ABA & BEA Make Regional Shows a Winning Proposition

The owners and staff of ABA member stores who visit the American Booksellers Association booth at any of the nine regional association fall trade shows will have the chance to win prizes, compliments of ABA and BookExpo America (BEA). In a random drawing at each show, ABA will award a color inkjet printer. The nine printer winners will then be entered into a grand prize drawing to win airfare to, and up to a three-night hotel stay at, the association's 2007 Winter Institute.

In addition, at each show, ABA members will have a chance to win up to a four-night stay at Hotel ABA in Brooklyn for BookExpo America 2007 in New York City, compliments of BEA. Booksellers will be able to enter the drawings for the Hotel ABA stay at the ABA booth at all nine regional shows and at a BEA booth at the trade shows of the Southern Independent, Midwest, New England, and New Atlantic Independent booksellers associations.

"Our hope is that these drawings will call attention to the great value that both the Winter Institute and BookExpo America have in helping our members grow and nurture their businesses," said ABA's education director, Len Vlahos. "Plus, they add an extra element of fun to our involvement at the regional shows."

"Anything we can do to help bring ABA booksellers to BookExpo America and to the amazing ABA 'Day of Education' is a top priority for us," said Lance Fensterman, event director for BEA. "Raffling off free rooms at the Hotel ABA raises awareness, supports the incredible experience of Hotel ABA, and, ideally, will encourage both first-time booksellers to come to BEA and other bookstores to send more booksellers to the show."

The ABA booth at each show will feature association staff and representatives of the Board who will be available to answer questions and to discuss topics of concern to any member. Booksellers will also find information about the Winter Institute and ABA products and services, including the Book Sense marketing program, as well as demonstrations of the Book Buyer's Handbook, Constant Contact, and more.