ABA Announces 2019 Children’s Institute Programming

The American Booksellers Association’s seventh ABC Children’s Institute (Ci7), which will be held June 26–28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh–Green Tree in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will feature a range of new and exciting educational opportunities. Registration for Ci7 is scheduled to open on Wednesday, February 20.

“The education presented at Children’s Institute is applicable to all bookselling,” said ABC Children’s Group Manager Gen de Botton. “Booksellers who attend Children’s Institute will be able to take what they learn and apply it to their store as a whole. What makes Children’s Institute unique is the area of focus: education that encapsulates the children’s book category.”

On Wednesday, June 26, ahead of the Welcome Reception & Costume Party that evening, booksellers can take part in bookstore tours, participate in a game of quidditch, or attend the brand-new Events University.

Booksellers who are interested in learning how to play quidditch, the beloved sporting event created by J.K. Rowling for the Harry Potter series, and then competing in a scrimmage will need to sign up ahead of Children’s Institute (watch BTW for details) and bring clothing and shoes to play. There is a minimum of 20 players required for the game to take place, and a maximum of 40; all other booksellers are invited to cheer from the sidelines.

At the full-day Events University workshop, booksellers will learn best practices for in-store and off-site events as well as the many elements that go into launching and hosting book festivals. Booksellers do not need to be registered for Children’s Institute to attend Events University.

Also new this year, educational sessions will fall into five specific tracks of learning:

• Buying & Selling
• Operations & Finances
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• Programming & Partnerships
• Advanced Bookselling & Special Topics

Booksellers can attend any sessions they wish; the track categories simply serve to help booksellers determine how best to allocate their time while at the institute.

Other educational offerings include a workshop with Well-Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim, who will discuss best practices and tips for establishing a Well-Read Black Girl book club. Booksellers will also have the chance to pick up advance reader copies of upcoming titles in the Galley Room, take part in a Rep Picks lunch, meet authors at the Author Reception, and visit with vendors at the Consultation Station.

Visit BookWeb.org to review the complete Children’s Institute program, and be ready to register on BookWeb.org on Wednesday, February 20.

All booksellers are encouraged to review the program and consider sharing their expertise as a panelist at Children’s Institute. Booksellers can send details about their specialties to de Botton, who will be in touch if such expertise coincides with planned programming.