2026 Planning Week

Remember study hall? Even if we didn’t appreciate it then, there was value to dedicated time to complete work and get help!

NAIBA is creating a bookstore version: the 2026 Planning Period. Here,  you can truly work on your business with focus and support. We encourage you to use this guided week to begin 2026 with a solid plan for yourself and your store. Your goal with this work is to increase profitability.  After a brief introduction and encouragement each morning, you’ll work independently on the day’s goals. We’ll use the chat or raised hand feature for those seeking advice or a sounding board from their fellow booksellers.  

You are invited to attend one day, some days, or all days!

We'll meet on November 10 – 14 from 9 :00 am - 10:30 am every morning. Each day will focus on a different part of the work:

Monday, 11/10: 2026 Planner with Kirsten Hess, The End: create store to-do list; schedule tasks; create/review event calendar, systems, & publicity kit 

Tuesday, 11/11: Budget & Buying Financial Plan  with Hannah Oliver Depp: review budget/buying strategy/frontlist ordering

Wednesday, 11/12: Expense Creep with Erin Matthews: review P&L and event ROIs to look for anomalies/patterns/room to improve

Thursday, 11/13: Online Presence & Marketing Strategy with Nicole Brinkley: review website, Bookshop.org page(s), newsletter, & social media(s)

Friday, 11/14: Wrap It Up with all Moderators: open time to finish work from previous days and/or work on another focus 

Please note: There is an expectation and commitment to privacy for all things shared in our meetings and events. If you would like to use an experience, idea, or program shared by someone in one of our meetings or events, you are obligated to contact that person to discuss your intent and acquire permission.