Attending the New Voices New Rooms conference can be overwhelming, especially if you are attending as the sole representative of your bookstore. The 2025 NVNR program has concurrent education tracks, multiple bus tours, and programming that goes from before breakfast to late-night receptions. The exhibit hall holds up to 100 vendors, with rep picks discussions in the morning. Here are some tips to help you navigate the conference.
What to Wear
We at NVNR respect everyone’s individuality! Come dressed as you would at your own store, and be comfortable. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking and bringing layers, as hotel meeting rooms can sometimes be cold. If you’re continuing to be COVID-conscious, feel free to bring your own masks to wear. Some folks prefer to dress up for the evening receptions, but that is not required. If you’re attending a publisher dinner, please check with the rep who invited you and the restaurant on dress code requirements.
Attend Orientation
There will be an onsite orientation for first time attendees on August 3rd. Make time to check the schedule before you arrive for the exact time and location.
Download the NVNR App (and use it onsite!)
The NVNR app is your best navigation tool for the conference. It allows you to stay on top of last-minute schedule changes, review the schedule and session descriptions, authors and exhibitors, and more. Make sure you download the NVNR app ahead of time. In both the Google Play and Apple stores, the name of the app is “Eventleaf.” You will need to log in with the same email address you registered with for the conference.
Bring Your Bookstore Swag!
A now regular feature and attendee favorite of NVNR, the Store Swag Swap invites bookstores to bring some of their store-branded merchandise to put on a display table in the conference lobby. Stores are encouraged to show off their creative (and clever, and funny) side: from bookmarks and book totes to puzzles, ball caps, candles, t-shirts, coffee cups, buttons, pins, and shot glasses. Stickers and pins have been surprisingly popular and often find their way onto attendee badges. Read more about the Swag Swap here, and make sure to bring some of your own to share!
Come With a Purpose and Goals
Your goals should be specific things you can do to achieve your overall purpose. For example, if your purpose is to increase profitability, you would plan to attend workshops on financial management or come with cash flow questions for your colleagues at the Owners Retreat.
Plan to Divide and Conquer
If you’re bringing staff to the conference, you should split up instead of attending all the same sessions in order to get the most out of your time. Share the load by giving each person their own goals based on their role at your store.
Ask for a Mentor/Buddy
If this is your first time at NVNR or if you’d like an industry veteran to introduce you to vendors and other booksellers, you may request a mentor/buddy at the registration desk or from your regional ahead of time.
Wear Your Badge
Your badge is the indicator to staff that you have registered for the event. Please wear it at all times.
Ask Before Taking Galleys from the Exhibit Floor
If you see galleys at a reception or special event, they are for you! Feel free to grab any galleys that catch your eye. However, while you’re browsing the exhibit floor where the publishers display books on tables, please ask before you take anything.
Review Your Plans Each Day
Take some time in the evening to review your plans for the next day so you have an idea of where to go in the morning.
Attend Genre Buzz and Pick of the Lists
NVNR aims to introduce booksellers to a variety of publishers, large and small, and titles for the upcoming season. Don’t miss our Genre Buzz Lunch and Pick of the Lists session, where you can discover new titles to bring into your store.
Fill Out Session Evaluations
Booksellers are highly encouraged to fill out the session evaluations found in the session rooms and turn them into registration. These evaluations are important to inform NVNR’s programming decisions.
Pace Yourself
It’s important to pace yourself during the conference so you don’t burn out too quickly. Take breaks and visit our on-site quiet room when you need it. Although you have a fear of missing out, you can’t do everything. A chance conversation with another bookseller could give you the answer you need. Make sure to take time to socialize and take advantage of our receptions and social events and activities.
Drink Water and Make Sure You Eat
Bring your own water bottle and take advantage of the water stations around the conference to stay hydrated. NVNR also provides snacks throughout the day along with meals, and you can bring your own snacks like granola bars or your favorite candy in case you get peckish during a session.
Attend the Receptions
NVNR holds receptions at the end of each day, and these are excellent opportunities to network with other booksellers, authors, and publishers. Don’t skip these!
Take Advantage of the Exhibitor Hall
You have an entire afternoon, from 11AM-5PM, to walk around, introduce yourself to publishers, find new vendors, and discover new titles. NVNR does not schedule education during this time to give you the most opportunity to meet with our vendors. Contact your regional Membership Coordinator ahead of time if you’d like to be paired with a buddy to help with introductions.
Join the NVNR Discord Community
Our online Discord community is a great place to talk with other attending booksellers, share ideas and photos, and get information about that session you missed. It’s also a year-round way to stay in touch with your bookseller friends!
If Plans Change, Inform Us
If you pre-registered and/or paid separately for a conference event or session, made an appointment with a vendor or NVNR staff, or otherwise made an obligation you cannot keep, please inform the appropriate party you won’t be attending. For publisher dinners, please inform the rep who invited you as soon as you know you cannot attend. When in doubt, please inform the registration desk, who can help get the information to the correct person.
Have Fun!
If you have questions about navigating NVNR, check out our conference hub.