Retreats - Sunday, October 6
Buyer’s Retreat
Educators: Riley Jay Davis (Minnesota Historical Society), Jen Allen (Fujii Associates), Betsy Haberl (Booked), Alex Ness (McLean & Eakin)
Exclusively for Buyers, this retreat offers an opportunity to learn and share valuable insights. We begin with booksellers and educators presenting "Ideas that Work," followed by general education. Buyers will then engage in breakout groups focused on specific topics, and we'll wrap up by sharing key takeaways with the entire group.
Breakout groups and topics include:
• Managing information overload
• Working with an in-person rep vs. a phone rep
• Inventory management and rethinking inventory
• Gift and sidelines buying
• Marketing items and merchandising
• Utilizing staff for buying
• Single buyer vs. multi-buyer stores
• Resources
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your skills and strategies in buying. This retreat promises to equip you with practical tools and foster valuable connections with fellow buyers.
Events and Marketing Retreat
Educators: Shane Mullen (Left Bank Books), Alyson Turner (Source Booksellers), Ruth Liebmann (Penguin Random House), Wendy Ceballos (HarperCollins), Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter (Anderson’s Bookshop), Kerry Clemm (Anderson's Bookshop), Sarah Phillips (Scholastic)
This retreat is available to staff who work in events and marketing. We begin with booksellers and educators sharing "ideas that work," followed by educational sessions. Participants will then join breakout groups focused on specific topics, concluding by sharing the most valuable insights from each group.
Breakout groups and topics include:
• Bookstore collaborations
• Author events
• Author in-conversation partner best practices
• Dedicated event coordinator positions
• Dedicated marketing departments
• Creating short form content like TikTok and Reels
• Keeping up with social media
• AI uses
• Keeping customers interested in events
• Book bans
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your events and marketing skills, expand your network, and support your professional growth in the bookstore industry.
Manager’s Retreat
Educators: Zach Matelski (Mclean & Eakin), Carrie Koepeke (Skylark Bookshop), Tim Smith (Schuler Books), Danielle King (Left Bank Books), Jason Kennedy (Boswell Books)
This retreat is exclusively for Managers, designed to provide both management nuts and bolts and growth opportunities. The retreat will be broken up into five main sections. A general introduction and idea storm, Session One: Management Skills and HR Systems led by Tim Smith, breakout roundtables with a variety of featured topics, Session Two: Tools and Processes led by (Jason Kennedy, Danielle King, Zach Matelski & Carrie Koepke), and a final wrap to facilitate shared information and continued conversations.
Breakout groups and session topics include:
• Managing staff and development
• HR operations and procedures
• Staff handbook and employee manuals
• Management tools and resources
• Managing co-op
• Navigating owner and staff relations
• Managing across departments
• Events
• Working with and navigating issues in your community
• Fostering leadership and career growth
• Partnering with other bookstores and businesses
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your managing skills, expand your network, and support your professional growth in the bookstore industry.
Owner's Retreat
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (River Dog Books and Sourcebooks)
Join us for this Owner's Retreat. The retreat kicks off with booksellers and educators sharing "ideas that work," followed by general education. Owners will then participate in breakout groups focusing on specific topics, culminating in a collective regrouping to share key insights.
Breakout Groups and Topics Include:
• Non-traditional Store Models: Seasonal, Non-profit, pop-ups, online only, Book-mobiles, and other unique models.
• Core Business Areas: Employee Manuals, Lease Negotiations, Finance, Using ABACUS for Business Planning, Strategy and Decision-making, Hiring.
• Ownership Dynamics: Single vs Multi-Owner Ownership, Inventory Management, HR, Job Descriptions, Neighborhood issues, Fostering Leadership and Career Growth, Building Publisher Relationships, Customer Service & Support, Partnering with Other Local Bookstores.
Breakouts will also be subdivided based on levels of experience, 1-5 years and 6+ years of ownership experience.
This retreat promises a comprehensive learning experience, practical strategies, and valuable networking opportunities to help you thrive.
Educators: Riley Jay Davis (Minnesota Historical Society), Jen Allen (Fujii Associates), Betsy Haberl (Booked), Alex Ness (McLean & Eakin)
Exclusively for Buyers, this retreat offers an opportunity to learn and share valuable insights. We begin with booksellers and educators presenting "Ideas that Work," followed by general education. Buyers will then engage in breakout groups focused on specific topics, and we'll wrap up by sharing key takeaways with the entire group.
Breakout groups and topics include:
• Managing information overload
• Working with an in-person rep vs. a phone rep
• Inventory management and rethinking inventory
• Gift and sidelines buying
• Marketing items and merchandising
• Utilizing staff for buying
• Single buyer vs. multi-buyer stores
• Resources
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your skills and strategies in buying. This retreat promises to equip you with practical tools and foster valuable connections with fellow buyers.
Events and Marketing Retreat
Educators: Shane Mullen (Left Bank Books), Alyson Turner (Source Booksellers), Ruth Liebmann (Penguin Random House), Wendy Ceballos (HarperCollins), Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter (Anderson’s Bookshop), Kerry Clemm (Anderson's Bookshop), Sarah Phillips (Scholastic)
This retreat is available to staff who work in events and marketing. We begin with booksellers and educators sharing "ideas that work," followed by educational sessions. Participants will then join breakout groups focused on specific topics, concluding by sharing the most valuable insights from each group.
Breakout groups and topics include:
• Bookstore collaborations
• Author events
• Author in-conversation partner best practices
• Dedicated event coordinator positions
• Dedicated marketing departments
• Creating short form content like TikTok and Reels
• Keeping up with social media
• AI uses
• Keeping customers interested in events
• Book bans
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your events and marketing skills, expand your network, and support your professional growth in the bookstore industry.
Manager’s Retreat
Educators: Zach Matelski (Mclean & Eakin), Carrie Koepeke (Skylark Bookshop), Tim Smith (Schuler Books), Danielle King (Left Bank Books), Jason Kennedy (Boswell Books)
This retreat is exclusively for Managers, designed to provide both management nuts and bolts and growth opportunities. The retreat will be broken up into five main sections. A general introduction and idea storm, Session One: Management Skills and HR Systems led by Tim Smith, breakout roundtables with a variety of featured topics, Session Two: Tools and Processes led by (Jason Kennedy, Danielle King, Zach Matelski & Carrie Koepke), and a final wrap to facilitate shared information and continued conversations.
Breakout groups and session topics include:
• Managing staff and development
• HR operations and procedures
• Staff handbook and employee manuals
• Management tools and resources
• Managing co-op
• Navigating owner and staff relations
• Managing across departments
• Events
• Working with and navigating issues in your community
• Fostering leadership and career growth
• Partnering with other bookstores and businesses
Join us for a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance your managing skills, expand your network, and support your professional growth in the bookstore industry.
Owner's Retreat
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (River Dog Books and Sourcebooks)
Join us for this Owner's Retreat. The retreat kicks off with booksellers and educators sharing "ideas that work," followed by general education. Owners will then participate in breakout groups focusing on specific topics, culminating in a collective regrouping to share key insights.
Breakout Groups and Topics Include:
• Non-traditional Store Models: Seasonal, Non-profit, pop-ups, online only, Book-mobiles, and other unique models.
• Core Business Areas: Employee Manuals, Lease Negotiations, Finance, Using ABACUS for Business Planning, Strategy and Decision-making, Hiring.
• Ownership Dynamics: Single vs Multi-Owner Ownership, Inventory Management, HR, Job Descriptions, Neighborhood issues, Fostering Leadership and Career Growth, Building Publisher Relationships, Customer Service & Support, Partnering with Other Local Bookstores.
Breakouts will also be subdivided based on levels of experience, 1-5 years and 6+ years of ownership experience.
This retreat promises a comprehensive learning experience, practical strategies, and valuable networking opportunities to help you thrive.
Education - Wednesday, October 9
ABA Presents: Prioritizing Cash Flow: 10 Areas to Review for Improved Cash Flow and Profitability
ABA will discuss cash flow tools briefly then guide stores through ten essential steps to improve your store’s cash flow, financial stability, and long-term resilience.
Edelweiss for Buyers
• Handout
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (Sourcebooks, River Dog Books), Aaron Pride (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline), Shaina Mahler (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline)
Take your Edelweiss skills to the next level in this session for experienced buyers. Learn how to set up store communities for creating collaborative staff lists, use Edelweiss topical lists to not miss out on seasonal buying, and optimize your buying process with a review of how to use reviews, markups, and catalog content for strategic decisions, leveraging tags and notes for better team communication. A live AMA with Edelweiss staff will be part of this session, though please note not all questions may be able to be answered on-site.
Sidelines Solidarity
Moderator: Sara Mantia (Levine Querido)
Educators: Ymani Wince (The Noir Bookshop), Ashley Valentine (Rooted MKE)
Explore how to source and support BIPOC sideline vendors, and discover the potential of sidelines to broaden customer perspectives beyond their usual bookstore selections. This session will offer creative strategies for cross-merchandising sidelines, helping you curate a more inclusive and engaging shopping experience. Perfect for booksellers looking to diversify their offerings and foster a more inclusive community within their store.
The Fundamentals of Bookstore Operations
Moderator: Terri LeBlanc (Swampfox Bookstore)
Educators: CoriAnn Theroux (The Green Dragon Bookshop), Tim Smith (Schuler Books)
Join us for a session on business operations tailored for mid-level booksellers. Learn about essential tools, creating effective documentation, and enhancing project management skills to streamline your operations and boost your bookstore's efficiency and success.
Battling Rising Costs
Moderator: Amy Erickson (Bluebird Books)
Educators: CoriAnn Theroux (The Green Dragon Bookshop), Jamie Thomas (Women & Childrens First), Danielle King (Left Bank Books)
In this session, we'll tackle the ongoing challenge of rising operational costs that impact every bookstore. With increases in payroll, property taxes, rent, and more. Discover how to adjust your budget effectively with increases in payroll, property taxes, rent, competitors and more. We'll share and compile cost-cutting strategies, from small savings like reusable paper towels to negotiating lower credit card fees. Let's pool our knowledge to help each other thrive in a tough market.
Edelweiss for Booksellers
• Handout
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (Sourcebooks, River Dog Books), Betsy Von Kerens (Bookworm), Aaron Pride (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline), Shaina Mahler (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline)
Elevate your bookstore’s success with an informed staff using Edelweiss. In this session for non-buyers, discover how to leverage the platform to highlight staff reading preferences to sales reps, provide seamless access to digital review copies, and improve team communication on upcoming titles. Learn how these strategies and more that can make your staff more knowledgeable and drive increased sales. A live AMA with Edelweiss staff will be part of this session, though please note not all questions may be able to be answered on-site.
Looking Good with Blue Cactus Photography
• Downloadable Presentation
Join everyone's favorite Heartland photographers Jason Arthur and Monique Arthur from Blue Cactus Photography for a hands-on session on photography basics tailored for booksellers. Learn how to make the most of your phone, master lighting techniques, and set the perfect stage for both objects and people. Learn best practices for taking eye-catching photos that will enhance your store’s website, social media presence, and event marketing efforts. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling or decide on equipment needs.
Making ABACUS Work for Your Bookstore
• Downloadable Presentation
• Action Steps Download
• Downloadable Handout
Educators: Nina Barrett (Bookends & Beginnings),
Cynthia Compton (MacArthur Books and 4 Kids Books & Toys)
Learn how to leverage ABACUS, the annual benchmarking survey, to enhance your bookstore's financial health. This session will walk you line-by-line through a real ABACUS report, explaining how to interpret the results in order to make real improvements in your operations. If you haven’t reported to ABACUS before, this session will show you how your store could benefit by doing it. If you have reported and have ever felt mystified by what your results really mean and how to use them to optimize your operations, this session will help you learn to make data-driven decisions for long-term success.
Cybersecurity Basics to Protect Your Bookstore
Educators: Dan Brewster (Prologue Bookshop), Shay Carroll (Microcosm Publishing)
This cybersecurity 101 session is designed for bookstore owners, offering essential best practices to protect your business. Learn how to avoid scams and enhance your store's security with easy-to-understand, actionable tips. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their cybersecurity without getting bogged down in technical details.
Wisdom from the Frontlines: Veteran Booksellers Share What They Wish They Knew
Moderator: Gary Lovely (Two Dollar Radio)
Educators: Javier Ramirez (Exile in Bookville), James Crossley (Leviathan), Harriett Logan, (Loganberry Books)
This session is an invaluable opportunity for frontline booksellers to learn from seasoned veterans who have been in your shoes. Our panel of experienced booksellers will share the lessons they've learned, the challenges they’ve faced, and the insights they wish they’d known earlier in their careers. Gain practical advice on bookselling fundamentals, navigating tricky customer interactions, and understanding the broader publishing world. Topics will include building relationships with publishers, handling customer microaggressions, thriving as a BIPOC bookseller in the Midwest, and collaborating with other local bookstores. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to deepen your skills, this session will help you grow, develop your career, and build lasting connections in the bookselling community.
Humor, Engagement and Social Media Success: A Discussion with the Milwaukee Public Library
• Downloadable Presentation
Moderator: Melissa Howard, Communications and Community Engagement Director at the Milwaukee Public Library
Educators: Fawn Siemsen-Fuchs and Evan Szymkowski (Milwaukee Public Library)
As the final session of the Heartland Fall Forum, we invite all attendees to join us for a compelling exploration of how the Milwaukee Public Library has transformed its online presence into an engaging, humorous, and creative hub for readers and library patrons through social media videos on TikTok and Instagram.
In this session, we’ll begin with a brief video showcase of their social media content, then transition into a moderated discussion featuring the creative team, Fawn Siemsen-Fuchs and Evan Szymkowski. Hosted by the library's own Communications and Community Engagement Director, Melissa Howard. This segment will delve into key elements behind their success, including their clever use of pop culture references, humor, and personality-driven content. Through real-world examples, we’ll explore how the library uses trends and memes to promote reading and connect with a broader audience, all while fostering engagement within an online community.
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, providing an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, and share insights. Don't miss this chance to hear how the Milwaukee Public Library has transformed their social media engagement on Instagram and TikTok, while closing out the conference with inspiration!
ABA will discuss cash flow tools briefly then guide stores through ten essential steps to improve your store’s cash flow, financial stability, and long-term resilience.
Edelweiss for Buyers
• Handout
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (Sourcebooks, River Dog Books), Aaron Pride (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline), Shaina Mahler (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline)
Take your Edelweiss skills to the next level in this session for experienced buyers. Learn how to set up store communities for creating collaborative staff lists, use Edelweiss topical lists to not miss out on seasonal buying, and optimize your buying process with a review of how to use reviews, markups, and catalog content for strategic decisions, leveraging tags and notes for better team communication. A live AMA with Edelweiss staff will be part of this session, though please note not all questions may be able to be answered on-site.
Sidelines Solidarity
Moderator: Sara Mantia (Levine Querido)
Educators: Ymani Wince (The Noir Bookshop), Ashley Valentine (Rooted MKE)
Explore how to source and support BIPOC sideline vendors, and discover the potential of sidelines to broaden customer perspectives beyond their usual bookstore selections. This session will offer creative strategies for cross-merchandising sidelines, helping you curate a more inclusive and engaging shopping experience. Perfect for booksellers looking to diversify their offerings and foster a more inclusive community within their store.
The Fundamentals of Bookstore Operations
Moderator: Terri LeBlanc (Swampfox Bookstore)
Educators: CoriAnn Theroux (The Green Dragon Bookshop), Tim Smith (Schuler Books)
Join us for a session on business operations tailored for mid-level booksellers. Learn about essential tools, creating effective documentation, and enhancing project management skills to streamline your operations and boost your bookstore's efficiency and success.
Battling Rising Costs
Moderator: Amy Erickson (Bluebird Books)
Educators: CoriAnn Theroux (The Green Dragon Bookshop), Jamie Thomas (Women & Childrens First), Danielle King (Left Bank Books)
In this session, we'll tackle the ongoing challenge of rising operational costs that impact every bookstore. With increases in payroll, property taxes, rent, and more. Discover how to adjust your budget effectively with increases in payroll, property taxes, rent, competitors and more. We'll share and compile cost-cutting strategies, from small savings like reusable paper towels to negotiating lower credit card fees. Let's pool our knowledge to help each other thrive in a tough market.
Edelweiss for Booksellers
• Handout
Educators: BrocheAroe Fabian (Sourcebooks, River Dog Books), Betsy Von Kerens (Bookworm), Aaron Pride (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline), Shaina Mahler (Edelweiss / Above the Treeline)
Elevate your bookstore’s success with an informed staff using Edelweiss. In this session for non-buyers, discover how to leverage the platform to highlight staff reading preferences to sales reps, provide seamless access to digital review copies, and improve team communication on upcoming titles. Learn how these strategies and more that can make your staff more knowledgeable and drive increased sales. A live AMA with Edelweiss staff will be part of this session, though please note not all questions may be able to be answered on-site.
Looking Good with Blue Cactus Photography
• Downloadable Presentation
Join everyone's favorite Heartland photographers Jason Arthur and Monique Arthur from Blue Cactus Photography for a hands-on session on photography basics tailored for booksellers. Learn how to make the most of your phone, master lighting techniques, and set the perfect stage for both objects and people. Learn best practices for taking eye-catching photos that will enhance your store’s website, social media presence, and event marketing efforts. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling or decide on equipment needs.
Making ABACUS Work for Your Bookstore
• Downloadable Presentation
• Action Steps Download
• Downloadable Handout
Educators: Nina Barrett (Bookends & Beginnings),
Cynthia Compton (MacArthur Books and 4 Kids Books & Toys)
Learn how to leverage ABACUS, the annual benchmarking survey, to enhance your bookstore's financial health. This session will walk you line-by-line through a real ABACUS report, explaining how to interpret the results in order to make real improvements in your operations. If you haven’t reported to ABACUS before, this session will show you how your store could benefit by doing it. If you have reported and have ever felt mystified by what your results really mean and how to use them to optimize your operations, this session will help you learn to make data-driven decisions for long-term success.
Cybersecurity Basics to Protect Your Bookstore
Educators: Dan Brewster (Prologue Bookshop), Shay Carroll (Microcosm Publishing)
This cybersecurity 101 session is designed for bookstore owners, offering essential best practices to protect your business. Learn how to avoid scams and enhance your store's security with easy-to-understand, actionable tips. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their cybersecurity without getting bogged down in technical details.
Wisdom from the Frontlines: Veteran Booksellers Share What They Wish They Knew
Moderator: Gary Lovely (Two Dollar Radio)
Educators: Javier Ramirez (Exile in Bookville), James Crossley (Leviathan), Harriett Logan, (Loganberry Books)
This session is an invaluable opportunity for frontline booksellers to learn from seasoned veterans who have been in your shoes. Our panel of experienced booksellers will share the lessons they've learned, the challenges they’ve faced, and the insights they wish they’d known earlier in their careers. Gain practical advice on bookselling fundamentals, navigating tricky customer interactions, and understanding the broader publishing world. Topics will include building relationships with publishers, handling customer microaggressions, thriving as a BIPOC bookseller in the Midwest, and collaborating with other local bookstores. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to deepen your skills, this session will help you grow, develop your career, and build lasting connections in the bookselling community.
Humor, Engagement and Social Media Success: A Discussion with the Milwaukee Public Library
• Downloadable Presentation
Moderator: Melissa Howard, Communications and Community Engagement Director at the Milwaukee Public Library
Educators: Fawn Siemsen-Fuchs and Evan Szymkowski (Milwaukee Public Library)
As the final session of the Heartland Fall Forum, we invite all attendees to join us for a compelling exploration of how the Milwaukee Public Library has transformed its online presence into an engaging, humorous, and creative hub for readers and library patrons through social media videos on TikTok and Instagram.
In this session, we’ll begin with a brief video showcase of their social media content, then transition into a moderated discussion featuring the creative team, Fawn Siemsen-Fuchs and Evan Szymkowski. Hosted by the library's own Communications and Community Engagement Director, Melissa Howard. This segment will delve into key elements behind their success, including their clever use of pop culture references, humor, and personality-driven content. Through real-world examples, we’ll explore how the library uses trends and memes to promote reading and connect with a broader audience, all while fostering engagement within an online community.
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, providing an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, and share insights. Don't miss this chance to hear how the Milwaukee Public Library has transformed their social media engagement on Instagram and TikTok, while closing out the conference with inspiration!