How to Heartland!
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Tips for Having an Excellent Show
1. Introduce yourself Every year, we hear from attendees about how crucial it is to meet with fellow booksellers. In addition to the rich program we provide in the form of education, show floor, and author events, we urge you to keep in mind the substantial value in networking and casual conversation. Chat with folks whenever you have an opportunity to do so--not only in events, but in elevators, hallways, at the bar, and so on. Although indie bookstores are technically competitors, the industry and community actually strive on mutual support. It’s one of the magical things about bookselling. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to anyone you see wearing a badge. You automatically have something in common just by being there, and you never know what you might take away from a chance encounter. |
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2. Prepare your icebreakers
First, be sure to bring something to share with attendees an exhibitors, such a business card, book mark, or better yet, a press kit for your store. Sharing a press kit is an excellent way to break the ice with exhibitors on the show floor, and a great way to spark a conversation with a bookseller. Please follow the link on the right for resources on how to create this valuable promotional piece. Also review the list of attending exhibitors and bookstores to spark your conversational ideas. Second, think about a few specific tasks you might accomplish at the show. Would you like to build a wider backlist section, bulk up on a specific category, or draw more authors to your store? Think about this goal in detail and jot down a few talking points to start conversations with exhibitors. When it comes to booksellers, what would you most like to chat about with a few hundred other likeminded people running the same type of business? Take a few moments to think about the answer to this question and ask the booksellers you meet. Ask your staff to prepare talking points about their favorite subjects and genres. Publishers especially love to know what booksellers are the best readers for their galleys. |
3. Working with publishers and exhibitors
Please remember that publishers and overall industry exhibitors make this show possible. Their support and participation drive the entire gathering, so it’s the least we can do to make their experience as valuable as possible.
Please spend as much time as you can on the show floor, meeting with new exhibitors, speaking with reps, and discussing titles that you’re excited about--even if you’re not placing orders or if you’ve already done your ordering. We've talked with publishers about their goals for the show, and while placing orders is important, they really want to get to know booksellers, so please broaden your focus to include far more than just seeing frontlist titles. As the people who bring their job to life by selling books to readers, you are a special commodity, so please say hello.
Overall, think about the show in the broadest way possible. It's not only an opportunity to place orders or touch the books. It's also a tremendous tool to serve your needs, whatever they are, and also a big networking event and party that allows you promote your store and simply chat with people who support you.
Please also attend the rep receptions and let the participating reps know that you valued their presentations. For many publishers, this platform for reps is one of the primary benefits of supporting the conference. Attending these events goes a long way toward ensuring that we can continue to host them and have an awesome show.
4. Never take without asking
Exhibitors are generally happy to give you display copies of their books if you ask them, but please remember to ask before you take anything from an exhibit. Sometimes publishers need to retain a copy for the duration of the show floor, but would be fine if you came back by at the close of the event.
5. Get involved
Throughout the trade show floor, you’ll notice items in booths flagged with a “Silent Auction” marker. These items have been donated to benefit BINC, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, and you can bid on these items throughout the show floor’s open periods. At 11:00 am on Friday, one hour before the close of the show floor, the winning bids will be announced. This can be an excellent way to purchase inventory below cost and come away from the trade show as a literal “winner.”
Please remember that publishers and overall industry exhibitors make this show possible. Their support and participation drive the entire gathering, so it’s the least we can do to make their experience as valuable as possible.
Please spend as much time as you can on the show floor, meeting with new exhibitors, speaking with reps, and discussing titles that you’re excited about--even if you’re not placing orders or if you’ve already done your ordering. We've talked with publishers about their goals for the show, and while placing orders is important, they really want to get to know booksellers, so please broaden your focus to include far more than just seeing frontlist titles. As the people who bring their job to life by selling books to readers, you are a special commodity, so please say hello.
Overall, think about the show in the broadest way possible. It's not only an opportunity to place orders or touch the books. It's also a tremendous tool to serve your needs, whatever they are, and also a big networking event and party that allows you promote your store and simply chat with people who support you.
Please also attend the rep receptions and let the participating reps know that you valued their presentations. For many publishers, this platform for reps is one of the primary benefits of supporting the conference. Attending these events goes a long way toward ensuring that we can continue to host them and have an awesome show.
4. Never take without asking
Exhibitors are generally happy to give you display copies of their books if you ask them, but please remember to ask before you take anything from an exhibit. Sometimes publishers need to retain a copy for the duration of the show floor, but would be fine if you came back by at the close of the event.
5. Get involved
Throughout the trade show floor, you’ll notice items in booths flagged with a “Silent Auction” marker. These items have been donated to benefit BINC, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, and you can bid on these items throughout the show floor’s open periods. At 11:00 am on Friday, one hour before the close of the show floor, the winning bids will be announced. This can be an excellent way to purchase inventory below cost and come away from the trade show as a literal “winner.”