MARCH MADNESS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The March Madness Bookseller Series is a yearly event series featuring eight to twelve in-person bookseller gatherings hosted by member bookstores. Events are within two to three hours driving distance for a majority of SIBA member bookstores.  The series allows booksellers to share skills and information, and network with each other in a fun and sociable setting.

Typical Event Schedule:

10:00 AM-12:00 Noon:  Bookstore Education
12:00 Noon-1:00 PM: Author Luncheon
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Bookseller Idea Share

Hosting stores spend the morning presenting on a topic they feel they do well. After a lunch with an author, booksellers spend the afternoon in an idea sharing session when anyone can contribute.

All March Madness Events are free to SIBA member booksellers, and open to nonmember booksellers for a small fee to cover the cost of lunch.

Feedback from previous events

“It was nice to reconnect with some of the booksellers we met last year and the Novel gang was so hospitable and helpful. Their presentation on their junior bookseller program was terrific.” -- Lyn Roberts, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

"It's always such a delight to be around fellow booksellers and hear the successes (and struggles) of other stores. And I got swept up in browsing-ain't that the way. " -- Hannah Hyde, Little Shop of Stories event.

"The morning presentation at Blue Cypress Books was AWESOME! It was well-structured and had tons of valuable information. Speakers were clear, articulate, and succinct even though they were providing us with lots of info" -- Stephen Hayes, Fred & June's Books

"I found the small group to be a really smartly organized way of sharing with one another. I liked the opportunity for everyone to share what they needed help with and what they were excited about. Everyone was eager to listen and learn from one another." -- Shae Jordan, Avid Bookshop

"The Firestorm folks were phenomenal! I liked having the opportunity to learn in-depth about three upcoming titles and am eager to talk about them with my coworkers." -- Virginia Kane, Malaprop's Bookstore

Call for Bookstore Hosts for MMBS 2026