Our events and programs are designed to strengthen and celebrate independent bookstores
Each fall, we join with our neighboring indie bookselling association to host the Heartland Fall Forum, one of the largest and most exciting regional trade shows in the country. Representing more than 350 bookstores across a 13-state region, the show features in-depth education, an show floor of more than 70 exhibitors, and a series of author events.
|
Our annual winter catalog is an advertising tool that allows publishers to dramatically increase their opportunity for holiday sales. It's also a marketing tool that inexpensively allows bookstores to have a professional piece created just for them and distributed directly to their customers.
|
|
To connect with booksellers and help publishers promote authors whose books are released in spring and summer, we host a series of programs every spring. All members are welcome to attend, as well a nonmembers interested in joining the association.
|
Independent Bookstore Day is a way to celebrate the unique culture surrounding the more than 2,000 independently owned bookstores in the US. Organized jointly by IBD and the nine regional bookselling IBAs, we put our own spin on it locally with the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and the Midwest Indie Bookstore Roadmap.
|
Midwest Connections is a co-op program that gives booksellers tools to display and merchandise participating titles as well as cash rebates for their promotions. Through branded displays, point-of-sale materials, and rebates for premiere placement, we help books get special treatment in our member stores. The program is one of the most effective methods of drawing bookseller attention to titles with regional interest.
|
Each year, our booksellers celebrate their favorite books of the year that pertain to our region. Our awards are a reflection of handselling at its best, as all the books are selected directly by independent booksellers.
|
Bookseller of the Year Award
|
Beginning in 2018, MIBA will honor one bookseller of a member bookstore with the Bookseller of the Year Award. This award will recognize excellence and innovation in bookselling, customer service, industry influence, community engagement, and supporting the literary tradition.
|
