Pre-Session
Bookstore Manager Software Users Meeting
Facilitator: Bookstore Manager Software Representative
This session is open to any store employee using Bookstore Manager Software. This is your chance to see new features available with Bookstore Manager Software and to ask any questions that will help you use your system more effectively.
Session I
Things To Consider When Computerizing Your Store
Facilitator: Bookstore Manager Software Representative
What do I need? Do I really need it? This session is open to anyone.
Coffee Bar 101: How and Where to Start
Facilitator: Patrick Burns - Trinity Fellowship - Amarillo, TX
Don't take a coffee bar lightly! There are many elements to understand even with the most simplistic coffee bar. In this module learn the basics before you move forward. Planning, defining, consulting and calculating are all necessary for a properly functioning coffee bar.
Match Made In Heaven? Church Stores & Libraries
Facilitator: Dan Ray - Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - Liberty, MO
This workshop addresses such topics as The Rewards of Providing the Appropriate Resources to Your Clientele and How Church Bookstores and Can Church Libraries Co-Exist as Well as Enhance Each Other's Efforts? Questions and answers at end of presentation.
Volunteers: Recruiting and Training
Facilitator: Terri Williams - Oak Cliff Christian Fellowship - Dallas, TX
CBN Liaison to African-American Churches
Learn practical and creative methods to recruit new volunteers for your bookstore. Then discover effective ways to retain and care for them once they have committed to serve.
Using New Technology To Market And Sell
Facilitator: Susan Chipman - Granger Community Church - Granger, IN
Three cheap and easy ways to use Amazon & Guest Rewards to increase sales and decrease inventory. Learn how to use Facebook and Twitter as marketing tools.
It's in the Bag: Packaging to Perfection
Facilitator: Deb & Kelly Graham - Prestonwood Baptist Church - Dallas, TX
Once the sale is made ... it's not over! Discover how bags, sacks and gift baskets can speaks volumes about your store and what you carry.
The Bible: The Core of Our Stores' Purpose
Facilitator: Dean Cook - Thomas Nelson Publishers
Our core purpose is the Bible. This workshop will help you train front-liners to fulfill their core purpose. Whether those front-liners are long time students of God's word or not, they still can feel confident in their ability to facilitate the purchase of a Bible by a customer. These simple tips and training tools will do just that.
Session II
Things To Consider When Computerizing Your Store
Facilitator: Bookstore Manager Software Representative
What do I need? Do I really need it? This session is open to anyone. (Repeat of session I class)
Coffee Bar 201: Fine Tuning Your Operation
Facilitator: Patrick Burns - Trinity Fellowship - Amarillo, TX
Module two takes a look into hiring staff and finding and dealing with volunteers. We will also discuss the importance of training and understanding the operational aspect of the café. Minding the cost of the menu items and understanding how quality and service brings your customer back.
Management 101: Being the Best You Can Be
Facilitator: George Thomsen - CBA
The most successful stores are managed by people who understand what is essential, what is critical, and what the non-negotiables of good retail are. It is easy for managers to lose sight of these things and be caught up in the tyranny of the urgent. George will help you identify the key management focus areas that will help your store be more successful.
Managing Your Library Inventory: What To Buy, To Keep, And What to Weed Out
Facilitator: Dan Ray - Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - Liberty, MO
Most libraries are limited to a small amounts of space...how do they manage their inventory accordingly? Do bookstores and libraries control their inventories differently? Useful ways to keep your inventory in check. Questions and answers at end of presentation.
Other Options for Churches: Independents Owning Church Stores
Facilitator: Bill Tilley - The Faithful Source - Ashburn, VA
The future is now! Learn how you can own and operate a bookstore in a church. Make it a win/win for you and the church.
Building Bridges with Your Church Ministries
Facilitator: Sara Peters - Southeast Christian Church - Louisville, KY
An integral part of any church bookstore is the support structure within the church. Ministries within the church can be our best customers. Find out how to build relationships with other ministries and show how you really are the best resource. It may be up to you to build the bridge!
Buying For and Marketing to Youth
Facilitator: Anthony Artry - Abundant Living Family Church - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Discover ways to order product, including music, that will appeal to 21st century youth. Marketing ideas and the importance of controlling the inventory in the area of youth product and music will be discussed.
Session III
Things To Consider When Computerizing Your Store
Facilitator: Bookstore Manager Software Representative
What do I need? Do I really need it? This session is open to anyone. (Repeat of session I & II classes)
Coffee Bar Meets Ministry: Making Your Coffee Bar a Viable Part of Your Church Ministry
Facilitator: Patrick Burns - Trinity Fellowship - Amarillo, TX
Is your coffee bar meeting ministry needs? In this module we will discuss how to define and make this happen while learning some innovative ways to attract and minister to other groups within the church. Defining your space as a place to meet, live and share life within the church and community.
Special Events: Bookstores and Libraries Can Sponser Them Together
Facilitator: Dan Ray - Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - Liberty, MO
This workshop integrates a panel of bookstore managers and library directors together with presentations from other experts who are unable to attend the workshop. You'll be able to ask questions and learn how they have perfected event sponsorship by marrying the efforts of the church bookstore and the church library. You'll also learn how to manage competition between the bookstore and library. Questions and answers during presentation.
Stirring the Store: Merchandising Your Store
Facilitator: Dena Meade - Southeast Christian Church - Louisville, KY
Sharon Milburn - Southeast Christian Church - Louisville, KY
A merchandising workshop that will help you create a fresh look in your store to sell the gift product and book selection you have on hand. It isn't about fluff and decoration. It is all about location. So stir things up, give it eye appeal and watch it sell.
Wise Buys and Wise Buyers: The Key to Financial Success
Facilitator: Troy Baker - Tyndale House Publishers - Midlothian, TX
Today there is great concern about the stewardship of finances in our stores. Buying wisely and then controlling the inventory you have is key to financial success of your store. In this workshop you will learn how to deal with all of the specials and buying options and how to wisely stock your store.
Churches: A Whole New Market
Facilitator: Scott Etheridge - Thomas Nelson Publishers - Nashville, TN
Reach beyond your walls: There are small to medium sized churches within easy reach of your church bookstore that need the products and services you can provide. This workshop will give you the necessary tools to reach out to other churches in your community-email databases, how to reach decision makers, custom products, direct to church campaigns are just a few of the topics that will be discussed.
Church Bookstore Roundtable
Facilitator: Rusty Miller - Cherry Hills Community Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Rick Jones Bellevue Baptist church - Memphis, TN
This is the place to get lots of questions answered. There will be directed discussion on several topics including customer service, frequent buyer programs, coupons and discounts. Share your expertise and learn from your peers.
Friday Super Session
Children's Super Session
Facilitator: Dr. Mary Manz Simon - Odenton, MD
This session will focus on an overview of the children's department in today's post-recession economy, addressing such questions as: Is mom your marketing tool or marketing partner? Are concepts underlying pop-ups and express shops applicable to children's departments? Do summer reading programs, loyalty perks and the customization available through technology make a difference?
