Bookseller Programming at BEA Offers More Than Ever

There will be more opportunities than ever for networking, professional development, and discovering the best of the fall publishers' lists at the 2002 BookExpo America, held in conjunction with the ABA Convention, set for May 2-5 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

This week BTW offers a full schedule of all ABA-related programming (click here [1] for the schedule in pdf format). At last year's show, members asked for an earlier publication of Convention events, and it's hoped that this schedule will help booksellers with travel planning and other logistics.

One of the highlights at this year's show is a full day of ABA educational programming on Thursday, May 2. The day's schedule includes sessions on bookstore finances, marketing, and inventory management. In addition, the program features a "Bright Prospects Business Panel," which will look at the future role of small business in the economy. At the panel three leading business consultants and authors--Tom Ehrenfeld, Doug Hall, and Robert Spector--will answer questions posed by Connie Brod, C-SPAN moderator and executive producer of BookTV, as well as questions from booksellers.

In the afternoon on Thursday, booksellers can attend "Best Ideas" sessions to share tips, ideas, and proven practices. Topics include merchandising, database development, co-op opportunities, newsletters, and staff development.

Also in the afternoon, the programming includes sessions to help booksellers and readers "Find Comfort in Books--An Afternoon Dedicated to Children's Bookselling." After a keynote presentation by Newbury winner Russell Freedman, there will be a session designed to help booksellers offer customers titles that will help them deal with unfamiliar or uncomfortable issues. The afternoon will also feature a presentation by author Mark Teague, who will discuss his experiences in creating "the right book for the right time."

The networking opportunities on Thursday also include a Large Store Roundtable, where booksellers can meet with colleagues to discuss relevant issues.

The special full day of ABA educational programming on Thursday, May 2--including morning and afternoon sessions, keynote speakers, and "Best Idea" sessions--is $25 for ABA and ABC members; non-ABA members are invited to join the day's sessions for $50. [Part of this day is sponsored by Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC).]

Watch BTW for continued coverage of BookExpo America and the ABA Convention.