When I went, I bought no vodka.
Although I did have a friend with me who bought one right off of the signing table.
I simply waited in line, with the two items I brought to be signed
(my sun visor and the "BB Private" book).
When it was my/our turn, I walked up to the table, set the stuff down and he (DA) shook my hand, and snagged up the items to be signed.
I was also fortunate enough to be able to speak with him for at least a few mins. I explained that the visor came from my car that was out in front of the store, where I grew up, how I was able to catch some of the original filming of the movie, and a few other short topics... including the weather.
He said it was cool that I brought the car, but I believe he was even more genuinely excited to see the BB book.
I also found it cool that after all this time, he still knew exactly where Wauconda is (which lead to the discussion about the weather). It was even more cool for my friend, as he still lives there.
Afterward, I thanked him for his time and the fact that he was even doing these signings in the first place, and we went on our way.
There was one restriction placed on those who visited that day...
"No photos with Dan" was the announcement, by his handlers.
We were allowed to snap shots of him signing our stuff, which my friend did while I/ we were chatting with him, but we couldn't actually get a shot with him. Even though they announced it, we specifically asked while we were at the table, hoping to bend the rules, but were shot down.
It seems that the rules change with every venue as we've all seen photos that fans were able to take with him at signing events. I've even seen that some people were able to sit down with him and do short video interviews.
But, no such luck at our visit.
I've also read that at some signings there was a refusal to autograph anything other than vodka bottles.
Perhaps it has to do with the amount of people that show up and the time allotted for the visit (?)
My suggestion...
Bring what you want signed with you to the event.
But keep it simple, like one or two items instead of a whole stack of stuff.
DA made a comment to me that he feels nearly everything he signs will end up on eBay (I assured him that the two items he was signing for me would not go up for auction).
It seems pretty obvious that those who bring in a giant stack of glossy 8x10 photos, or other strange items... like a guitar for instance. (When did he ever play guitar?), have only one thing in mind... trying to sell them as soon as they leave the store.
When you get up to the table, set the stuff down and explain what the items are. The worst that could happen is that he/ they say "Sorry, I/ he can't sign them". If that happens, you could always grab a signed vodka bottle (There will be a stack of signed bottles right next to him on the table).
You could instead fill those few mins with a question or two,
a snapshot.. or maybe mention our board here
The instances of "Only bottles will be signed" seems like a rare occurrence. My bet is that you will have no trouble getting a couple BB items signed. But it doesn't hurt to be prepared... for either direction.