BookED

As online platforms shape how readers discover and connect with books, Bookstagrammers and BookTokers have become powerful voices in the literary ecosystem. This session will explore how independent bookstores can cultivate meaningful, values-driven relationships with digital creators to grow visibility, drive foot traffic, and build trust with online audiences. Join a panel of booksellers and con...

In today's fast-paced media landscape, it's not always about landing the big headline right away. Sometimes, small, strategic actions can lead to major opportunities for visibility. In this session, we'll explore how booksellers can generate media buzz through simple but effective tactics. From crafting an engaging "About Us" page to networking with local press, to leveraging opportunities to spea...

Membership programs can be more than discounts — they can be powerful engines for connection, community, and consistent revenue. This session will explore how to design a membership model that reflects your store's mission, deepens customer relationships, and delivers real value to your most loyal supporters. From exclusive perks and event access to branded swag and behind-the-scenes content, we'l...

Discover what's ahead for Edelweiss in this one-hour roadmap session. We'll catch attendees up on our new List View as well as our plans for Omnibus, a new Square-integrated platform that merges inventory, orders, and events into one workspace. Plus, we'll share more about our work to improve user access to key data via updated dashboards and improved search tools. Join us to explore how we are cr...

Are you interested in expanding representation in your children's book curation? Genres like graphic novels, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy are a great place to start. This session will take a look at the impact of disabled rep, queer rep, and racial diversity in the genres and provide tips and resources to support your store's curation of its genre sections and graphic novels.   Recorded February 26...

Bookshop.org's CEO Andy Hunter will present new features for stores to maximize profits. From improving the ebook app to enhanced affiliate tools and email marketing support, Bookshop.org is making it easier than ever for your bookstore to thrive online.   Recorded February 26, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at  www.bookweb....

Reading is magic, and when kids fall in love with it early, that love can last a lifetime. This session will discuss ways you can spark a lifetime of reading for your young customers. We'll explore how booksellers can create moments of wonder that make kids reach for books just because they want to, not because they have to. Panelists will share ideas for making reading a shared family adventure a...

You've opened your bookstore — now what? This practical panel is designed for new owners navigating the day-to-day realities of their first year. Hear from fellow booksellers and Ingram experts as they share real-world advice on managing inventory, making smarter buying decisions, and using ipage, to make the day-to-day easier, stay organized, and grow sales. Whether you are weeks or months in, yo...

Take your Edelweiss know-how to the next level. This interactive session for intermediate users will explore how booksellers can use Edelweiss Analytics and Edelweiss360 to make smarter, data-driven decisions and strengthen customer connections. The Edelweiss team will share live demonstrations and practical examples focused on inventory management, discovery, and marketing outreach. Attendees wil...

One of the trickiest aspects of running a bookstore is developing systems and processes to manage the interminable influx of invoices and credits from your vendors. In this moderated discussion, booksellers will talk about how they were able to solve this intractable problem by utilizing Batch for Books to stay organized, stay current with their vendor accounts, and reclaim precious time previousl...

Join Phil Davies (ABA Director of E-Commerce) and Andy Hunter (Bookshop.org Founder and CEO) to learn and discuss the newest eCommerce trends.   Recorded February 25, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org .   Theme song by Constant Companion

Every year you hear about ABACUS — ABA's financial benchmark report — but, for some reason, you never get around to filling it out yourself. Maybe you're overwhelmed with finding your numbers, confused on what to look for, or just struggling to make the time. This workshop will help you overcome any number nerves and gather your numbers for the next ABACUS deadline. You'll learn more about what AB...

Schools are eager for creative community partners — and bookstores are uniquely positioned to create a partnership that is mutually beneficial. This session explores nontraditional school partnerships that are meaningful and manageable for your store's capacity. We'll look at teacher nights, programming, discounts, and strategies for outreach. Learn how to co-create initiatives with educators and...

The economics of the publishing industry have a direct impact on bookstore profitability, as publisher decision-making affects everything from the retail price printed on a book to the marketing budgets available for bookstores. In this session, we'll explore the financial intricacies of the publishing industry and, using a book's P&L Statement (Profit & Loss Statement), unpack the various factors...

Indie bookstores and indie presses share more than just a name -- they share a mission: championing voices, building community, and supporting a thriving literary world. This session will explore how indie bookstores can collaborate and strengthen their partnerships with indie presses. We'll explore avenues for discoverability, hosting impactful events, and making thoughtful frontlist and backlist...

Incarcerated people deserve books to read for enjoyment, education, and connection. However, PEN America notes that "prisons are the largest censors in the United States" due to book banning, strict packaging rules, and a firm adherence to an allowed senders list. This session will be led by booksellers who have navigated this bureaucratic and confusing terrain to develop crucial book programs for...

From romantasy to cozy horror to the emerging young teen lit category bridging middle grade and YA, bookstores are rethinking how to organize their shelves to reflect how readers actually read. Today's audiences — especially younger and crossover readers — are drawn to stories that blur genre lines and center emotion, identity, and imagination. This session explores how these evolving trends are r...

This session is designed for booksellers who have been tracking KPIs in their store for a while now, but are ready to begin analyzing their data in more advanced ways. With real bookstore examples and actionable insights, this session is designed for owners and managers ready to move from tracking performance to actively shaping it. Please bring your ABACUS report and laptop.   Recorded February 2...

Throughout the week, you find yourself moving between perfectionism, irritability, emotional numbness, or disengagement in your store. You're not exhausted, so what's got you feeling so off? Even when you're not feeling the stereotypical signs, burnout can undermine your passion, productivity, and wellbeing — all without raising any immediate alarm bells. In this session, we'll explore the unique...

Your website is more than a sales tool — it's your bookstore's digital front door. In this session, booksellers who are actively using IndieCommerce 2.0 share how they've leveraged the platform to drive sales, improve customer experience, and streamline operations. Learn how real stores are using IndieCommerce 2.0 to strengthen their online presence. Whether you're just getting started or looking...

The current era of book bans has impacted more than just books in classrooms and libraries — it's also led to fewer author school visits, last-minute event cancelations, protests of author events, and authors facing limits on which books they can bring or discuss at events. Booksellers are often left on the hook when school events are canceled and need to protect themselves, but they can also be t...

Join us for a poetry reading featuring poets from indie presses Autumn House and University of Pittsburgh Press! This poetry reading is the perfect appetizer to the Evening Author Reception. Whether you're new to the genre or a longtime prosody lover, come enjoy the magic of poetry with your fellow booksellers.   Recorded February 25, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.   Additional b...

Your bookstore tells a story — but how do you make every customer feel like they've stepped into your world the moment they walk through the door? Inspired by the immersive experiences of lifestyle retailers like Anthropologie, this session will focus on the charm and personality only independent bookstores can offer. We will explore how visual storytelling, thoughtful details, scent, sound, and l...

From scary walk-throughs, to romantic mixers, to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, nontraditional events are redefining how customers experience your space. This session dives into creative event concepts that go beyond the book launch, helping you reimagine your store as a dynamic venue for community connection, entertainment, and unexpected joy. Learn how to plan, market, and execute standout eve...

Bookstore crawls are a fun and effective way to build buzz, boost sales, and strengthen community ties — but pulling off a successful crawl takes coordination and creativity. In this session, you'll hear from booksellers who've planned crawls of all sizes, from neighborhood strolls to citywide (or even statewide) celebrations. We'll cover logistics like mapping routes, partnering with fellow store...