Last Call: BEA Focus Groups, the Celebration & ABC Group Special Events

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This Friday, May 10, is the final chance for booksellers to sign up for several events exclusively for ABA members at BookExpo America.

The Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups

Two booksellers from each ABA member store are eligible to register for the Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups at BEA. In one of seven time slots, they will join with bookseller colleagues for a meeting with a publisher to discuss issues of common interest and mutual concern. Assignments will be made at random and will be sent via e-mail from ABA Development Officer Mark Nichols during the week of May 13.
 
“What a great opportunity ABA is providing for publishers and booksellers to have open, honest conversations on how to sell more books together,” said Elise Supovitz, director of field sales for Candlewick Press. “Our Wi8 focus group experience was enlightening and constructive. I can hardly wait to for the BEA focus groups to continue our discussions.”

Learn more about the Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups and sign up here.

The Celebration of Bookselling and Author Awards Lunch

The Celebration of Bookselling and Author Awards Lunch will be held on Thursday, May 30, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Javits Convention Center’s Special Events Hall. Reservations for this free event are limited to two booksellers from each ABA member company on a first–come, first–served basis.

Many of booksellers’ Indie Next List favorites and several 2013 Indies Choice and E.B. White Award winners and finalists will join booksellers at this year’s celebration.

Complete the Celebration reservation form now; table assignments will be sent the week of May 20.

Special Events for ABC Children’s Group Members

Three special events at BEA are open to ABC Group members. Booksellers may register for as many of the events as they would like to attend.

ABC/CBC Illustrator Studio Tours
Wednesday, May 29, Noon – 3:45 p.m.
Booksellers will get a peek into the creative lives of some of  today’s top talent through intimate tours of children’s book illustrators’ studios. There is a limit of two booksellers per ABA member company. The tours are free, but participants must coordinate their own transportation.

ABC/CBC Speed Dating Lunch With Children’s Authors
Friday, May 31, 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
This lively lunch will feature more than a dozen children’s book authors pitching their new projects. Up to three booksellers can register per ABA member company. The fee for ABC Group members is $25 per person.

ABC/CBC Tea With Children’s Authors and Illustrators
Friday, May 31, 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sit down and share an intimate and relaxing teatime with a beloved author or illustrator. Up to three booksellers per ABA member company may register. The fee is $20 per person.

More information, lists of participating authors and illustrators, and a reservation form for all three events are available here. To join the ABC Children’s Group at ABA, e-mail Shannon O’Connor, the group’s manager.

Complete details about ABA programming at BEA are available here.