Sign-Up for Select Wi5 Sessions Filling Fast

Winter Institute programming is open to all registered booksellers, and the majority of sessions do not require sign up. There are nine sessions where space is limited, however, so ABA is asking interested booksellers to sign up for these sessions in advance. Spaces are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign-up details for eight of the nine sessions follow. Watch for more information on sign up for the Consultation Station in BTW in January. For the complete Wi5 schedule and more, visit BookWeb.org. And, remember, if you're registered for Wi5 but no longer plan to attend, contact ABA as soon as possible at [email protected], so a waiting bookseller can fill your space.

Thursday, February 4

• 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  Small and Mid-Size Store Roundtable
  Large Store Roundtable
  A veteran bookseller will moderate each of these roundtable discussions for owners and managers. Space is limited to 50 booksellers per session and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending should e-mail ABA's marketing coordinator, Sarah Rettger, with either "Small Store Roundtable" or "Large Store Roundtable" in the subject line.
  
  
• 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Buyers Roundtable
  If you are a buyer, this is your chance to spend some uninterrupted time in conversation with other buyers. Come discover new tactics, share some of your own, and enjoy a conversation with your colleagues. Space is limited to 50 booksellers and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending should e-mail ABA's marketing coordinator, Sarah Rettger, with "Buyers Roundtable" in the subject line.
  
  
• 3:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
  Consultation Station
  This new Winter Institute feature will afford you the opportunity to schedule one-on-one conversations with a wide variety of service providers, including the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA), Ingram, IndieCommerce, LIBRIS (business insurance), National Association of College Stores (NACS), PartnerShip, Paz & Associates, Shelf Awareness, and the following POS Vendors -- Anthology, BookLog, Computac/iMerchant, and IBID. Watch your e-mail and Bookselling This Week for details on the Consultation Station, coming after the New Year.
  
  
• 4:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
  ABA's Gift Card Users Group: Preparing for the Transition
  The ABA Gift Card Program Users Group, led by ABA's director of member services, Jill Perlstein, will review the process for winding down the national program to a more cost-effective, in-store program. Learn about the importance of reconciliation and other procedures for a smooth transition. Space is limited to 50 booksellers and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Perlstein via e-mail to reserve your space.

Friday, February 5

• 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  IndieBound Design Workshop
  How do you tell your customers why shopping at locally owned, independent businesses is different?... And, specifically, your locally owned, independent business? IndieBound is tailor-made to communicate that message. Bring your questions, your problems -- and your laptop. Participants will brainstorm projects designed to promote your independence and will work with graphic design programs for hands-on experience customizing items from the Bookseller DIY. Space is limited to 50 attendees, and all attendees are required to bring a laptop. To RSVP, and for further details, send an e-mail to ABA's IndieBound outreach liaison, Paige Poe, with "IB Workshop" in the subject line.
  
  
• 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  The Fundamentals of Security & Loss Control
  Linda James, president of Loss Prevention Resources, Inc., has over 38 years of law enforcement and loss prevention experience. Her career includes positions as deputy sheriff and as director of loss prevention and risk management for major corporations, including Nordstrom. James teaches loss prevention classes and seminars for Washington State Crime Prevention. Her professional experience will help you identify and control loss in order to keep your store profitable. This session is open to owners, managers, and their designated employees only. RSVP via e-mail to ABA's education coordinator, Lisa Winn.
  
  
• 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  "It's a Wrap" Video Lab
  Small businesses are increasingly relying on video to communicate with their customers, and indie bookstores are no different. In this space-limited, hands-on lab, you'll learn how to shoot a short video, get that video from the camera to your computer, and get the clip from your computer to your blog, website, or Facebook page. This session, which is open to 20 booksellers only, is currently filled; for more information about sitting in as an observer, e-mail ABA's IndieBound outreach liaison, Paige Poe. All registrants must bring their own laptops. ABA staff will communicate with registrants prior to the event to discuss session requirements.
  
  
• 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Hicklebee's Store Tour
  Reprising his role as last year's merchandising tour guide extraordinaire, Book Inc.'s Calvin Crosby will lead a group of booksellers to the world-famous Hicklebee's children's bookstore in San Jose. The tour bus will leave the hotel at 3:30 p.m. and return by approximately 5:00 p.m. The tour is limited to 30 booksellers on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is filling up fast and not many places are left! To reserve your spot, contact ABA's education coordinator, Lisa Winn.