Winter Institute 2023

It is vital for a business to have visual content that is brand-focused, eye-catching, and easy to read. Luckily, with an array of low-cost and accessible web tools now available, it has never been easier. This panel features graphic design experts from a variety of backgrounds who will show examples of their work and discuss the graphic design tools they use to enhance their store’s promotional content, branding, signage, social media, events, and more. No matter your level of skill or comfort with graphic design, you will be able to apply something you learn here to your business. (All)

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 2023 Indies Introduce list. Many of the Winter/Spring 2023 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.

Join a conversation with your bookselling colleagues to discuss the returns process and how best to navigate the what, when, and how of returns. Are you pulling by section or publisher, and why? Are you pulling quarterly, monthly, daily, and why? How do you manage staff scheduling and minimize your freight costs? Have you used the publisher return percent number when you create your criteria for returns? So much to discuss! Note: This conversation will focus on workflow and operations and will not include a discussion on inventory management. (All)

This idea exchange is an opportunity for booksellers to come together to discuss what’s happening surrounding banned books in their community and how individuals are responding to situations as they arise. Attendees will come away from the idea exchange with advice for resolution and support, and a network of peers to reach out to throughout the year. Presented by the ABC Children’s Group for all booksellers. (All)

Enjoy breakfast while hearing about great upcoming titles from more of Winter Institute’s publisher sponsors. Seating is unassigned for this breakfast.

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.

Professional development — that is, identifying goals and learning new skills — is vital for employee satisfaction. Providing opportunities for professional development signals that an employer values the skills and potential the employee brings to the store. Facilitated by bookstore owners who have successfully created road maps for employee success, this idea exchange is the place to be if you are looking for ways to create a more fulfilling work environment. (Managers)

Running a small store requires a big dose of creativity and a lot of organization — even larger stores could benefit from learning how small stores strategically outsource! If you are wondering if it is possible to outsource some of your needs like bookkeeping and marketing, take a deep breath and come to this session to hear solutions from colleagues who own and operate small stores. They will walk you through a cost-benefit analysis and help determine if outsourcing is the best solution for your business. (Owners)

Winter Institute book sales reps will share great upcoming titles from publisher sponsors. Seats are assigned; table numbers are printed on bookseller badges. Booksellers are expected to attend. Coffee will be served.

“...poetry began when somebody walked off of a savanna or out of a cave and looked up at the sky with wonder and said, ‘Ahhh.’ That was the first poem.” — (Lucille Clifton)
Take a moment to experience the “ahhh.” Stop by the Poetry Theater to watch a video of poets reading their work.

Open to booksellers from all regions, this space is an opportunity to grab a beverage, chat with colleagues, or just put your feet up and take a break before heading back to the conference.

Check out gift vendors, ABA business solution partners, POS vendors, and other service providers at the expanded Vendor Showcase (formerly the Consultation Station). Check the Wi2023 site on BookWeb.org often for the full list of participating vendors and to make appointments.

Meet with small and mid-size publishers for informal conversations. These publishers, many of which are first-time ABA event sponsors, will have sample copies of their books, and some will have additional copies for giveaways.

Batch for Books is an electronic invoicing system created for booksellers and publishers in the U.S. The software-assisted service helps initiate payments between vendors and bookstore retailers at no cost to bookstores. Register for a one-on-one appointment here: Slot 1 or Slot 2 or drop by our table at the Vendor Showcase.

IndieCommerce, IndieLite, and IndieCommerce 2.0 are ABA’s fully transactional, content-rich e-commerce platforms designed specifically for independent bookstore websites. Both users and non-users of IndieCommerce, IndieLite, and IndieCommerce 2.0 are invited to schedule one-on-one time with a program specialist from the IndieCommerce team. Space is limited, but walk-ins are welcome. Booksellers will be able to sign up for appointments starting Wednesday, January 18 here