What's Happening?
The Winter Institute 2026 is set to take place in Pittsburgh from February 23-26, bringing together approximately 1,500 indie booksellers, publishers, and vendors. Organized by the American Booksellers
Association, the event aims to provide networking opportunities, educational sessions, and author events. The conference will feature keynote speakers such as LeVar Burton and a panel of novelists including Xochitl Gonzalez and Colson Whitehead. The event will also include a pre-conference program for BIPOC booksellers and various workshops focused on industry challenges and opportunities.
Why It's Important?
The Winter Institute serves as a vital platform for indie booksellers to connect, share insights, and explore new strategies for success in a competitive market. The event's focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly through the BIPOC pre-conference program, highlights the industry's commitment to fostering a more equitable environment. The conference also provides a space for booksellers to address challenges such as censorship and political unrest, which have impacted the industry. By attending, booksellers can gain valuable knowledge and resources to enhance their operations and adapt to changing market conditions.
What's Next?
Following the Winter Institute, attendees are expected to implement the insights and strategies gained from the conference in their respective businesses. The event's emphasis on networking and collaboration may lead to new partnerships and initiatives within the indie bookselling community. Additionally, the discussions on industry challenges could inspire collective action to address issues such as censorship and supply chain disruptions. The conference's outcomes will likely influence the future direction of indie bookselling and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the industry.
