Winter Institute 2023

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

Pick up your badge, the official Wi2023 welcome bag, and a full schedule of Institute events from ABA’s Membership team.

Drop in for this meditation class and begin your day with clarity. Led by bookseller, yoga & mindfulness teacher, and author Alison Zak, you'll be walked through simple meditation techniques that will allow you to set a clear intention for the day ahead.

Alison Zak is an author, yoga & mindfulness teacher, wildlife conservationist, and bookseller/events manager at The Open Book in Northern Virginia. She is the author of Wild Asana: Animals, Yoga, and Connecting Our Practice to the Natural World which comes out June 27 with North Atlantic Books. Learn more about her at www.alisonzak.com and follow her on Instagram at @animal_asana.

The Independent Publishers Caucus is an advocacy group with a mission to foster a true and mutually beneficial sense of community among independent publishers, between publishers and booksellers, and with readers through a variety of initiatives and shared resources. This meeting is open to all independent publishers and their staff. The schedule will be as follows:

1-2pm: Book Media & Marketing Panel with local Seattle media and reviewers

2-3pm: Bookstore Events & Programs Panel with bookseller experts

3-4pm: Indie Press Town Hall with the IPC Steering Committee

Seattle is famous for its bookstores and we have lined up a fantastic half-day tour to visit a variety of stores. Half Day Options 1 & 2 will leave from Convention Place, Level 1, Seattle Convention Center and Half Day Option 3 and the Half Day Bookstore Tour for International Attendees will leave from Union Street, Level 1, Sheraton Grand Seattle. If you signed up for a bookstore tour, please check your email for more detailed information.

Seattle is famous for its bookstores and we have lined up a fantastic full-day tour to visit a variety of stores. Watch Bookselling This Week for details!

The Affinity Groups are closed spaces for booksellers and bookstore owners who identify as members of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Disability, and/or Neurodivergent communities to gather for connection, support, community, resources, and networking. While allies are greatly appreciated, those who do not identify personally as a member of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Disability, and/or Neurodivergent communities should not plan to attend that group’s coinciding meetup.
Please find the locations for each affinity group below:
BIPOC - Cedar A
Disability - Madrona
LGBTQIA2S+ - Cedar B
Neurodiverse - Juniper

Sign up for 15-minute slots to meet with participating publishers. Registered booksellers will be provided with a link to an online appointment calendar for participating publishers. Booksellers will be offered the opportunity to sign up in January.

The Quiet Room is intended to provide a quiet, calm space where attendees can spend time away from stimuli such as noise, bright light, and other stimuli of conference spaces. Put your feet up and relax. This space is not available for conversations or meetings.

Pick up your badge, the official Wi2023 welcome bag sponsored by Simon & Schuster Children's Books, and a full schedule of Institute events from ABA’s Membership team. Also on hand to greet you will be representatives from the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) and Binc.