Graphic novels have emerged as one of the book industry's hottest formats, and BookExpo America (May 28 - June 1, in Los Angeles) has designated May 31 as Graphic Novel Saturday at the show. Related events will include educational and author-related sessions. In addition, new for 2003, BEA will also host a Graphic Novel Pavilion on the show floor.

ABA bookstore members should watch the mail for an envelope containing ballots for the 2003 ABA Board of Directors and the 2003 Book Sense Book of the Year (BSBY) Awards, as well as the program of ABA events at BookExpo America, May 28 - June 1. This material is being mailed to all ABA bookstore members on Friday, March 28.

Author Toni Morrison

On March 25, BookExpo America announced that renowned author Toni Morrison would be a convention speaker at the BEA Book & Author Breakfast on Saturday, May 31.

Thursday, May 29, at BookExpo America will be replete with activities of interest to children's booksellers, beginning with the annual meeting of the Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC). Registration and box-lunch pick up will begin at 11:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. All those pre-registered for the meeting can pick up a free box lunch.

There are still rooms available for BEA at the Hotel California -- the Radisson Wilshire Plaza, where ABA bookstore members can book an exclusive deal of $111 a night from May 25 to June 7. However, the rooms are going fast, and booksellers are encouraged to book quickly (see end of story for details). The Radisson Wilshire Plaza is a comfortable, recently renovated business-style hotel located fewer than 15 minutes from the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Participating Booksellers Will Receive Bonus Reports

Booksellers attending this year's BookExpo America (BEA) will have the opportunity to attend a special session on the ABACUS project on Friday, May 30, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. The session will present an in-depth report on the project's first year's results, and all ABA members are invited to the session.

ABA member booksellers planning to attend BookExpo America (BEA), May 28 - June 1, in Los Angeles, can still take advantage of an exclusive, money-saving hotel deal put together by ABA and BEA.

Ellen DeGeneres to Appear at Benefit Performance

BookExpo America (BEA) has announced speakers for its special events at this year's trade show, including its annual Book & Author Breakfasts. BEA will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, May 28 - June 1, 2003.

At a time when more retail space is devoted to selling books than ever before and an increasing number of consumers are turning to Internet retailers, sustaining and growing a profitable bookstore business requires that each person in a management role fully understand the fundamentals of running a business.