Tips for a great show

Introduce yourself, and connect with your fellow MPIBA member bookstores.

• Find stores that are very similar to yours, and stores that are completely different.
• Connect with stores in your area, and also from other states!
• Share your contact information.

Introduce yourself to the MPIBA staff, Board members, and Advisory Council members

Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and get some rest.

Take full advantage of the Exhibit Hall:

• Join MPIBA Board & Staff for a brief walkthrough and explanation of the Exhibit Hall. Meet your guide outside the main Exhibit Hall entrance on Thursday, October 5, at 4:30 pm, for the tour.
• Become an Exhibit Hall Master! Engage with every exhibitor to receive raffle tickets, and be entered in our prize drawing for one of three $100 Gift Cards.
• Look at the Show Specials and be prepared to place orders (during or after the show).
• Look at the Holiday Gift Guide catalog titles on display at the Registration Desk, and in the exhibitor booths. Plan your holiday displays and consider ordering up!
• Check out the gift and sideline vendors.

Practice Exhibit Hall Etiquette

Do not take anything from an Exhibitor booth/table without asking.

Remember: books and ARCs are for promotional purposes only, they should NOT be resold in your store.

Meet Authors:

• Go to the author events, and visit with authors signing in the exhibit hall.
• Hearing an author talk about their own book is the best way to understand how to sell a title.
• Meet authors who might want to visit your store.
• Signed ARCs are in short supply, please only take the books you personally plan to read and review!

Attend Pick of the Lists:

• A fun and fast introduction to some key books from each publisher.
• Take breaks, and stand and stretch when you need to.

Educate Yourself:

• Don’t miss the education and networking sessions throughout the conference.
• You can learn a lot, even if a session seems like it isn’t a fit for your store.
• Participate! Share your expertise (you know more than you think you do!), experience and ask questions.

Support Binc:

Purchase a colorful bandana and join in the Heads or Tails fun!

Sign up to read for the Reading the West Book Awards:

You’ll find a sign-up sheet at the Registration Desk.

Be sure to plan time when you get back to your store to:

• Review and share what you learned in the education and networking sessions.
• Follow-up with new publisher and vendor contacts.
• Place orders using Show Specials.
• Save the date for SpringCon 2024, April 30-May 2, San Antonio, Texas!