ABA Heads to Texas for Next Booksellers Forum

On Wednesday, February 2, the American Booksellers Association will hold a Booksellers Forum and Education Program, in conjunction with the Mid-South Independent Booksellers Association (MSIBA), at BookPeople in Austin, Texas. All MSIBA and ABA member booksellers are invited to attend the events, which run from 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The day begins with "Cost of Goods Sold, 101," presented by ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz. This seminar for owners, managers, and booksellers expands on the Cost of Goods Sold component of the well-received "Two Percent Solution" presentation at last fall's regional trade shows. This new program will examine what Cost of Goods Sold is, how it fits into and affects a bookstore's operating results, and finally, the best, easiest, and most accurate way to calculate it. A bookseller cannot know if a business is profitable if Cost of Goods Sold is calculated incorrectly.

Following lunch, which will be provided from noon - 12:30 p.m., ABA will host the Booksellers Forum. Booksellers will be given an update on ABA programs and initiatives and will have the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions. In addition to Domnitz, representing ABA will be COO Oren Teicher, BookSense.com Director Len Vlahos, Associate Director of Programming and Constituent Groups Liaison Kristen Gilligan, and Bookseller Advisory Council member Steve Bercu of BookPeople. Over the years, ABA Booksellers Forums have been indispensable in shaping the programs and initiatives of the association. This is an opportunity to come and be heard.

From 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Domnitz will host an ABACUS Workshop. Booksellers who bring their fiscal 2004 financial statements will receive one-on-one assistance in completing the 2005 ABACUS study, as well as a coupon for $50 off their next ABA dues renewal. The ABACUS study is helping all independent booksellers by establishing a standard against which each store's financial results can be measured. It is an invaluable tool. To learn more about ABACUS, click here.

For more information about ABA's program in Austin, or any of the other upcoming Booksellers Forums, contact Kristen Gilligan at (800) 637-0037, ext. 1286 or [email protected]. BookPeople is located at 603 N. Lamar (6th & Lamar) in Austin [(800) 853-9757; www.bookpeople.com].