A Checklist for CALIBA Fall Fest
For many first-timers — or even 11th-timers — the annual regional trade show can be an overwhelming maze of education sessions, author panels, exhibit hall navigating, and meet and greets. Here are a few reminders and tips to help you navigate Fall Fest ‘23.
Before you go, know what to expect at Fall Fest ‘23.
Explore our Fall Fest ‘23 webpage and get information on current programming, hotel accommodations, and an overview of Fall Fest ‘23. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact kristin@caliballiance.org or ann@caliballiance.org.
What to Wear & Bring
We are booksellers and we salute your personal fashion sense and originality. So, dress as you would at your store! For your well-being, we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes. We advise dressing in layers as Convention Centers are often cold. If you plan on going to a publisher dinner, please check with the restaurant to see if they have any specific dress requirements.
If you are traveling by plane, you may want to leave a little room in your luggage for ARCs distributed by our publishers. You will be given one tote bag at registration, but it's always a good idea to bring a few more. We do not have mailing services on site, so please plan accordingly.
The Conference Center does have several water bottle filling stations, so please plan to bring your own bottle if you like. They also have hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility. If you would like to wear a mask we encourage you to do so, but you must bring your own.
Before you go, know what to expect at Fall Fest ‘23.
Explore our Fall Fest ‘23 webpage and get information on current programming, hotel accommodations, and an overview of Fall Fest ‘23. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact kristin@caliballiance.org or ann@caliballiance.org.
What to Wear & Bring
We are booksellers and we salute your personal fashion sense and originality. So, dress as you would at your store! For your well-being, we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes. We advise dressing in layers as Convention Centers are often cold. If you plan on going to a publisher dinner, please check with the restaurant to see if they have any specific dress requirements.
If you are traveling by plane, you may want to leave a little room in your luggage for ARCs distributed by our publishers. You will be given one tote bag at registration, but it's always a good idea to bring a few more. We do not have mailing services on site, so please plan accordingly.
The Conference Center does have several water bottle filling stations, so please plan to bring your own bottle if you like. They also have hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility. If you would like to wear a mask we encourage you to do so, but you must bring your own.
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Wear your badge at all times during the event.
You will be given a badge and welcome bag when you arrive at the main lobby of the South San Francisco Conference Center. Please wear your badge at all times. If you registered for any of our ticketed events, your badge will be coded to reflect this. If you still need to purchase tickets, check with registration to see if the event has seats available. Parking and Logistics The South San Francisco Conference Center is conveniently located and offers ample free parking. Details on getting to SSFCC can be found here. Hotel Accommodations Our conference hotel is The DoubleTree Inn, 275 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco 94080. Our conference rate is $159 + tax, etc. per night, 9/26-9/28, parking is free. The last day to reserve a room is 9/5/2023. Book your room here. We will also be hosting our first Rep Picks BINGO night at the DoubleTree on Wednesday, September 27 at 7 pm. Free for booksellers. Hang out with us while the traffic eases. Registration requested so we can plan accordingly. Join us for pizza and bookish fun! |
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Come Ready to Do Business!
Publishers and sales reps have traveled from far and wide to show off their newest books and sidelines. Come ready to introduce yourself, open an account, place orders, and make appointments. Bring business cards and one-sheets with your bookstore information. Fill Out Session Evaluations
We will have a QR code linking to an evaluation form for you to fill out after the sessions. Your feedback is enormously valuable to us, so please take a minute to fill out the evaluation form. |
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Make sure to network.
According to bookseller veterans, the opportunity to meet fellow booksellers is one of the most valuable parts of the event. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself and be ready to exchange contact information. Bring business cards and/or one-sheets about your bookstore, plus a pen and paper, and swap business cards with everyone you meet. For easy reference and recall later, make a note on the card about what was discussed.
Finally: Take time each night to review your plans for the next day. We have a number of excellent education sessions and roundtable discussions aimed at many levels of bookselling, from owners and managers to frontline booksellers and specialists. If you have signed up for a ticketed session and will no longer be able to join us, please let us know as soon as possible.
According to bookseller veterans, the opportunity to meet fellow booksellers is one of the most valuable parts of the event. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself and be ready to exchange contact information. Bring business cards and/or one-sheets about your bookstore, plus a pen and paper, and swap business cards with everyone you meet. For easy reference and recall later, make a note on the card about what was discussed.
Finally: Take time each night to review your plans for the next day. We have a number of excellent education sessions and roundtable discussions aimed at many levels of bookselling, from owners and managers to frontline booksellers and specialists. If you have signed up for a ticketed session and will no longer be able to join us, please let us know as soon as possible.