New Voices New Rooms began in 2020 as an innovative virtual programming platform for an industry adapting to the realities of operating during a pandemic. The platform was refined in 2021, and now in 2022 has become not simply a "conference" but a permanent and ongoing partnership and community dedicated to fostering connections and relationships between publishers and NAIBA and SIBA bookstores.

The NVNR Calendar currently features five regular events:

March: Publicity Speed Dating
Early in the season, Booksellers pitch their stores to publishers and publicists, making the case for their inclusion in publicity event grids and marketing plans. Participating bookstores receive a contact list of all the publicists and publishers present. Contact Eileen Dengler if your store participated and you need a copy of the list.

May: NVNR May
A two-day event focused on bookseller and author/publisher connections at a time when bookstores are making most of their holiday buying decisions. The program features author panel programs, keynote presentations, and breakout rooms where authors and small groups of booksellers will enjoy get-to-know-you talks, and multiple "Pick of the List" Rep presentations and Editors’ Buzz sessions.

August: NVNR August
A three-day event that features a week of education, bookseller retreats, author presentations, new and upcoming titles, and publisher studios, similar to NVNR from the past two years. There will be an added focus on networking and building industry connections among bookselling colleagues and publishers.

October: The VIndies
Launched in 2021, the VIndies is a celebration of bookstore creativity. A "Bookstore Oscars" that highlights the fun and independent spirit of bookstore videos.

Late Fall: New Owners Retreat
A multi-day intensive networking and education workshop specifically designed for new bookstore owners. The schedule is tailored to current store needs and includes moderated discussions and networking sessions around topics such as staffing, finance, store operations, and inventory management.

April - September: Bookstore Row & The Publisher/Vendor Studio Gallery
The online directories of bookstores, publishes and vendors opens to NVNR attendees on April 1st and stays open until September 30. Bookstores showcase their store and staff, with easily-shared links to their store listing. Publishers provide curated Edelweiss collections, video links to rep picks and editor buzz presentation, links to order specials, new account information and sales rep contact info. Bookstore Row and the Studio Gallery are only open to the NVNR community.

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