Ci2026: Empowering the (’90s) Inner Child
BookED
The kids’ section is looking very nostalgic these days with special edition reprints of popular ’90s kids’ books. This points to a greater trend in the industry and a great market and genre to tap into to improve your bottomline: millennial nostalgia. This session will focus on how stores have been successful in catering to millennials knowing this age group can’t resist the magic of their own childhood memories. From special editions to sidelines and events, this session will share how the children’s section is no longer just for children. Recorded June 29, 2026 at...
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Ci2026: Education for Authors
BookED
Developed for author guests at Children's Institute, this panel features booksellers who have formulated best practices for creating events that benefit both stores and authors. This session will cover a number of issues, from author publicity to dealing with pre-event nerves. Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at . Theme song by .
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Ci2026: Decoding Children’s Book Awards
BookED
There are so many literary awards for children’s books, so how do you keep up? Especially as established awards are now expanding to include children’s books! This panel introduces booksellers to the wide landscape of children’s book awards, from national honors to regional and genre-specific prizes. Hear how stores are also adapting this format into making their own engaging award programs! Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at . Theme song by
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Ci2026: Children's Bookselling 101: A Seminar
BookED
This session is for those new — and newer! — to children’s bookselling. Long-time children’s booksellers will demystify and clarify important information you wouldn’t know until someone told you! Developing sales rep relationships, opening accounts versus ordering from a wholesaler, and more will be discussed. You will leave feeling confident, with foundational knowledge that you will grow over the course of the Institute. Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at . ...
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Ci2026: Bookstore Policies for Free Expression
BookED
With pressure on bookstores increasing over their curation of books and events, it is essential to have clear policies that reflect your store’s emphasis and values. Having a curation policy helps a store keep the team on the same page, explain curation decisions to customers, and work through disagreements within the staff and community. Led by ABFE’s Associate Director Philomena Polefrone, this session will offer a structure to help you start articulating your store’s processes and values. Attendees will leave with a draft they can continue developing when they return to their store....
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Ci2026: Books, Gifts, and Events for Analog Customers
BookED
Analog is back! As more adults look to limit their screen time, they’re rediscovering screen-free activities like reading, journaling, puzzling, and crafting. Curated “analog bags” — portable totes designed to encourage unplugging — are trending, and bookstores are perfectly positioned to become the go-to destination for filling them. This session will explore how to merchandise for the analog movement, handsell across categories, and create events that tap into the growing desire for offline connection and creativity. Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in...
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Ci2026: Author(less) Events & Community Partnerships
BookED
You can still celebrate an author and have an incredible, fun event even if the author can't come to the store physically! This session will focus on authorless events, such as craft workshops, character meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, zine-making workshops, cookbook dinners, and community partnerships. Learn to design crowd-pleasing, low-cost programming that doesn’t rely on author visits. This session is perfect for stores that want steady community engagement with staff-led events. Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional...
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Ci2026: Understanding Event ROI with Professional Booksellers School
BookED
Events can drive sales, build community, and strengthen your store’s brand, but how do you know if an event is successful? This session will introduce practical ways to use ROI and key metrics to track and measure event success. You’ll learn what data to gather before, during, and after events and how to interpret it to understand impact. We’ll also explore how to evaluate your store’s current event capacity, from staffing to sales potential, so you can make informed decisions about growth. You'll leave with a clearer framework for assessing performance and shaping an effective events...
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Ci2026: The Rise of Board and Activity Books
BookED
Children’s books are experiencing growth, largely driven by the popularity of board books and activity-based formats such as sticker and coloring books. These formats are especially appealing to young readers and families looking for engaging, hands-on experiences with books. This session will explore strategies for incorporating board books and activity books into your store’s inventory, merchandising, and programming. You’ll leave with ideas for capitalizing on this growing segment of children’s publishing and positioning your store to meet customer demand. Recorded June 28, 2026 at...
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Ci2026: Rebuilding School Relationships Without Librarians
BookED
Many children’s bookstores partner with school librarians for book fairs, author visits, and summer reading programs. But as school districts face budget cuts — including the elimination of librarian positions — bookstores are left wondering how to sustain these important partnerships. This session will explore how to rethink and rebuild school relationships in the absence of a dedicated librarian. We’ll discuss strategies for collaborating directly with administrators and teachers, navigating shifting responsibilities, and continuing to create meaningful events, even when school staff...
info_outlineWith pressure on bookstores increasing over their curation of books and events, it is essential to have clear policies that reflect your store’s emphasis and values. Having a curation policy helps a store keep the team on the same page, explain curation decisions to customers, and work through disagreements within the staff and community. Led by ABFE’s Associate Director Philomena Polefrone, this session will offer a structure to help you start articulating your store’s processes and values. Attendees will leave with a draft they can continue developing when they return to their store.
Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children’s Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.
Theme song by Constant Companion