As an ALA first timer, the exhibit hall might have been the highlight of my conference experience. I ignored all advice, and I took almost all the ARCs I could get my hands on, resulting in a collection of about 50 books. Some of my favorites include: All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart Swing It Sunny by Jennifer Holm There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins Warcross by Marie Lu I did follow some advice, and I packed an empty duffel inside my suitcase. That helped tremendously with getting everything home. I have some excited coworkers and patrons who will love these books! In addition to ARCs, the exhibit hall contained The Playground @ ALA, an amazing area where attendees could play with some of the latest technology. I experienced virtual reality with a real head set and…