Last week’s Winter Institute session “E-Books: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going” presented data on e-book sales growth and trends among IndieCommerce websites and a look at some of the creative ways indie booksellers are drawing customer attention to promote sales.

From the opening plenary to the closing working group activity, booksellers were energized by Winter Institute 7’s many opportunities to learn and network. Publishers, too, found inspiration, knowledge, and invaluable connections.

On Thursday, January 19, more than 500 indie booksellers and guests from all over the country, and as far away as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Sweden, were into the second day of the American Booksellers Association’s seventh annual Winter Institute in New Orleans.  Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the first day, as well as Thursday’s World Book Night breakfast.

There’s a lot packed into next week’s Winter Institute. To help you get the most out of your time in New Orleans, we’ve put together some program highlights and timely reminders.

As part of a new initiative to promote networking and brainstorming at next week’s Winter Institute, bookseller attendees will be breaking into groups to discuss ways to improve a model bookstore.

The latest study from Verso Digital, which will be the subject of a presentation at next week’s Winter Institute, found that “approximately 60 percent of former Borders customers have yet to appreciably increase their shopping at other bookselling locations.”

Winter Institute attendees who have some extra time in New Orleans can choose from an array of cultural attractions as well as opportunities to lend a helping hand to the city’s revitalization.

Representatives of Google will take part in next month’s Winter Institute at two sessions on Google Analytics and at the Ask ABA Table at the Consultation Station, all on Thursday, January 19.

Like the Winter Institute 7 page on Facebook to get show information and updates.

The Winter Institute will feature two “can’t-miss” educational panels developed specifically for children’s booksellers as well as a children’s booksellers roundtable and a wide-ranging selection of additional programming to help booksellers of all kinds strengthen their businesses.