Button Poetry attended the Independent Book Publishers Association’s (IBPA) Publishing University last month in Orlando, FL. It was our first time at the conference (though we attended virtually last year). The team found great value in the Ask the Experts one-on-ones and industry panels, while making lasting connections during network sessions.
The conference’s keynote by Stephen Green, the Chief Operations Officer of A Kids Company About, was a particular high note for the Button team. The organization is a unique player in the publishing industry and one that shares many of the same goals and brand promises that Button does. If you haven’t heard of them and their exciting work in kids books check them out here!
We wanted to show the folks at IBPA our appreciation for the hard work they do supporting independent publishers so we brought them all swag bags of our favorite Button merch (who doesn’t want a tote?).
Turns out we’re better at literature than at math and miscalculated the number of folks on IBPA’s team. No problem though they gave the bags out to some other conference goers! One of whom was already a Button fan, check out her press here
There is nothing better to help break the ice – after spending a few years not gathering – like giving stuff away for free. After meeting some of the great people who received our extra swag bags we went on to get to know folks from across the spectrum of independent publishing.
One of the most exciting takeaways from the conference for us was learning about the numerous strategies independent publishers use to get their books into the libraries.
Thank you so much to the incredible IBPA staff for putting on such an insightful, community-driven event. As members, Button receives remarkable support from each and every IBPA staff to push our company and the industry as a whole forward. We can’t wait to attend and connect with everyone again in 2023.
P.S. The team also bonded over watching game six of the NBA playoffs (even though the Timberwolves lost).
Photos c/o Independent Book Publishers Association. Used with permission.