I’m still dreaming about our New Voices New Rooms (NVNR) conference. Every night I relive different aspects of it. The behind the scenes moments: receiving a box of locally-made chocolate bars for our author gift bags; setting up the registration desk and office room across from the exhibit hall; printing out and folding tent cards for the receptions; figuring out the flow of authors in the moveable feast; working up the menu choices with the hotel, dealing with a few last minute shipping challenges; appreciating how NVNR’s social committee came up with a late in the game DIY Barbie photo booth. And then there were the public moments: watching Tony Keith tear up as he caught sight for the first time of the ARCs of his debut work; listening to our keynote speaker engage hundreds of booksellers in earnest conversations about leadership and bold goals; hearing authors and editors speak from the heart about their new works; being a fly on the wall as booksellers, publishers, and industry partners made conversation over peanut-covered M & Ms and popcorn during snack breaks; and saying goodbye to attendees leaving the conference, weighted down with books, smiles on their faces. NVNR 2023 was such a special, ephemeral community that I already miss, and am grateful to have been part of creating.

Denise Foster, 2020 Vision, Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, and Linda-Marie Barrett, SIBA

This week we began our debriefing on how it went, and how it could be better. We’ve heard from many attendees, but we need to hear from more of you. Your voice and perspective matters! For those who attended, we invite you to participate in this survey.

Did you receive the updated SIBA membership sheet, “Hey Y’All” button, and window decal at NVNR registration? If not, please let me know and we’ll send you what you need to get up to speed :)

The sun never sets on SIBA programming! We’re hosting our first Indie Press Social at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA next month. We still have a few open spaces and we’d love to see YOU! Six of our favorite indie presses–Europa Editions, Other Press, Beacon Press, The New Press, Soho Press, Verso Books–will present their mission and upcoming titles and then take us all out to dinner for the kind of publisher/bookseller schmooze we all love. More information and registration link here.

Keep well during these last lovely days of summer, and keep in touch!

Linda-Marie 
Executive Director