Checklist for Ci First-Timers & Mentees

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A Checklist for Children’s Institute First-Timers and Mentees

 

For many first-timers — or even 10th-timers — the annual Children’s Institute can be an overwhelming maze of education sessions, publisher talks, author signings, and meet and greets. Here are a few reminders and tips to help you navigate Children’s Institute 2022:

 

Before you go, know what to expect at Ci10.
Explore our website and get information on health and safety procedures, accessibility, travel, and an overview of Ci10.
Note: Bring preferred masks, some areas will require wearing one.

 

Download the Children’s Institute app (coming early June) 
  • Create an account and log in to get the most out of the app
  • Stay on top of last-minute schedule changes and allow push notifications to get real-time alerts
  • Review the event schedule and session descriptions
  • Create personal agendas
  • Message fellow attendees
  • Share contact info
  • Explore a map of the hotel (there will be a paper copy in your welcome bag too!)
  • Check out the list of attending authors
  • Fill out those ever-important session evaluations

 

Bring business cards and/or one-sheets about your bookstore, plus a pen and paper.

 

Wear your badge at all times during the event. 
Listed on the bottom of the badge are table assignments for the Rep Picks Rotations and Buddies/Mentors. 

 

Take time each night to review your plans for the next day.

 

If scheduled plans change, inform your party or the ABA team.
If you have pre-registered for a session, made an appointment, or have an assignment and find that you cannot keep that obligation, do your best to let the person who is waiting for you know. If all else fails, flag down an ABA team member or email [email protected].
 
Plan to attend the First-Timer Orientation/Mentor Mentee Meet-Up on Monday, June 20, at 3:30 pm. Booksellers can meet fellow first-timers and get the scoop on how to best navigate Children’s Institute.
 
All buddies will sit together at assigned tables at the breakfast keynotes on Tuesday, June 21, and Wednesday, June 22. Otherwise, there is open seating at the keynote sessions; doors open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start.

 

Don’t miss our NPD Feature Talk and E-commerce Overview sessions
Get the latest on NPD BookScan data including key trends, an e-commerce market overview, and share assessments on consumer buying habits. Then, stick around for our Feature Talk Buzz Groups breakout discussions.

 

Attend Rep Picks Rotations
ABA aims to provide an interesting mix of publishers for attendees to meet with during the Rep Picks Rotations. As a courtesy to Children’s Institute’s publisher sponsors, booksellers are urged to remain for the entirety of the presentation on Tuesday, June 21, at 1:15 pm.

 

Set up your appointment with IndieCommerce
The IndieCommerce team will be available to speak with any bookseller interested in improving their bookstore’s online presence, whether they are a participating IndieCommerce store or not. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Fill out session evaluations through the Children’s Institute app
Session evaluations are one of the most important tools ABA has for making programming decisions. Booksellers are also encouraged to complete the overall Ci10 evaluation that will be emailed to attendees following the event.

 

Books in the Galley Room are there for the taking!
The Galley Room (open Tuesday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Wednesday from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm) is chock-full of the most exciting forthcoming titles for you to grab. Select titles in the galley room will also have QR codes that can be used to request copies to be sent directly to you after the event so you can save your luggage/shipping space! We ask attendees to take only one copy of each and, if a particular pile is getting low, please take just one to be shared among all store staff. 

 

Ship your galleys from Ci10 with FedEx instead of lugging them home. 
  • Bring pre-printed FedEx shipping labels to ease your way through the FedEx shipping desk. Not taking advantage of this ABA benefit?  Enroll before you go.
  • Pack carefully, FedEx is charging a $1 handling fee per box! Questions? Contact PartnerShip’s Harry Centa at 800-599-2902 x2242, or by email [email protected].

 

Make sure to network
According to Children’s Institute bookseller veterans, the opportunity to meet fellow booksellers is one of the most valuable parts of the event. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and be ready to exchange contact information. Swap business cards with everyone you meet; for easy reference and recall later, make a note on the card about what was discussed.

 

Finally: Pace yourself, wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water, and have fun!

 

Have questions? Email [email protected].

 

About ABA

American Booksellers Association is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. We provide members with education, networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and technology. In turn our members support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new voices; and contribute to the local economy. We feel honored to support them in their work.

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ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: [email protected]

 

 

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