Tony Weller extends a personal invitation to an opening reception at Sam Weller's Books for booksellers participating in next week's Winter Institute. The bookstore is within walking distance of the hotel, and walking maps will be available at ABA's Welcome Desk.

Dear Winter Institute Booksellers:

Following the recent New York State court decision that dismissed Amazon.com's challenge to New York's Internet Sale Tax provision -- which ensures that online retailers collect mandated sales tax -- the Winter Institute session focusing on how booksellers can work to effect important legislative and political change is even more timely.

The first full day of educational programming at ABA's Fourth Annual Winter Institute (Wi4), sponsored by Ingram Book Company/Ingram Publisher Services, will culminate in a celebratory reception featuring 38 authors, including both well-known indie favorites and exciting new voices.

Booksellers 40 and under are invited to an Emerging Leaders Cocktail Reception sponsored by Unbridled Books on Friday night, January 30, at ABA's Winter Institute.

Booksellers arriving in Salt Lake City for this month's Winter Institute can look forward to an abundance of information from the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau on local activities, attractions, restaurants, ski resorts, and more.

The American Booksellers Association is asking members who no longer need their Winter Institute registration to let the education team know as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to Wi4@bookweb.org.

With airfare at its lowest point in nearly a decade, now is an ideal time for booksellers who haven't already booked their flights to the ABA Winter Institute in Salt Lake City to shop around for the best prices.

Booksellers from all regions of the country are invited to visit the Hospitality Suite hosted by the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association at the ABA Winter Institute host hotel, the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown.