The first-ever ABA Events Specialty Institute took place on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, in conjunction with the the Midwest Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Associations' Heartland Fall Forum, their first combined fall regional trade show. The Institute’s educational programming covered a range of topics for both seasoned booksellers and for those in need of more introductory-level programming, including breakout sessions like Authorless Events 101 and Organizing and Running Offsite Events. The day included an opening plenary with bestselling author Kate DiCamillo, and lunch with senior publishing executives who shared their perspectives on bookstore events, including best practices for raising a bookstore’s profile with publishers and presenting a persuasive pitch for author events in your store. The Events Specialty Institute was open to ABA bookstore members only. more...