What is Publicity Speed Dating?
Publicity Speed Dating (PSD)was invented by NAIBA, and is now a regular feature of NVNR Programming. Originally designed to help bookstores expand their events programs, PSD flips the bookstore/publisher dynamic. Instead of listening to publishers pitch books to them, booksellers have a chance to pitch their bookstores to publishers and publicists, and have their undivided attention.
What does that look like?
There are two kinds of PSD events: in-person and virtual. Because PSD emphasizes quality bookseller-publisher interactions, space is extremely limited. Early registration is advised.
In Person: March 12, New York City
The original incarnation of PSD, the in-person event hosted by NAIBA but open to SIBA bookstores, is fast-paced and intense. Booksellers spend a day going from table to table, meeting with publicists in a series of 15-minute appointments. The topic is entirely focused on store events programs and you must have copies of your finished publicity kit printed and ready to hand out. The in-person event is always held in New York City because it makes it easy for publisher publicity people to attend. It is a marathon, not a sprint, but the unique one-on-one face time bookstores get with the people who make the author touring schedules is invaluable.
Register for the 2026 Publicity Speed Dating in New York City*
*hosted by NAIBA, deadline to sign up is March 3
Virtual: May 7, 2026, on Zoom
Registration opens on March 17
During the COVID lockdown, Publicity Speed Dating was converted into an online event, which proved so popular with both bookstores and publishers that the format was continued in NVNR's regular programming. In the virtual event, bookstores get a single 15-minute appointment, but are pitching their bookstore to a Zoom room full of publicists. It is less intensive than the in-person event, but booksellers are speaking to every participating publicist, not just the ones they have appointments with. A finished publicity kit in PDF format is required. The virtual edition also draws publishers and publicists outside the NYC area, and it is easier for bookstores to participate, no matter where they are located.
Save the date! 2026 Virtual Publicity Speed Dating Event is May 7, 2026.
Registration opens on March 17.
Start prepping early!
Every store must have a publicity kit to share with publicists, and must be a current member of SIBA or NAIBA to participate. See the NAIBA and SIBA websites for inspiration and resources in creating your own publicity kit.