plan to put her in stocks on the public square, but I also don’t think her name should be expunged.