2026 March Madness Bookseller Series
10 bookstore events in 9 states!
Ten SIBA bookstores in nine different states will host one-day gatherings throughout March that include bookseller education, meet-the-author luncheons, networking, and idea shares on what’s working at attendee stores. This programming is FREE to SIBA member bookstores, and includes lunch.
What Booksellers said about previous years' March Madness series:
“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
DETAILS
All March Madness events run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM local time, and include an author luncheon. The general format for all events is:
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Education Session presented by hosting store.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Author Luncheon
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Bookseller Idea Share
ABOUT MARCH MADNESS
The March Madness Booksellers Series runs annually in March. This unique event series is run by booksellers for booksellers, allowing SIBA member bookstores to showcase what they do well, and providing valuable opportunities for booksellers to network with their colleagues. Each year's schedule seeks to place an event within driving distance of a majority of SIBA's bookstore members.
Agenda
| March 2 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
Subscription Book Clubs & Kids Programming The team at Parnassus will discuss how they successfully run five subscription clubs, covering book selection, branding, logistics around receiving and mailing boxes, and managing their customer database. Their Kids Events Manager will share how Parnassus developed their kids programming, growing their weekly storytimes and incorporating authors, as well as building relationships with local schools for mutual benefit. |
| March 3 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Resist Booksellers in Petersburg VA
Building Your Brand on Social Media The team at Resist Booksellers will share their approach to social media, with an emphasis on showing up authentically in a relatable and sustainable way. |
| March 4 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Octavia Books in New Orleans, LA
Independent Bookstore Day: How to Make it Work for Your Store The team from Octavia will share how they plan for Independent Bookstore Day (IBD), including working together with other local stores, creating a special social media campaign, taking advantage of special terms for exclusives and featured books, and in-store activities to increase foot traffic. Attendees will be invited to share their IBD plans, too. |
| March 5 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Main Street Reads, Summerville SC
Creating a Store Culture where Fun is GOOD Learn how Main Street Reads creates a culture of "Fun is GOOD" in the store with events, displays, and attitude. In service to their community as an important "third space," Main Street Reads' team is proud of the fun they create with customers to make every experience enjoyable. They'll present their approach and brainstorm free, cost-effective, and fun-packed ideas together with attendees, with plenty of takeaways. |
| March 9 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
novel & Burke's Books team up in Memphis, TN
novel: Ticketed Authorless Events Burke’s: Navigating Longevity, Legacy, & Succession Planning The team at novel will share their approach to ticketed authorless events. Recent successes include their Grown Up Book Fairs, Teddy Bear Sleepovers, and other themed events. Burke’s owners will discuss their work to preserve their store’s legacy and the considerations that come into play as they approach succession planning. |
| March 10 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Underbrush Books in Rogers, AR
Bookseller Technology Owner Courtney Ulrich Smith, a former UX researcher, will present on the tools and systems that Underbrush Books uses for in-store and e-commerce growth. She will cover everything from project management tools, collaboration tools, reporting tools, marketing tools, and more. There will be an opportunity for attendees to share what's working and not working for them, so we can all learn from one another. |
| March 11 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, NC
Creating a Culture of Creativity at Your Store Foster creativity and curiosity to inspire your employees and your community to connect, heal, and build a culture that lifts everyone up. Kimberly Daniels Taws will discuss her approach to supporting creativity at her store by leading with curiosity. Exercising awareness, active listening, sensory engagement, and supportive attention results in positive transformation for your bookselling team and community. |
| March 16 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Auburn Oil Company in Auburn, AL
Crafting Special Events to Reach New and Repeat Customers The events team at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers is always coming up with creative ideas for events to get folks in the door time & again. From wine pairings to book clubs to book fairs, they craft gatherings that are a win-win for all involved. Learn how they do it and be newly inspired to try some of their ideas at your store! |
| March 17 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Charis Books in Decatur, GA
Radical Hospitality Charis, a 51-year-old feminist bookstore, has used the concept of Radical Hospitality to build accessible spaces for people of different abilities, identities, politics, and needs for decades. Join Charis for pragmatic tips on making your store a space where people feel welcomed and valued. We will explore physical/space accessibility, neurodiversity, and safer spaces, and why an all-or-nothing approach tends to fail everyone. |
| March 18 | |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Writer's Block in Orlando, FL
Legal Landmines and Lessons: What Every Bookseller Should Know Owner Lauren Zimmerman, who is also an attorney, will share her insights and experiences applying her legal knowledge to run her bookstore. This session draws on real-world cases covering lease negotiations, partnering with other organizations, financing, and contract review. Attendees will also learn the legal community’s predictions regarding AI in the arts, copyright law, and ethical implications. |
Check back here for information about authors appearing at the March Madness events.
Product Add-ons
| Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Binc Donation View Product | $25.00 Suggested Donation |
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