We had so much fun at #BAM2021 that we can't stop talking about it! Read on to relive some awesome BAM memories and find links to panel recordings.
On April 10th, 2021, over 1,000 BAM attendees logged onto their computers and settled in for a day of books, art, and music. Our virtual format allowed us to reach book lovers from all over the world: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Great Britain, Norway, the Philippines, and even Romania!
We kicked off the day with a warm welcome from authors like James Ponti, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Jess Redman, Sarah Scheerger, and BAM's own debut author Samantha Mason. At 9 AM EST, the real fun began -- the first panels kicked off!
Throughout the day, we watched epic art battles, played games, engaged in important discussions about diversity and inclusion, learned about our author's writing processes, and, last but not least... we had fun! Thank you all for asking so many insightful questions along the way. Our authors loved getting to share their thoughts with you, and appreciated your enthusiasm at every panel.
For the first time, we hosted one-on-one virtual meet-and-greets for a few lucky BAM attendees. Nothing makes our authors happier than meeting fellow bookworms, and talking everything books! We hope you enjoyed the opportunity.
A few bright students even had the chance to win scholarships and an unparalleled chance to publish their own book. A big congratulations to the winners of BAM's first ever Poem & Essay Scholarship, Anden Toale, Aysel Elshenawy, Emma Guignardi, and Samantha Mason, and the winner of Stephen Kozan's writing workshop, Breanne Wright. We were blown away by your talent!
Still haven't had enough BAM? You can now watch ALL the panels from the event at this link. We hope you'll continue to learn and laugh as you make your way through our 40+ panels.
We're also excited to announce that over 100+ BAM attendees won exclusive giveaways! In the coming days, our lucky winners will be receiving bookplates, BAM merch, and everything in between.
Please help us in thanking our fabulous donors who make BAM possible. Without their help, BAM wouldn't be able to throw our annual festival and provide additional literacy experiences throughout the year. Thank you to these very special members of the BAM Fam.
Business and Organization Donors:
The Knight Foundation
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
The Itto A. Willits Charitable Foundation
The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Trust Fund
The Mandel Library
The Palm Beach County School District
The Palm Beach County Library System
Florida Power & Light
Individual Donors:
Sandy Rasmussen Mortimer
Teresa Rodrigues
James P. Cummings
Arturo Oliva
Leslie Salmon
Fred Salmon
Joseph Speicher
Helen Zientek
Sarah Merrill
Laura Conte
Chloe Lind
Dana Hermosa
Nicola Newton
Evan Blair
Nicole Machon
Meg Howard
Judith Mandell
Katie Alender
Amber Freeman
Peggy Castiglione
Stephen Kozan
Deb Svec
Christel McIntosh
Aziza Nazarova
Valerie Young-Baldwin
Ellen Hart
Tanya Palmer
Claudia Sanchez
Jeanne Siccone
Florence Simmons
BAM FAM, thank you again for all your love and support. We're so happy we could make the most of this year's virtual format, and reach book lovers across the globe. Stay tuned for news about next year's IN-PERSON festival! 2022 will be here before you know it.