On Demand Education Sessions

1058 results. Results may be paginated. Select one or more topics and filter by tag, format, or conference to focus results. Some resources are visible only to logged-in, ABA bookseller members.

Powering Indies with Edelweiss Analytics

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
Edelweiss Analytics, a tool created uniquely for indie booksellers, allows you to easily manage your inventory by integrating POS data into Edelweiss to analyze your stock, view order & sales history, and access aggregate market data without missing a beat. Whether your store uses Square or a bookstore-specific POS system, this conversation is for you. An Edelweiss team member in collaboration with bookseller panelists will examine each tier of Edelweiss Analytics and explain the value of utilizing these tools for better collaboration with publishers, and for amplifying the power of the indie market as a whole. If you’re not currently signed up, remember Edelweiss Analytics’ base tier — Basecamp — is free for ABA members the first year so come check it out! If you’re already signed up, come hear best practices and ways to optimize it for your store.
 
Speakers
  • Jeanne Costello, Maria's Bookshop - Durango, CO
  • Jenny Cohen, Waucoma Bookstore - Hood River, OR
  • Dan Brewster, Prologue Bookshop - Columbus, OH
  • Nicolette Siclare, Edelweiss by Above the Treeline - Ann Arbor, MI
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Technology

Labor Trends in Retail

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
The world of work has changed. New worker expectations, growing labor movements, pandemic trauma, increased need for de-escalation skills, and pandemic-induced skill gaps are creating new challenges and opportunities for managers and frontline employees. In this session, hear from an expert on current labor trends to consider when hiring, developing, and supporting staff.
 
Speakers
Nicolas Williams, University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Strategies for Employee Retention

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
The heart of a bookstore is the bookseller in the stacks, on the floor, behind the counter, or in the back room. These are the dedicated professionals who create the welcoming environment your community experiences every day. How do you keep this team? This session will cover important factors that impact employee retention today. You will be asked to consider your store culture, the openness of store-wide communication, your diversity and inclusion efforts, and conditions around compensation, among other important factors that drive employee satisfaction and retention. Come prepared to listen, engage, and leave with the beginnings of an action plan.
 
Speakers
Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books - Millerton, NY
Jamie Thomas, Women & Children First - Chicago, IL
DJ Johnson, Baldwin & Co. - New Orleans, LA
Lyn Roberts, Square Books - Oxford, MS
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
 None

Getting Clarity: What Business Are You In?

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
The changing landscape of bookselling brings new challenges every day, and it is essential to learn how to respond without losing sight of your goals or purpose. Join Bonnie Wan, author of The Life Brief, for a workshop that creates space to declare your ambitions/focus for 2024 and design a brief for how you will achieve growth, engagement, and concentrate on what matters most deeply to you and your business.
 
Speakers
Bonnie Wan, author of The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living (available now from Simon Element)
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Culture of Bookselling
Tags:
 None

Increasing Sales With IndieCommerce 2.0

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
Channeling ten years of feedback from booksellers, IndieCommerce 2.0 is an entirely new platform built from the ground up with new features and a fresh new design. Learn how you can harness the power of IndieCommerce 2.0 in this panel discussion with three booksellers who are using the new platform. Each panelist will showcase their site and share their first hand experiences with the new platform. They will discuss strategies for effectively matching their IndieCommerce 2.0 site to their in-store business model, highlight their favorite new features, and offer tips and tricks for maximizing the potential of IndieCommerce 2.0.
 
Speakers
Geetha Nathan, ABA - IndieCommerce - White Plains, NY
Kazemde Ajamu, The Black Dot Cultural Center & Bookstore - Lithonia, GA
Steve Iwanski, Charter Books - Newport, RI
Sophie Nogar, Second Star to the Right - Denver, CO
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Web & eCommerce
Tags:
  • 101

Tracking ROI for Events

Recorded February 14, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
Although you may be creating events that look successful, your return on investment might not be. Come to this session to learn what information you should be tracking, how to track it, and how to analyze this data so you can evaluate whether or not an event is worth your staff’s time.
 
Speakers
Cindy Dach, Changing Hands Bookstore - Tempe, AZ
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Events

Leading Leaders: Developing Staff Leadership Skills

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Investing in the leadership skills of your staff has both short-term and long-term benefits, from building a better culture for your team to identifying potential successors when you retire. In this session, Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and the forthcoming Radical Respect, will teach you how to nurture staff into leadership roles, and evaluate the process for success!
 
Speakers
Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect : How to Work Together Better (On sale May 7, 2024 from St. Martin's Griffin)
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
 None

Making Numbers Count: Quantifying Success with KPIs

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
You’ve meticulously curated your inventory, designed the perfect displays, and developed an events program for your community — but how will you know if what you’re doing is working? Tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will give you the answer. KPIs are specific outcome-based targets that support your strategic plan and can be measured quantitatively, such as inventory turnover ratios, sales per square foot, and average transaction value. By the time you leave this session, you will: (1) understand the meaning and value of critical retail KPIs and how to track them, (2) understand how to compare your store’s KPIs against financial metrics found in the ABACUS report, and (3) be able to apply this data to create an improvement plan for at least one area of your store’s performance.
 
Speakers
Cynthia Compton, MacArthur Books - Carmel, IN
Melissa DeMotte, The Well Read Moose - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Candice Anderson, Tombolo Books - St. Petersburg, FL
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
  • Buying & Inventory Management
  • Financial Management
Tags:
 None

ipage® Fundamentals: How to Save Time, Order Strategically & More

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
Join Ingram for an informative workshop with ipage tips that can help you manage your account and store more efficiently. Whether you’re new to ipage or an experienced user, gain a clearer understanding of our platform’s full capabilities allowing you to spend less time navigating and more time selling. Learn about our streamlined stock box and cart, Direct-to-Home improvements, IPS publisher direct discounts and cart, and so much more!
 
Speakers
  • Johanna Hynes, Publishers Group West/ Two Rivers - Louisville, KY
  • Leslie Jobson, Ingram Content Group - La Vergne, TN
  • Marsha Wood, Ingram Content Group - La Vergne, TN
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Technology

Project Management for Booksellers

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
Keeping a bookstore running can feel like having too many tabs open in your brain at once. Luckily, there are project management tools and strategies that can help with that. In this presentation, booksellers who have cracked the code on project management will share the tools and strategies that have helped them set goals and timelines and stay organized with their short- and long-term projects. You’ll leave this session with a better understanding of effective project management, which tool or approach is right for you, and what your next steps are for getting started!
 
Speakers
Kirsten Hess, The End & Let's Play Books Bookstore(s) - Emmaus, PA
Angela Schwesnedl, Moon Palace Books - Minneapolis, MN
Rachel Watkins, Avid Bookshop - Athens, GA
Cori Theroux, The Green Dragon Bookstore - Fort Dodge, IA
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Batch for Books: The Easy Invoice Management Solution

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 
Every bookseller in the UK uses Batch to simplify their Accounts Payable and publisher invoice management and over 300 US booksellers (and growing!) are now using it. Come learn more about this free platform to:
  • Automatically and electronically organize publisher invoices to reduce paperwork and free up time.
  • Provide access to invoice information 24x7, enabling you to manage invoices when it’s most convenient for you.
  • Provide electronic invoices, allowing you to verify shipments and raise claims for damages or shortages at the point of delivery.
  • Allow payments to be prepared and remittances received and stored electronically.
  • Link with QuickBooks, enabling automated entry of invoice data directly into QuickBooks.
The more booksellers that sign up for Batch, the more publishers that will sign up! Saving everyone time and money.
 
Speakers
Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books - South Bend, IN
Kate Layte, Papercuts Bookshop - Boston, MA
Zachary Matelski, McLean and Eakin Booksellers - Petoskey, MI
Nathan Halter, Batch for Books - Hartford, CT
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Financial Management
Tags:
  • Technology

Banned Book Preparedness

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
This session presents practical ways to prepare to fight book bans before they come to your area. Staff from the American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE), ABA’s free expression initiative, will advise attendees on what they can do locally: how to engage with their community and local government, and what actions to take if attempted book bans do arrive. Presented by the ABA Children’s Group.
 
Speakers
Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop - Houston, TX
Leah Johnson, Loudmouth Books - Indianapolis, IN
Philomena Polefrone, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
Angela Cooper, ACLU of Kentucky - Louisville, KY
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Tags:
  • ABFE

Featured Talk: Beyond the Binary

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Contemporary fiction increasingly invites the reader to see race, gender, and sexuality not as binary identities, but as a vibrant spectrum of diversity. This year's new fiction is opening up space for new ideas about how we might expand our understanding of identity and what myriad of relational dynamics are possible beyond the normative concepts of race, gender, and sexuality. In this keynote panel, four authors share their thoughts and experiences writing for a world that has moved beyond the traditional binary definitions of identity and belonging.
 
Speakers
Miranda July, author of All Fours (On sale May 14, 2024 from Riverhead Books/Penguin Random House)
Danzy Senna, author of Colored Television (On sale September 3, 2024 from Riverhead Books/Penguin Random House)
LaDarrion Williams, author of Blood at the Root (On sale May 7, 2024 from Labyrinth Road/Penguin Random House)
Maysoon Zayid, author of Shiny Misfits: A Graphic Novel (On sale April 16, 2024 from Graphix/Scholastic)
Anton Bogomazov, Politics and Prose Bookstore - Washington, DC
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
The Indies Introduce program is about what independent booksellers do best: discovering exciting debut authors and sharing the best with readers across the country. Enjoy lunch while learning about the title selection process from the bookseller panelists who curated the Winter/Spring 2024 Indies Introduce list. Many of the Winter/Spring 2024 Indies Introduce debut authors will be present to read a short passage and answer a question posed by one of the bookseller panelists. Authors will be available to sign copies of their debut books following the presentation.
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Education for Authors: Best Practices for Bookstore Events

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Developed for author guests in the early stages of their writing careers, this panel features booksellers who have formulated best practices for creating events that benefit both stores and authors. This session will cover a number of issues, from author publicity to dealing with pre-event nerves.
 
Speakers
Paul Hanson, Village Books - Bellingham, WA
Linda Kass, Gramercy Books - Bexley, OH
Errol Anderson, Charis Books and More - Decatur, GA
Bunnie Hilliard, Brave + Kind Bookshop - Decatur, GA
Javier Ramirez, Exile in Bookville - Chicago, IL
 
Files & Links
 
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Mental Health First Aid

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Most of us know how to help when we see someone in cardiac arrest — we start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us might know how to respond when we see a customer having a panic attack, or if we are concerned that a co-worker shows signs of alcoholism. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems. It helps to improve understanding and provides an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. Rich Palmer, a certified MHFA instructor will provide an introduction to basic MHFA skills on how to navigate hard conversations, tackle stigma in the workplace, and address what resilience truly means – with strategies to alleviate burnout.
 
Speakers
Rich Palmer, Mental Health America of Northern KY and Southwest OH - Blue Ash, OH
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Starting a Worker Owned Co-op

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
According to the United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC), “Worker cooperatives are values-driven businesses that put worker and community benefit at the core of their purpose. Worker members…participate in the profits, oversight, and often management of the enterprise using democratic practices.” If you are interested in opening a worker-owned co-op bookstore or transitioning to one, this conversation is for you. In this session, a representative from USFWC will talk about the benefits of a worker-owned model as well as the drawbacks. They will review legalities of incorporation, decision making, financial operations, and more. Leave this session with the knowledge you need to evaluate if this shift is the right fit for you.
 
Speakers
Cullen Nawalkowsky, Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Baltimore, MD
Talia Whyte, Rozzie Bound Books - Boston, MA
Ellen Vera, Co-op Cincy - Cincinnati, OH
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Seasonal Buying: Calibrate for Success

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 

A well-planned seasonal inventory can result in big profits, while missing the mark can be a costly mistake. Buyers from a large urban store, a medium-sized store in a college town, and a bookmobile will discuss how they plan their seasonal inventory while keeping in mind store budgets, physical space, and more.
 
Speakers
Elese Stutts, Flyleaf Books - Chapel Hill, NC
Kim Brock, Joseph-Beth Booksellers - Cincinnati, OH
Zsamé Morgan, Babycake's Book Stack - Saint Paul, MN
Emily Schroen, Main Street Books - Saint Charles, MO
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101

Increasing Book Sales and Building Community Online

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 
This panel session, led by Andy Hunter of Bookshop.org, will feature a panel of booksellers discussing how they use digital platforms to sell books, build an online audience, and drive in-person and online sales. The panel will discuss selling with e-commerce, highlighting events and community through social media, reviewing and acting on website traffic to increase the visibility of your store with search engine optimization (SEO), and engaging customers through Edelweiss to create email marketing.
 
Speakers
Veronica Liu, Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria - New York, NY
Amanda Lepper, Dog-Eared Books - Ames, IA
Evisa Gallman, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books - Philadelphia, PA
Andy Hunter, Bookshop.org - Brooklyn, NY
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Beyond Allyship: Supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Staff Members

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 
Join this bookseller-led panel for a discussion on supporting trans and nonbinary staff and colleagues. With LGBTQIA2S+ (particularly trans) rights under constant siege, it is more important than ever to have procedures in place that protect our staff and colleagues. Panelists will discuss what active allyship means for all employees, and will review best practices for responding to anti-trans legislation and community hate.
 
 
Speakers
Gretchen Treu, A Room of One's Own Bookstore - Madison, WI
Kai Burner, Bookworm of Edwards - Edwards, CO
Linda Sherman-Nurick, Cellar Door Bookstore - Riverside, CA
Brein Lopez, Children's Book World - Los Angeles, CA
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • 101

Breakfast Keynote with Michele Norris: Race. Your Thoughts. Six Words. Please Send.

Recorded February 13, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Michele Norris is one of America’s most trusted voices in journalism, earning numerous honors over a long career, including Peabody, Emmy, Dupont, and Goldsmith awards.  As founding director of The Race Card Project, a Peabody Award–winning narrative archive where people around the world share their reflections on identity—in just six words, she ignited the conversation with the seemingly simple prompt: Race. Your Thoughts. Six Words. Please Send. The responses she received have been challenging and complicated, intimate and candid, revealing fear, pain, triumph, and humor. Her transformative new book, OUR HIDDEN CONVERSATIONS (Simon & Schuster) and her work with The Race Card Project reminds us that even during times of great division, honesty, grace, and a willing ear can provide a bridge toward understanding and maybe even empathy.
 
Speakers
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Your Store, Your Story: A StoryBrand Workshop

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Independent bookstores are unique — your story, history, values, causes, and specialties are what differentiate you from others. Your “About Us” section on your website should be unlike anyone else’s too! It’s the easiest way, and one of the most important ways, to promote your store. Join this workshop on how to shift from a generic description about community and curation to one that reflects your store’s personality, makes loyal customers, entices new customers, and helps ABA pitch your store to the media, publishers, and others.
 
Speakers
Matt Banker, Banker Creative - Saint Paul, MN
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Fly Like a Helicopter & Run like a Lemonade Stand

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
In this interactive session, as a follow-up to his morning keynote, James Rhee will lead a discussion on measurements and operational processes enhancing balance, agility, and goodwill as it relates to the business of life and the life of business.
 
Speakers
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Strategies for Direct Ordering

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
In an industry with such slim margins, direct ordering can make all the difference to your bookstore’s bottom line. In this session, Ted Hill of Pubnet/Pubeasy, Deidre Dumpson of Edelweiss, and a bookseller panelist will guide you through the key elements of creating a direct ordering strategy, and show you how to use Edelweiss to order frontlist and Pubnet/Pubeasy to order backlist directly from publishers and distributors. If you’re a new bookstore who has primarily sourced your inventory from wholesalers and are now looking to diversify your ordering, this session is for you! You’ll leave this session with the ability to: understand the importance of balanced ordering from both wholesalers and publishers; create a customized ordering strategy; leverage the technology of Edelweiss, Pubnet, and Pubeasy to streamline direct ordering; and build lasting publisher relationships.
 
Speakers
Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction - Greenville, SC
Ted Hill, Pubeasy & Pubnet - Brooklyn, NY
Alison Langlois, Edelweiss by Above the Treeline - Ann Arbor, MI
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101

Financial and Environmental Sustainability Through Used Books

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 
Used books can meet a variety of needs for you and your customers. They offer customers a deeper selection with more accessible pricing, they reduce your cost of goods, and they reduce your carbon footprint. This panel will feature experienced booksellers from used bookstores who understand the process of curating used books and will walk you through best practices for buying, pricing, managing, and marketing used books. Specifically, this panel is designed for booksellers from used bookstores or for stores that curate a used section.
 
Speakers
Danielle King, Left Bank Books - St. Louis, MO
Pete Mulvihill, Green Apple Books - San Francisco, CA
Amy Hall, Hudson Valley Books for Humanity - Ossining, NY
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Used Books

Lunch Keynote with William Ury: Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
How can we survive—and even thrive—in this age of conflict? Negotiation expert William Ury, coauthor of the best-selling Getting to YES, introduces a transformative mindset in his upcoming book, Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict (to be published by Harper Business on February 20, 2024). Drawing on 45 years of experience, Ury presents an actionable framework, a “Path to Possible”, for navigating conflicts of any scale—from boardroom battles to large-scale international conflict —by sharing a range of personal stories intermixed with practical takeaways. Whether you’re facing a family feud, a workplace dispute, or a political crisis, Possible will help you turn any challenge into an opportunity. Equal parts memoir, manual, and manifesto, Possible empowers us all to be “Possibilists”: those who believe in the human potential to transform today’s toughest conflicts creatively and constructively.
 
Speakers
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Writing Standard Operating Procedures

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
Clearly defined systems save time and mental energy and can set clear expectations for everyone on a team which means great (consistent!) results. These systems are the start of any training program and can even help improve employer/employee communication and increase sales! Sounds great, right? But where do we start with defining these systems? We start with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Join this session for practical education on writing and following SOPs for your store. Presented by ZingTrain.
 
Speakers
Arianna Téllez Léon, ZingTrain - Ann Arbor, MI
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Leverage Spreadsheets For Bookstore Success

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
During this session, we will explore various use cases and best practices for using spreadsheets in your bookstore. Whether you use Excel or Google Sheets, you will come away from this session with new ways to analyze, evaluate, and apply information. This session will provide an overview of the basics of spreadsheets and formulas, before delving into more advanced functionalities that are particularly useful for bookstores.
 
Speakers
Hannah Oliver Depp, Loyalty Bookstores - Washington, DC
Emma Kaas, The Norwich Bookstore - Norwich, VT
Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks - Winston-Salem, NC
Maddie Ciliotta-Young, Watchung Booksellers - Montclair, NJ
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Bookselling But Were Afraid to Ask

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
This information session hosted by the ABA team and your bookseller colleagues will answer questions like: What is Batch? What is license plate receiving? What are event grids? And more!  ABA will begin the discussion by reviewing industry opportunities you may not know about like RISE scholarships for booksellers and bookstore owners to visit international conferences and bookstores; Books Across Borders opportunities; the Professional Booksellers School; ABA opportunities like the Board, Nominating Committee, Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Indies Introduce, Education Task Force, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Booksellers Advisory Committee, ABA Children’s Group Advisory Council, etc. No question is too basic — come as you are and leave a little more enlightened!
 
Speakers
Christine Bollow, Loyalty Bookstores - Washington, DC
Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company - Seattle, WA
Camden Avery, Booksmith - San Francisco, CA
Ryan Quinn, American Booksellers Association
Joy Dallanegra-Sanger, American Booksellers Association
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Introduction to Book Fairs

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
 
In-person book fairs are a fantastic way to build relationships with your local schools and can be a profitable undertaking for a bookstore. If you’ve never done one before, knowing how to start is the first step to success. This session is for bookstores that are new to book fairs and will feature booksellers with established relationships with their local school districts. They will present how to build a realistic timeline for a book fair, manage people’s expectations based on a school’s needs, and create a checklist to ensure your fair goes off without a hitch. Presented by the ABA Children’s Group.
 
Speakers
Molly Olivo, Child’s Play - Washington, DC
Rebecca Crosswhite, Rediscovered Books - Boise, ID
Holly Weinkauf, Red Balloon Bookshop - Saint Paul, MN
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

The New Marketing and Media Strategy

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024

 
Description
The media landscape and consumer reading and listening habits have changed considerably in recent years. We have witnessed the growth of new and existing social media channels and many traditional media outlets have disappeared or reduced coverage and content. What are the most effective channels for bookstores to reach their customers, market to new customers, and engage with their community? This session will break this down, answer your questions, and provide some guiding principles to help you make the right choices for your store.
 
Speakers
Kassie King, The Novel Neighbor - Webster Groves, MO
Cris Siqueira, Lions Tooth - Milwaukee, WI
Kalli King, Rediscovered Books - Boise, ID
Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY - Tysons, VA
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Events & Marketing
Tags:
  • 101

Opening Keynote with James Rhee: Goodwill Found. Goodwill Measured

Recorded February 12, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Using his seven years as the unlikely and heralded Chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart, a business with deep roots in Black American communities, as the basis for his narrative, James Rhee weaves together a tapestry of ideas including humanism, neuroscience, race, economics, and capitalism to paint a picture of what is possible through the mutually reinforcing forces of kindness, math, and goodwill. His book, red helicopter, empowers readers to lead change in business and in life. As all booksellers know, what we read shapes our society, and James offers a simple path to a world that is at once kinder and more successful. As a long-time private equity investor, an educator as the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University and Senior Lecture at MIT Sloan School of Management, and student of life, James implicitly and explicitly makes the case for a set of measurements that captures and scales what’s best in us. It is there, alongside a few financial and accounting formulas, where life, money, and joy can be valued.
 
Speaker
Files & Links
 
 
 

Topics:
  • Financial Management
Tags:
 None

Introduction to Open Book Management

Recorded February 11, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
A radical approach to running a business, Open Book Management empowers everyone in an organization to actively participate in tracking metrics that directly contribute to business success. By tracking key numbers and learning the story behind the scoreboard results, employees get a real sense of how they directly impact the success of the business. Explore what Open Book Management is, why it works, and what it looks like in the day-to-day of your store. Presented by ZingTrain.
 
Speakers
Elnian Gilbert, ZingTrain - Ann Arbor, MI
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Human Resources Essentials for the Bookstore

Recorded February 11, 2024 for Winter Institute 2024
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Description
It’s critical that owners and managers understand Human Resources (HR) practices. This three-hour seminar will be divided into three 45-minute segments with a ten minute break between each segment. In segment one, booksellers will receive a foundational understanding of what HR is, what it is not, and clarity on federal HR rules and regulations that are in place to protect a business. Segment two will provide booksellers with more specifics on HR hot-topics in the small business space including onboarding, employee record keeping, termination, communication and more. The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion with plenty of room for Q&A.
 
Speakers
Randy Egolf, Joseph-Beth Booksellers - Cincinnati, OH
Chonteau McElvin, Spiral Circle - Orlando, FL
Eileen McCormick, Green Apple Books - San Francisco, CA
Martin Patrick, GTM HR Consulting - Clifton Park, NY
 
Files & Links
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

New Member Series- Store Ownership 101

Recorded February 6, 2024 for New Member Series
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This session will provide new and prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. New and new-ish members are welcome.

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded February 6, 2024 for New Member Series

This session will provide new and prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. New and new-ish members are welcome.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon New Member Series: Store Ownership 101-Chat9.21 KB
Plain text icon New Member Series: Store Ownership 101-Transcipt76.33 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

New Member Series-Intro to ABA Benefits

Recorded January 30, 2024 for New Member Series
Watch video from this event.M

The first part of this series will offer a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation will look at the member dashboard, education resources, networking & community, business affinity partnerships, marketing, advocacy, and much more. The end of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded January 30, 2024 for New Member Series

The first part of this series will offer a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation will look at the member dashboard, education resources, networking & community, business affinity partnerships, marketing, advocacy, and much more. The end of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon Chat4.86 KB
Plain text icon Transcript68.1 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Lightning Talk - Laura DeLaney of Rediscovered Books (Boise, ID) on Testifying In Committee

Recorded January 11, 2024 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On January 11, 2024, Laura DeLaney of Rediscovered Books (Boise, ID) on Testifying In Committee.

Topics:
  • Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Tags:
 None

Lightning Talk - Kelsy April of Bank Square Books (Mystic, CT) on Bringing Winter Institute Back to Your Staff

Recorded January 11, 2024 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On January 11, 2024, Kelsy April of Bank Square Books (Mystic, CT) on Bringing Winter Institute Back to Your Staff.

 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Lightning Talk - Emma Kaas (Norwich Bookstore) on Taking Annual Inventory

Recorded January 11, 2024 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On January 11, 2024, Emma Kaas (Norwich Bookstore) discussed Taking Annual Inventory.

Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
 None

This is a Fire Drill: Preparing for and Avoiding Crises

Recorded November 9, 2023 for Regional Conferences
Join ABA Director of Education, Kim Hooyboer, as we review some of the top crises stores have experienced this past year. From cybersecurity threats to a car driving into the store, we will provide resources and tips to prepare for and, when possible, avoid these crises at your store. Topics will include: fire, flood, and natural disasters; protesters, break-ins, and ransomware, credit card fraud, and more. Throughout the session, we’ll explore ways to respond to these crises, prioritize employee communication, and mitigate the risk of these events occurring at your store. Think of this session as insurance and take this time to invest in protecting your business.
 
The session guide and accompanying templates can be found in the ABA Bookstore Resource Library.
 
 
This is a Fire Drill was presented at the Fall 2023 Regional Shows.

 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
 None

ABA New Member Series: Store Ownership 101

Recorded November 7, 2023 for New Member Series
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This session will provide new & prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. New and new-ish members are welcome!

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded November 7, 2023 for New Member Series

This session will provide new & prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. New and new-ish members are welcome!

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon ABA New Member Series: Store Ownership 101-Chat7.82 KB
Plain text icon ABA New Member Series: Store Ownership 101-Transcipt67.08 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
  • Owners and Managers

New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits Q4

Recorded October 31, 2023 for New Member Series
Watch video from this event.M

Our New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits includes a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation looks at education resources, networking and community, business affinity partnerships, indie marketing, advocacy, and much more. The second half of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording. Please see the most recent coffee break and/or the daily email update for the most current information.

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded October 31, 2023 for New Member Series

Our New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits includes a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation looks at education resources, networking and community, business affinity partnerships, indie marketing, advocacy, and much more. The second half of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording. Please see the most recent coffee break and/or the daily email update for the most current information.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon Chat Copy2.8 KB
Plain text icon Transcript57.39 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Lightning Talk - Chelsia Rice (Montana Book Company) on Hosting Drag Story Hour

Recorded October 12, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On October 12, 2023, Chelsia Rice (Montana Book Company) discussed Hosting Drag Story Hour.
 
Referenced Resources: ABA's Right to Read Toolkit
 
Topics:
  • Events & Marketing
Tags:
  • Diversity & Inclusion

Lightning Talk - Clark Mason (Vroman's Bookstore) on eCommerce Fraud Protection

Recorded October 12, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On October 12, 2023, Clark Mason (Vroman's Bookstore) discussed eCommerce Fraud Protection.
 
Topics:
  • Web & eCommerce
Tags:
  • Technology

Lightning Talk - Lane Jacobson (Paulina Springs Books) on Employee Retention

Recorded October 12, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On October 12, 2023, Lane Jacobson (Paulina Springs Books) discussed Employee Retention.

 

Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Virtual Bookstore Tour - Brain Lair Books (South Bend, IN)

Recorded September 14, 2023 for Virtual Bookstore Tours
Bookstore tours are always a highlight of ABA’s in-person institutes, and now you can join in on the fun from the comfort of your home (or bookstore!). These tours will offer booksellers the opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain to see how other stores set up their spaces. On September 14, 2023, Kathy Burnette took us on a tour of Brain Lair Books (South Bend, IN). 
 
 
 
We look forward to touring a variety of store models, from traditional to pop-up to mobile, urban to rural, and all across the country. Email [email protected] to submit a proposal for your store!
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Virtual Bookstore Tour - Little Shop of Stories (Decatur, GA)

Recorded September 14, 2023 for Virtual Bookstore Tours
Bookstore tours are always a highlight of ABA’s in-person institutes, and now you can join in on the fun from the comfort of your home (or bookstore!). These tours will offer booksellers the opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain to see how other stores set up their spaces. On September 14, 2023, Hannah Hyde took us on a tour of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA. 
 
 
 
We look forward to touring a variety of store models, from traditional to pop-up to mobile, urban to rural, and all across the country. Email [email protected] to submit a proposal for your store!
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Lightning Talk - Zsamé Morgan (Babycake's Book Stack) on Mobile Bookstores

Recorded August 10, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On August 10, 2023, Zsamé Morgan (Babycake's Book Stack) discussed Weekly Events Inventory Curation in Niche Model Bookstores.

 

Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Novel Models

Lightning Talk - Dick Hermans of Oblong Books (Millerton & Rhinebeck, NY) on Music Retailing

Recorded August 10, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On August 10, 2023, Dick Hermans of Oblong Books (Millerton & Rhinebeck, NY) discussed Music Retailing.

 

Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
 None

Lightning Talk - Cynthia Compton of 4 Kids Books & Toys (Zionsville, IN) on Podium

Recorded August 10, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On August 10, 2023, Cynthia Compton of 4 Kids Books & Toys (Zionsville, IN) discussed Podium.

 

Topics:
  • Web & eCommerce
Tags:
 None

New Member Series: Store Ownership 101 - Q3

Recorded August 8, 2023 for New Member Series
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Our New Member Series:Store Ownership 101 provides new and prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. 

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording.

A full transcription is available for this session. Please note that it is machine-generated and not reviewed for accuracy.

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded August 8, 2023 for New Member Series

Our New Member Series:Store Ownership 101 provides new and prospective bookstore owners with an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned bookstore owners/staff. 

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording.

A full transcription is available for this session. Please note that it is machine-generated and not reviewed for accuracy.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon Chat Copy6.17 KB
Plain text icon Transcript73.9 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
  • Owners and Managers

ABACUS Workshop

Recorded July 17, 2023 for ShopTalk
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Join ABA CFO PK Sindwani, a former bookseller, and our accounting staff for our sessions designed to jumpstart your ABACUS submission. In this session, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions to fill out your ABACUS survey, tips on how to find your information to complete the survey, and ways to find time to report. Please bring your Trial balance, year-end payroll register from your payroll provider, and year-end cash register summary from your POS.

A full transcription and closed captioning are available for this session. Please note that both are machine-generated and are not reviewed for accuracy.

Topics:
  • Financial Management
Tags:
  • ABACUS
Recorded July 17, 2023 for ShopTalk

Join ABA CFO PK Sindwani, a former bookseller, and our accounting staff for our sessions designed to jumpstart your ABACUS submission. In this session, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions to fill out your ABACUS survey, tips on how to find your information to complete the survey, and ways to find time to report. Please bring your Trial balance, year-end payroll register from your payroll provider, and year-end cash register summary from your POS.

A full transcription and closed captioning are available for this session. Please note that both are machine-generated and are not reviewed for accuracy.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon Chat Copy238 bytes
Plain text icon Transcript45.92 KB
Topics:
  • Financial Management
Tags:
  • ABACUS

Virtual Bookstore Tour - Rediscovered Books (Boise, ID)

Recorded July 13, 2023 for Virtual Bookstore Tours
Bookstore tours are always a highlight of ABA’s in-person institutes, and now you can join in on the fun from the comfort of your home (or bookstore!). These tours will offer booksellers the opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain to see how other stores set up their spaces. On July 13, 2023, Rebecca Crosswhite took us on a tour of Rediscovered Books in Boise, ID. 
 
 
 
We look forward to touring a variety of store models, from traditional to pop-up to mobile, urban to rural, and all across the country. Email [email protected] to submit a proposal for your store!

 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Virtual Bookstore Tour - Libros Bookshop (Taylor, TX)

Recorded July 13, 2023 for Virtual Bookstore Tours
Bookstore tours are always a highlight of ABA’s in-person institutes, and now you can join in on the fun from the comfort of your home (or bookstore!). These tours will offer booksellers the opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain to see how other stores set up their spaces. On July 13, 2023, Veronica Soliz Johnson took us on a tour of Libros Bookshop in Taylor, TX. 
 
 
 
We look forward to touring a variety of store models, from traditional to pop-up to mobile, urban to rural, and all across the country. Email [email protected] to submit a proposal for your store!
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits Q3

Recorded July 11, 2023 for New Member Series
Watch video from this event.M

Our New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits includes a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation looks at education resources, networking and community, business affinity partnerships, indie marketing, advocacy, and much more. The second half of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording. Please see the most recent coffee break and/or the daily email update for the most current information.

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded July 11, 2023 for New Member Series

Our New Member Series: Intro to ABA Benefits includes a tutorial on navigating Bookweb.org to ensure a better understanding of where to find the information most vital for members. The presentation looks at education resources, networking and community, business affinity partnerships, indie marketing, advocacy, and much more. The second half of the session will offer booksellers an open forum during which they can ask questions and talk with ABA staff.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual participants, not of the ABA. Information discussed is reflective of the time of the recording. Please see the most recent coffee break and/or the daily email update for the most current information.

AttachmentSize
Plain text icon Chat Copy3.17 KB
Plain text icon Transcript40.67 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Summer/Fall 2023 Adult Indies Introduce Presentation

Recorded July 6, 2023 for Indies Introduce
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Indies Introduce is about what independent booksellers do best: discovering exciting debut authors and sharing them with readers across the country. Hear from the booksellers who curated the Summer/Fall 2023 adult list, and the authors whose books were chosen!

Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Handselling

Lightning Talk - Airtable with Angela Trigg of The Haunted Book Shop

Recorded June 15, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On June 15, 2023, Angela Trigg of The Haunted Book Shop (Mobile, Alabama) discussed harnessing the power of Airtable.

 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Technology

Lightning Talk - Book Vending Machines with Isis Asare of Sistah SciFi

Recorded June 15, 2023 for Lightning Talks
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ABA's Lightning Talk series features booksellers presenting 5-10 minute talks on tech tools, organizational strategies, communication methods, or innovations they’ve made in their stores. On June 15, 2023, Isis Asare of Sistah SciFi (Oakland, CA) discussed Book Vending Machines.

 

Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Technology

Not Just for Kids: Book Fairs for Adults

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Flip your children's book fair on its head and turn it into a book fair for grown-ups. This session will delve into how to curate and purchase your book selection based on your customer demographic and site location, merchandizing an offsite location, nonbook items to carry, and any special permits needed to serve food and drinks at an offsite location. 
 
Speakers:
Nicole Menzel, Bound to Happen Books - Stevens Point, WI
Claire Bone, Wild Sisters Book Company - Sacramento, CA
Kassie King, The Novel Neighbor - Webster Groves, MO
 
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Flip your children's book fair on its head and turn it into a book fair for grown-ups. This session will delve into how to curate and purchase your book selection based on your customer demographic and site location, merchandizing an offsite location, nonbook items to carry, and any special permits needed to serve food and drinks at an offsite location. 
 
Speakers:
Nicole Menzel, Bound to Happen Books - Stevens Point, WI
Claire Bone, Wild Sisters Book Company - Sacramento, CA
Kassie King, The Novel Neighbor - Webster Groves, MO
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 3PM Not Just for Kids_ Book Fairs for Adults.pdf703.69 KB
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101

Children's Concierge & Subscription Services

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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What is a concierge program, and how does it differ from a subscription box? In this panel, booksellers with experience running concierge programs and subscription boxes will answer these questions, give examples of different types of services, and show you how to create an inclusive, one-of-a-kind boutique experience for customers, no matter the size of your store. 
 
Speakers:
Lauren Savage, The Reading Bug - San Carlos, CA
Avery Shelburne, Fabled Bookshop and Cafe - Waco, TX
Jaya Anderson, Red Balloon Bookshop - Saint Paul, MN
Beth Shapiro, Skylark Bookshop - Columbia, MO
 
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling
Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
What is a concierge program, and how does it differ from a subscription box? In this panel, booksellers with experience running concierge programs and subscription boxes will answer these questions, give examples of different types of services, and show you how to create an inclusive, one-of-a-kind boutique experience for customers, no matter the size of your store. 
 
Speakers:
Lauren Savage, The Reading Bug - San Carlos, CA
Avery Shelburne, Fabled Bookshop and Cafe - Waco, TX
Jaya Anderson, Red Balloon Bookshop - Saint Paul, MN
Beth Shapiro, Skylark Bookshop - Columbia, MO
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 3PM Children's Concierge & Subscription Services.pdf284.14 KB
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Managing Manga for Tweens & Teens

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023

Purchasing manga for the bookstore can quickly take over a buyer's brain space, not to mention figuring out where to shelve it and how to display it. This bookseller-led panel will give attendees foundational plans for researching what's hot as well as best practices for marketing, shelving, and selling manga to the 12-and-up crowd.

 

Speakers

Cori Theroux, The Green Dragon Bookstore - Fort Dodge, IA

Danielle Pernell, King's Books - Tacoma, WA

 

AttachmentSize
PDF icon 3PM Managing Manga for Tweens & Teens.pdf373.36 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

A Child's Freedom to Read

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Prolific and debut authors are landing on banned books lists across school districts and in statewide book bans. Bookstores may soon become the only place where children have freedom of choice when it comes to reading. A panel of children's librarians and booksellers will discuss the current state of banned books, how this affects the book industry, and what bookstores can do to support children's freedom to read, particularly in places where that access is being limited.
 
Speakers:
Laura DeLaney, Rediscovered Books - Boise, ID
Lance McGrath, The College of Idaho - CALDWELL, ID
Hannah Reimer, University School of Milwaukee - River Hills, WI
Jake Bowen, Oak Creek Public Library - Oak Creek, WI
 
Topics:
  • Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Prolific and debut authors are landing on banned books lists across school districts and in statewide book bans. Bookstores may soon become the only place where children have freedom of choice when it comes to reading. A panel of children's librarians and booksellers will discuss the current state of banned books, how this affects the book industry, and what bookstores can do to support children's freedom to read, particularly in places where that access is being limited.
 
Speakers:
Laura DeLaney, Rediscovered Books - Boise, ID
Lance McGrath, The College of Idaho - CALDWELL, ID
Hannah Reimer, University School of Milwaukee - River Hills, WI
Jake Bowen, Oak Creek Public Library - Oak Creek, WI
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 11AM A Child's Freedom to Read.pdf949.33 KB
Topics:
  • Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Tags:
  • 101

Utilizing E-Commerce for Book Fairs and Community Fundraisers

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Book fairs and fundraisers hosted on your store's website or on Bookshop.org are a great way to partner with your community. In this session, we’ll look at examples from stores utilizing ABA’s IndieCommerce platform and Bookshop.org and share how you can get started planning your own virtual book fairs and fundraisers almost right away.
 
Speakers:
Sarah High, Bookshop.org - Brooklyn, NY
Daron Mueller, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
Phillip Davies, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
 
Topics:
  • Web & eCommerce
Tags:
  • Technology
Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Book fairs and fundraisers hosted on your store's website or on Bookshop.org are a great way to partner with your community. In this session, we’ll look at examples from stores utilizing ABA’s IndieCommerce platform and Bookshop.org and share how you can get started planning your own virtual book fairs and fundraisers almost right away.
 
Speakers:
Sarah High, Bookshop.org - Brooklyn, NY
Daron Mueller, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
Phillip Davies, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 11AM Ulitizing E-Commerce for Book Fairs and Community Fundraisers.pdf4.61 MB
Topics:
  • Web & eCommerce
Tags:
  • Technology

Youth Book Clubs

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023

A book club for young people engages them with reading and can make them feel like a part of your store's community. It's also a great way to do some covert market research! In this session, booksellers will share details of their middle-grade book clubs, illustrate how they create a positive community for middle-grade readers (including those who are English language learners or who have exceptionalities), and help you more effectively capture and grow this reading demographic.

 

AttachmentSize
PDF icon 11AM Youth Book Clubs.pdf874.62 KB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Featured Talk with Jonathan Hamilt: Fighting for Queer Stories and Seeds of Change

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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In a world struggling with issues of acceptance and tolerance, Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, shares the necessity of LGBTQAI+ family programming. He explores how the powerful art-form of drag teaches young humans about inclusivity, celebrating diversity, the vital freedom of self-expression, and the role bookstores play in building compassionate communities where there is room for everybody’s story on the shelf.
 
Speaker:
Jonathan Hamilt, Drag Story Hour - New York, NY
 
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • 101

Averting the Adult Gaze in YA Literature

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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These days, adults are devouring young adult literature, and more and more YA stories feature teens but in more adult situations. In this panel, booksellers come together to discuss the shift in YA, which genres and tropes actually interest young people, how to make connections with young people in the community in order to better curate your selection, and more strategies for de-centering the adult in "young adult." 
 
Speakers:
Nicole Brinkley, Oblong Books - Rhinebeck, NY
Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop - Houston, TX
Stephanie Appell, Freelance Book Reviewer - Grosse Pointe, MI
Eric Smith, PS Literary - Philadelphia, PA
 
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Best Practices for Pre-Order Campaigns

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Pre-order campaigns get readers excited for the books YOU'RE excited about and if you’re just starting out, this session is for you. Booksellers will learn about the nuts and bolts of pre-order campaigns including best practices for marketing to customers, what a successful campaign can look like for your business, how pre-order sales can uplift underrepresented voices and genres, and also the importance of reporting pre-order sales.
 
Speakers:
Christine Bollow, Loyalty Bookstores - Silver Spring, MD
Jessica Palacios, Once Upon A Time Bookstore - Glendale, CA
Joy Preble, Brazos Bookstore - Houston, TX
Jess Stauffer, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
 
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101

Keynote with Nikki Grimes & Brian Pinkney: Tough Topics for Tender Readers

Recorded June 7, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Nikki Grimes and Brian Pinkney know that not every child can take a walk in the woods to soothe the soul after experiencing a devastating loss, but all children can pick up a book that speaks directly to such hurt, or read a story that reminds them they are not alone—provided someone has crafted such a story especially for them. These award-winning creators share how they tackle tough topics for the youngest readers, and why it's so important to do so.
 
Speakers:
Nikki Grimes, Holiday House - New York, NY
Brian Pinkney, Holiday House - New York, NY
Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books - South Bend, IN
 
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Featured Talk with Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield: Gray Areas

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Many industries now stress the importance of racial diversity, but the numbers do not show much progress. In the book industry specifically, Black workers are underrepresented as store owners, may be assigned to positions in the back rather than front of the store, and may observe that titles by Black authors receive less recognition, promotion, and visibility from booksellers. In this session, Adia Wingfield presents data from her forthcoming book Gray Areas to explain how and why these processes persist. Blending interview, survey, and statistical data, Wingfield shows how the everyday, taken-for-granted aspects of work can preclude booksellers from increasing racial diversity, and delivers evidence-based suggestions for how to change this outcome.
 
Speaker:
Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO
 
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Many industries now stress the importance of racial diversity, but the numbers do not show much progress. In the book industry specifically, Black workers are underrepresented as store owners, may be assigned to positions in the back rather than front of the store, and may observe that titles by Black authors receive less recognition, promotion, and visibility from booksellers. In this session, Adia Wingfield presents data from her forthcoming book Gray Areas to explain how and why these processes persist. Blending interview, survey, and statistical data, Wingfield shows how the everyday, taken-for-granted aspects of work can preclude booksellers from increasing racial diversity, and delivers evidence-based suggestions for how to change this outcome.
 
Speaker:
Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 4 PM Featured Talk with Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield_ Gray Areas.pdf454.68 KB
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Understanding Children’s Social-Emotional Development

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Social-emotional development refers to a series of critical developmental processes encompassing a child’s ability to express and manage their emotions and form meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Children need support from the adults in their lives in order to facilitate healthy social-emotional development. With an understanding of social-emotional development, booksellers can better understand young customers and create a supportive and inclusive environment. In this session, Dr. Marietta Collins, a child psychologist and children’s author, will explain the stages of a child’s social and emotional development, how traumas and other adverse experiences can disrupt development, and how adults who work with children can help facilitate their growth even through brief supportive interactions.
 
Speaker:
Dr. Marietta Collins, American Psychological Association - Washington, DC
 
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Social-emotional development refers to a series of critical developmental processes encompassing a child’s ability to express and manage their emotions and form meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Children need support from the adults in their lives in order to facilitate healthy social-emotional development. With an understanding of social-emotional development, booksellers can better understand young customers and create a supportive and inclusive environment. In this session, Dr. Marietta Collins, a child psychologist and children’s author, will explain the stages of a child’s social and emotional development, how traumas and other adverse experiences can disrupt development, and how adults who work with children can help facilitate their growth even through brief supportive interactions.
 
Speaker:
Dr. Marietta Collins, American Psychological Association - Washington, DC
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 2PM Understanding Children's Social and Emotional Development.pptx.pdf3.93 MB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Small but Mighty: Creating a Financially Sustainable Business at Any Size

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Small bookstores (less than 1000 square feet of selling space) have a lot to share with larger bookstores about financial sustainability. This bookseller-led panel will present innovative ideas for how to manage budgeting, buying, displaying, selling, and returns to keep your store financially stable, no matter the size.
 
Speakers:
Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books - South Bend, IN
Heather Hebert, Children's Book World - Haverford, PA
PK Sindwani, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
 
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Small bookstores (less than 1000 square feet of selling space) have a lot to share with larger bookstores about financial sustainability. This bookseller-led panel will present innovative ideas for how to manage budgeting, buying, displaying, selling, and returns to keep your store financially stable, no matter the size.
 
Speakers:
Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books - South Bend, IN
Heather Hebert, Children's Book World - Haverford, PA
PK Sindwani, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 2PM Small but Mighty.pdf295.58 KB
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Frontlist Discovery of Debuting BIPOC & Queer Authors

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Booksellers know it's important to create a space where readers can find stories with characters that represent their experiences, but how does one do that if some authors aren't receiving the same buzz as other authors with high sales records? How can bookstores market and support debuting LGBTQIA2S+, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, and Pacific Islander authors so that everyone can read their stories? In this session, a panel of booksellers will discuss these questions and share how curating a diverse selection of books impacts their community and businesses.

 
Speakers
Revati Kilaparti, Old Firehouse Books - Fort Collins, CO
Rebecca Crosswhite, Rediscovered Books - Boise, ID
Sydne Conant, A Room of One's Own Bookstore - Madison, WI
Cortney Yee, Changing Hands Bookstore - Tempe, AZ
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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The Indies Introduce program is about what independent booksellers do best: discovering exciting debut authors and sharing the best with readers across the country. Learn about the title selection process from the bookseller panelists who curated the Summer/Fall 2023 Kids' Indies Introduce list.

Booksellers:

Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books, South Bend, IN
Susan Reckers, Rakestraw Books, Danville, CA
Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC
 
Authors:
 
Gabi Burton (Sing Me to Sleep, Bloomsbury)
Zohra Nabi (The Kingdom Over the Sea, Margaret K. McElderry Books) (prerecorded video)
Hannah V. Sawyerr (All the Fighting Parts, Amulet Books)
Thushanthi Ponweera (I Am Kavi, Holiday House) (prerecorded video)
Christina Wyman (Jawbreaker, Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR)
K.X. Song (An Echo in the City, Little, Brown BYR) (prerecorded video)
Joelle Wellington (Their Vicious Games, Simon & Schuster BYR)
Page Powars (The Borrow a Boyfriend Club, Delacorte Press) (prerecorded video)
Rhonda Roumani (Tagging Freedom, Union Square Kids)
Anna Sortino (Give Me a Sign, G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR) (prerecorded video)
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Featured Talk with Brenna Connor: The State of the Children's Book Market

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Brenna Connor, Books Insights Manager of Circana (formerly NPD), will break down the state of the US children’s book market including key trends to watch, highest growth areas, and performance by genre, format, and age range. This can’t-miss session is based on the latest Circana BookScan data and Brenna’s industry expertise. 
 
Speaker:
Brenna Connor, Circana - New York, NY
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Brenna Connor, Books Insights Manager of Circana (formerly NPD), will break down the state of the US children’s book market including key trends to watch, highest growth areas, and performance by genre, format, and age range. This can’t-miss session is based on the latest Circana BookScan data and Brenna’s industry expertise. 
 
Speaker:
Brenna Connor, Circana - New York, NY
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 10AM_TheStateChildrensBookMarket.pptx.pdf4.99 MB
Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling
  • Owners and Managers

Communication in a Changing Workforce

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Presented by ZingTrain: The world of work is changing rapidly due to labor movements, the political and economic landscape, health crises, and a multigenerational labor force. Managers are facing unique challenges, as well as opportunities, when it comes to building a happy, productive team. Providing and receiving feedback is a critical part of managing employees and being an employee in a bookstore. However, it can be challenging. In this session, we will explore strategies for relaying feedback that promotes employee development and contributes to a positive workplace culture as well as receiving and responding to feedback that supports an employee in feeling heard and seen. You will learn how to effectively deliver, receive, and respond to feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviors, rather than personal traits. We will also cover strategies for dealing with difficult feedback conversations and for providing feedback in a timely and consistent manner.
 
Speaker:
Timo Anderson, ZingTrain - Ann Arbor, MI
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Presented by ZingTrain: The world of work is changing rapidly due to labor movements, the political and economic landscape, health crises, and a multigenerational labor force. Managers are facing unique challenges, as well as opportunities, when it comes to building a happy, productive team. Providing and receiving feedback is a critical part of managing employees and being an employee in a bookstore. However, it can be challenging. In this session, we will explore strategies for relaying feedback that promotes employee development and contributes to a positive workplace culture as well as receiving and responding to feedback that supports an employee in feeling heard and seen. You will learn how to effectively deliver, receive, and respond to feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviors, rather than personal traits. We will also cover strategies for dealing with difficult feedback conversations and for providing feedback in a timely and consistent manner.
 
Speaker:
Timo Anderson, ZingTrain - Ann Arbor, MI
AttachmentSize
PDF icon Changing Workforce PDF.pdf1.24 MB
Topics:
  • Operations & Personnel Management
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation of human brain functioning, including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Understanding and embracing neurodiversity can have a positive impact on workplace culture, productivity, and inclusivity. In this session, we will discuss practical strategies for accommodating diverse learning, and working styles, as well as the importance of communication and collaboration. We will also address common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurodivergent individuals and provide guidance on how to avoid discrimination and promote respect. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of neurodiversity and practical strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. Bookstore owners and managers are encouraged to attend and learn how to support and empower neurodivergent employees.
 
Speaker:
 
Emily Raclaw, Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI
 
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation of human brain functioning, including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Understanding and embracing neurodiversity can have a positive impact on workplace culture, productivity, and inclusivity. In this session, we will discuss practical strategies for accommodating diverse learning, and working styles, as well as the importance of communication and collaboration. We will also address common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurodivergent individuals and provide guidance on how to avoid discrimination and promote respect. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of neurodiversity and practical strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. Bookstore owners and managers are encouraged to attend and learn how to support and empower neurodivergent employees.
 
Speaker:
 
Emily Raclaw, Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 9AM Embracing Neurodiverstiy in the Workplace.pdf571.99 KB
Topics:
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Serving Children's Book Deserts

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023

Book deserts are communities without access to printed books. They exist in all kinds of locations, from urban neighborhoods to rural communities. Independent bookstores in neighboring communities can help fill the gaps in book deserts. This session will present ideas for how indies can expand their reach to support literacy in communities with less access or no access to printed books.

 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • Children's Bookselling

Keynote with Daniel Nayeri: A Town Without a Bookstore is an Oversized Gas Station

Recorded June 6, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Daniel Nayeri is a former publisher, editor, and pastry chef. His autobiographical novel, Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) won multiple awards including the Printz Medal. 
 
Speakers:

Daniel Nayeri, The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams (Levine Querido)

Introduction by Allison Hill, ABA CEO
 

Topics:
  • Bookselling Essentials
Tags:
  • 101

Storytelling for Success

Recorded June 5, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Storytelling is essential for business innovation. It allows owners and managers to build purpose-driven businesses by dismantling restrictive mental models and challenging the status quo. This workshop, led by novelist and business professor Anna Bruno, will enable you to excavate your origin stories. Storytelling models will rely on Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle (ethos, pathos and logos), as well as the structural techniques of audience engagement (beginnings, endings and transitions). The workshop will help you tell origin stories with memorable detail, break down barriers and build resilient relationships, and adapt stories for various business purposes (marketing, programming, products and services).
 
Speaker:
Anna Bruno, University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
 
Topics:
  • Events & Marketing
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers
Recorded June 5, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Storytelling is essential for business innovation. It allows owners and managers to build purpose-driven businesses by dismantling restrictive mental models and challenging the status quo. This workshop, led by novelist and business professor Anna Bruno, will enable you to excavate your origin stories. Storytelling models will rely on Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle (ethos, pathos and logos), as well as the structural techniques of audience engagement (beginnings, endings and transitions). The workshop will help you tell origin stories with memorable detail, break down barriers and build resilient relationships, and adapt stories for various business purposes (marketing, programming, products and services).
 
Speaker:
Anna Bruno, University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon Storytelling for Success PPT804.49 KB
Topics:
  • Events & Marketing
Tags:
  • Owners and Managers

Principles of Merch Design

Recorded June 5, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Store-branded clothing is the concert tee of your bookstore. Once it walks out the door, it is free marketing, signaling through the wearer's swagger that your store is lit in all the ways. In a sea of business-branded t-shirts, it can be challenging to keep designs fresh, so we're bringing in the experts. In this session, we will explore the principles of effective t-shirt design, including color theory, typography, composition, and branding and you will learn how to create designs that capture your bookstore's unique style and voice. This session is great for marketing managers, directors, and coordinators. It is accessible to all who attend and want to learn how to leverage the power of t-shirts to promote their brand and engage their customers.
 
Speaker:
Michael Fusco-Straub, M+E/Michael Fusco Design - Brooklyn, NY
 
Topics:
  • Events & Marketing
Tags:
  • 101

Optimizing Business-to-Business Sales

Recorded June 5, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
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Find ways to be more strategic and proactive to increase your B2B reach. Bookseller experts on this topic along with Deb Lewis, B2B Trade Sales Manager for Penguin Random House with more than 20 years B2B experience, will share important considerations for B2B sales from cultivating business connections, working with reps to find and support opportunities, promoting B2B sales to your customers, and implementing best practices.
 
Speakers:
Deb Lewis, Penguin Random House - NEW WINDSOR, MD
Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop - Naperville, IL
PK Sindwani, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
Cliff Helm, Left Bank Books - St. Louis, MO
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101
Recorded June 5, 2023 for Children's Institute 2023
Find ways to be more strategic and proactive to increase your B2B reach. Bookseller experts on this topic along with Deb Lewis, B2B Trade Sales Manager for Penguin Random House with more than 20 years B2B experience, will share important considerations for B2B sales from cultivating business connections, working with reps to find and support opportunities, promoting B2B sales to your customers, and implementing best practices.
 
Speakers:
Deb Lewis, Penguin Random House - NEW WINDSOR, MD
Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop - Naperville, IL
PK Sindwani, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY
Cliff Helm, Left Bank Books - St. Louis, MO
AttachmentSize
PDF icon Optimizing BTB PPT1.72 MB
Topics:
  • Buying & Inventory Management
Tags:
  • 101

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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