Virtual Conference:
Friday, February 7, 2025
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM PT
$50 Conference Fee (Non-Members)
Free for NBAA Members
Join us for the National Book Access Conference 2025, focusing on the power of book access to open the world to children, adults, and families who need opportunity and connection. This virtual event brings together leaders, innovators, and passionate advocates in the field of book access. Whether you’re looking to enhance your organization’s book distribution efforts or connect with peers, this is the conference for you!
Conference Focus Areas
Our program features five 50-minute sessions covering a range of critical topics in the field of book access. Here's a quick look at our focus areas:
- Book Management: Dive into best practices for book operations, purchasing, and acquisition.
- Fundraising & Development: Learn strategies to grow and sustain your organization's funding.
- Marketing & Communication: Explore effective ways to spread the word about your mission.
- Programming: Discover innovative partnerships and collaborations to expand your impact.
- Volunteers: Engage volunteers more effectively and create meaningful opportunities for involvement.
Detailed Agenda
11:00 AM ET: Welcome and Opening Remarks (5 Minutes)
- Welcome by Emily Cicchini, NBAA and Kyle Zimmer, First Book
- Housekeeping details and platform navigation tips by Kelly Cates, Promising Pages
11:05 AM ET: Session 1: Book Management (50 Minutes)
1A: Book Bank Operations: Deep Dive with the Maryland Book Bank (25 Minutes)
- Presenter: Kim Crout, Maryland Book Bank
- Pre-recorded video tour with insights on: Book quality control and sorting processes, volunteer integration for increased output, and inventory management and physical setup
- Q&A with Maryland Book Bank Team
2B: New Book Purchasing Power (25 Minutes)
- Presenters: Angie Miller, Dibs for Kids & Kari Kurjiaka, Reach Out and Read NY
- Topics covered: Curating for "choice" and purchasing in bulk; Sourcing high-demand and foreign language books; Negotiation tips for better pricing
- Group purchasing insights
1C. "Tools" of the Trade Slideshow (10 Minutes)
- Member-submitted resources: photos, links, and tips for sorting bins, tables, and storage
12:00 PM ET: Session 2: Programming, Partnerships, and Collaborations (50 Minutes)
Partnerships and Distribution Methods - PANEL
- Moderator: Aarika Riddle, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream
- Panelists: Larry Abrams (Book Smiles - Food Banks), Beth Scoonover (For the Love of Reading - Schools), and Dr. Annie Norman (Delaware Division of Libraries - Libraries)
1:00 PM ET: Session 3: Volunteers (50 Minutes)
Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and Management - PANEL
- Moderator: Jill Gonzalez, Women’s Storybook Project of Texas
- Panelists: Maria Dismondy (Making Spirits Bright - Board Volunteers), Rashelle Chase-Miller (SMART Reading - Books + Tutors), Angela Brooks (An Open Book Foundation - Outreach and Recognition), and Eileen Minogue (Book Fairies - Tiered Stewarding Systems)
Key Questions Addressed:
- Recruitment strategies
- Retention across generations
- Volunteer-donor relationships
- Volunteer management software recommendations
2:00 PM ET: Break and Networking Session (30 Minutes)
- Informal, unmoderated networking opportunity for participants to connect
2:30 PM ET: Lunch & Learn (30 Minutes)
Using Logic Models & Strategic Planning
- Presenter: Lesley DePaz, Story Orchard
- Discussion on aligning organizational goals and strategic planning
3:00 PM ET: Session 4: Fundraising and Development (50 Minutes)
4A. Diversifying Your Funding Stream (25 Minutes)
- Presenter: Bianca Paz-Cisneros, BookSpring
- Topics: Individual donors, monthly giving, year-end appeals; Corporate giving and workplace giving; Sponsorships and fundraising events
4B. Grant Writing for Book Distribution Nonprofits (25 Minutes)
- Presenter: Laura Chynoweth, Granted Fundraising
- Topics: Crafting compelling grant narratives and using current research; Finding foundation and government grants; How to work with a contract grant writer
4:00 PM ET: Session 5: Marketing and Communication (50 Minutes)
Storytelling for Impact
Presenter: Katherine Lacefield Macdonald
Topics: Creating compelling narratives to emphasize book access impact; Donor and recipient communication strategies
4:50 PM ET: Closing Remarks (10 Minutes)
Summary of key takeaways
Feedback and next steps for attendees
Final remarks from Kayla Hand, Books Between Kids5:00 PM ET: End of Conference