The 13th annual Children's Institute (Ci2025), organized by the American Booksellers Association, takes place Wednesday-Saturday, June 11-14, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore. The program features four days of what's always made Children's Institutes so exceptional: educational programming, keynote talks, author receptions, publisher parties, rep presentations, and time for booksellers, authors, and publishers from around the country to meet and network. But that's not all. There's also the popular galley room, a range of affinity group meetings during the day and in the evening, a booksellers lounge, a quiet room, new bookseller training, bookstore tours, "office hours" for meeting with ABA board members, a costume/opening reception, "craft and conversation" sessions, karaoke, and more. Ci2025 will be a mix of fun, celebration, and serious, thoughtful work. Almost 600 attendees are expected, 330 of whom are booksellers.
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| Allison Hill | |
ABA CEO Allison Hill offered welcoming words for those attendees: "I have such fond memories of the last time ABA held an Institute in Portland, and I'm thrilled we're returning to a city celebrated for its many indie bookstores as well as its natural beauty and amazing food. We couldn't be more excited about the program. Children's Institute is always special--more intimate and with a certain je ne sais quoi--and this year's program feels particularly timely.
"We've planned keynotes and sessions that directly speak to the significant challenges indie booksellers are facing right now, while also offering inspiration, meaningful connection, and the much-needed opportunity to recharge. With the continuing steady stream of 'breaking news,' I think attendees will welcome the space to breathe--with 30 minutes between sessions, casual roundtable discussions, and extended breaks. And I'm sure more than one bookseller, author, or publishing rep (maybe even a Shelf reporter?) has already begun practicing their karaoke song.
"More than anything, Children's Institute is the chance to be together and to be reminded of the joy in bookselling."