I am just cooling my traveling shoes from attending this year's Book Expo America in LA. It is THE annual event of booksellers, book publishers, book writers, and everything in between.

I signed some books and had a featured spot at The Morgan James Publishing Booth but there was so much more!

Though I had many folks give me good tips on how to make the most of this people-packed conference, some of the most powerful experiences bubbled up organically by my simply "showing up".

Here are some lessons that come to mind that might serve you the next time you attend your next __________ event:

Step One: Hold lightly the "deals" and the "check lists of booths to make it to" and the notion of "how to compete".

Step Two: Love the diversity that is inherent in such a large gathering. People can be strange when swept up into crowd mentality and God love us all!

Step Three: Soak up each and every new person who steps into your life!

A large event is simply a large way of connecting with more amazing people in the world!

Here are a few of my new favorite friends from my BEA adventure:

John Frances, PhD - author of Planetwalker, 22 Year of Walking, 17 Years of Silence, a Nautilus Book Award Winner and now published by National Geographic.

This amazing man and fabulous writer shares a story that will touch your heart, stir your soul, and call you into action in your own life.

Mary Marshall - author of Charm School for Guys, How to Lose the Fugly and Get Some Snugly. Mary is a fabulous woman who has a gift of translating info most any guy can benefit from into edgy, funny, to-the-point good reading! This book really is a one-of-a-kind.

Nancy Hopps, author of award-winning The Relax into Healing audio series. As an expert in mind-body health, Nancy has crafted products that support the listener in the deepest, most sacred way.

Nancy Mills, founder of TheSpiritedWoman.com network. Nancy bubbles with spirit and her online community is a place to be inspired, to explore, and to learn more about how to infuse your life with a more playful spirit!

Oh, and so many more!