March 10, 2023 - The Build A Better World through Books Conference brought together passionate individuals and organizations committed to improving book access for underserved populations. Attendees were treated to a day filled with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and valuable knowledge-sharing. Let's take a look at some of the highlights and key takeaways from the event:
Attendee Feedback: The conference received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Attendees were highly satisfied with the information presented during the sessions, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. They felt that the event met their expectations and would strengthen their nonprofit's mission.
Inspiring Connections: The networking sessions were a hit, enabling attendees to connect with like-minded nonprofits and individuals from across the country. Many expressed excitement about learning from others who are dedicated to providing books to their communities. These connections will undoubtedly foster collaboration and support in the future.
Informative Sessions: The sessions covered a range of topics, including sourcing, sorting, storing, and transporting books, effective book distribution methods, data collection and management, funding strategies, and communicating impact to funders. Attendees found the information shared during these sessions to be invaluable, with several actionable ideas they plan to integrate into their nonprofits.
Desire for More Funding Opportunities: One recurring theme among participants was the need for more funding streams and financial support. Many acknowledged that the work of book distribution organizations is often underfunded. They expressed a desire for additional sessions focusing on funding and grant writing strategies to ensure the sustainability and growth of their nonprofits.
Ideas for Future Events: Attendees provided valuable suggestions for future conferences, including more sessions on marketing, board engagement, individual nonprofit spotlights, and topics such as volunteer management, shared operational resources, and grant writing. Some participants also mentioned the benefits of having geographically-based networking sessions to connect with others in their region.
Virtual Conference Improvements: While the virtual format was appreciated for its accessibility, a few participants suggested breaking up the conference into multiple days or offering simultaneous sessions based on interest to accommodate different time zones and prevent information overload. Attendees also recommended providing a pre-made document with organized links and resources for easy reference.
The Build A Better World through Books Conference was a resounding success, offering valuable insights, connections, and inspiration to attendees. The National Book Access Association is grateful to all who participated and provided feedback to improve future events. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to collaborate and make a collective impact in improving book access for underserved populations!
For more information and recorded videos, visit the Build A Better World Through Books Event Archive or reach out to us at hello@nationalbookaccess.org.
