This year's BookExpo America feels fresher than usual.

The BEA hasn't been held in Washington, D.C., in 17 years, so there's plenty of new places to explore. The three-year-old Washington, D.C., Convention Center (which is 2.3 million square feet, making it the largest building in D.C.) is centrally located, just steps from historic museums, great restaurants and attractions.

Want to explore the D.C. area with other booksellers? The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) and industry sponsors will be offering two bus tours of the city, on Thursday and Saturday evenings, from 4-6:30 p.m. Both tours will originate and end at the convention center. Your $20 donation will benefit local literacy groups. Thursday's tour will will visit well-known monuments and buildings, including the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Union Station, the Smithsonian Institute Mall, the White House and the Old Executive Building. Saturday's tour will include the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Roosevelt Memorial.

Need an indoor haven during the trade show? The ABA/Book Sense Lounge (located in Room 151) offers Internet access, refreshments and demos of the new Above the Treeline software and the Book Sense Gift Card program. And don't forget about the Book Sense Autographing sessions held there. On Friday and Saturday, Book Sense authors will be available to sign their books and meet booksellers. An author schedule will be available in the Lounge during the show.

And don't miss Bob Newhart and Paula Poundstone's Saturday night benefit for the Book Industry Foundation.

Browse the links below for full PW coverage of BEA 2006.

"Galleys to Grab" points out the hottest advance copies, both adult and children's, and our "Exhibitor's Listing," will help you locate them. You can also find out what titles are being promoted at the booth, what giveaway goodies are being offered, and any special discounts available at the show.

For those BEA attendees new to Washington, DC, author Maureen Dowd weighs in with her unique take on her hometown. For another viewpoint on BEA, PW's Soapbox writer Jonny Geller ponders whether on BEA is good for the Jews.

Working the Floor: PW's Guide to BEA Exhibitors
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L
M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X, Y & Z

BEA's Convention & Education Schedule:. read on>>

The Rights Stuff
The International Rights Center at BEA. read on >>

Galleys to Grab
Our annual preview of the hottest giveaways at BEA. read on>>

Children's Galleys Up for Grabs
Publishers prime booksellers for the fall season. read on>>

Rep of the Year: Mark Gates. read on >>

Bookseller of the Year
Northshire Books. read on>>