Spring Booksellers Forums Conclude: Education Presentation Available Online

The American Booksellers Association recently concluded its 2015 Spring Forum programming, a series of 10 meetings with both members and nonmembers, which began March 11 in Omaha, Nebraska, and concluded on April 29 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The forums, held in conjunction with the regional booksellers associations, were led by ABA CEO Oren Teicher, who, together with other ABA staff, met with  approximately 350 member booksellers, providing an opportunity for them to share ideas, discuss industry issues, and receive updates on various ABA projects.

In addition, at each of the meetings ABA presented a new education session, “Exploring New Markets.” The session’s PowerPoint presentation is now available for members on BookWeb.org.

“We are extremely grateful that so many booksellers made the time to join us at this year’s Spring Forum meetings,” said Teicher. “The educational session on new markets was significantly enhanced because of the participation and contributions of the attending booksellers, and the ideas and comments shared with us during the forum meetings are enormously important, giving us essential insight and feedback.”

Teicher noted, too, that booksellers who were not able to attend one of the forums, but who are coming to BookExpo America, can meet with a number of ABA staff at the ABA Member Lounge at the Javits Convention Center (Meeting Room 214 on the show floor).

The lounge will be open Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, May 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Friday, May 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An exclusive place for ABA member booksellers, the lounge will host author meet-and-greets, signings, and a presentation of the newest Indies Introduce authors. Booksellers will also be able to learn about ABA programs and services, relax and have a snack, and meet with fellow booksellers in the lounge.