Winter Institute

Booksellers who participated in last month’s Winter Institute are being asked to provide honest feedback to help the American Booksellers Association continue to develop and improve the annual event.

In an economy where it can be difficult for small business owners to secure loans from traditional sources, an increasing number of start-ups are finding alternative sources of funding via social media and community outreach. “Is Alternative Financing an Option?” was the question explored at last month’s Winter Institute.

Data from two studies presented by Len Vlahos, executive director of the Book Industry Study Group, at this year’s Winter Institute, provided booksellers with an overview of an industry clearly in flux.

Booksellers at Wi7 were divided into 22 working groups, each formulating plans for the future of a case study bookstore. The results of their work were synthesized by ABA staff and presented by Dan Sheehan, vice president of sales and general manager of the Ingram Content Group.

Last week’s Winter Institute session “E-Books: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going” presented data on e-book sales growth and trends among IndieCommerce websites and a look at some of the creative ways indie booksellers are drawing customer attention to promote sales.

From the opening plenary to the closing working group activity, booksellers were energized by Winter Institute 7’s many opportunities to learn and network. Publishers, too, found inspiration, knowledge, and invaluable connections.

On Thursday, January 19, more than 500 indie booksellers and guests from all over the country, and as far away as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Sweden, were into the second day of the American Booksellers Association’s seventh annual Winter Institute in New Orleans.  Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the first day, as well as Thursday’s World Book Night breakfast.

There’s a lot packed into next week’s Winter Institute. To help you get the most out of your time in New Orleans, we’ve put together some program highlights and timely reminders.

As part of a new initiative to promote networking and brainstorming at next week’s Winter Institute, bookseller attendees will be breaking into groups to discuss ways to improve a model bookstore.

The latest study from Verso Digital, which will be the subject of a presentation at next week’s Winter Institute, found that “approximately 60 percent of former Borders customers have yet to appreciably increase their shopping at other bookselling locations.”