Registration Opens for Prospective Booksellers School at BEA

A four-day workshop, sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and facilitated by Paz & Associates, offers an exceptional educational opportunity for new and prospective booksellers in conjunction with this year's BookExpo America (BEA) trade show. The course, which emphasizes a realistic and practical approach, is ideal for anyone who is opening, buying, or investing in a bookstore, as well as for those who would like to. The comprehensive program is also appropriate for industry professionals who seek a better understanding of book retailing.

The school will be held from Tuesday, May 29, to Friday, June 1, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, this year's Hotel ABA, the exclusive hotel for ABA member booksellers at BEA.

Participants will learn about all aspects of book retailing through intensive educational sessions and by networking with booksellers and publishers at ABA special events, including the association's annual Celebration of Bookselling. In addition to the workshop's focus on everything from developing a successful business plan and understanding financial considerations to store design, marketing, and selection of inventory, on Thursday, May 31, Booksellers School participants will join seasoned ABA member booksellers at the association's full day of education.

Tuition for the Booksellers School -- $500 per person for ABA members and $800 per person for non-members -- includes one copy of Opening a Bookstore: The Essential Planning Guide, registration for BEA, and a number of free events. Advance registration is required and is capped at 65 attendees.

Registration for ABA's Booksellers School is via BookWeb.org. Registration for the school automatically registers participants for BookExpo America. However, tickets for the special events that have a fee must be purchased through BEA.

ABA has blocked a number of hotel rooms at the Marriott at a special rate of $159 per night for ABA Regular and Provisional members. To register for the hotel, ABA members should contact Margaret Nafz at (800) 637-0037 ext. 6614 or [email protected]. Non-ABA members can register for other trade show hotels at www.bookexpoamerica.com. Non-members who would like to join the association to receive preferred rates for the Booksellers School and for Hotel ABA can do so via an online application form at BookWeb.org.