"... another factor is expectations, I think. Because the panels you're talking about seem to be "talks with awesome pretty famous YA writers"--"

Yes. That's a really good point. I think that's what makes the difference at the Festival, it was conceived more as an ode to books and authors and people who love books than a fan gathering of a genre.

"This is a little rambly"

oh please. i think i've written more in the comments of this post of yours that you wrote in the post. :)

" It's also great when there's a writer on the panel you haven't heard of and over the course of the panel you decide you have to find their work."

Yes, I've this happen a couple of times. Which reminds me, I really need to finish Skeleton Creek.....