Thursday, April 22, 2010

MPLA conference and exhibition


We set up our booth for the MPLA (Mountain Plains Library Association), which includes twelve states, at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City Monday. With as many books 4RV now has, the job was a big one for three rather mature women, none of whom is in the best of health. However we succeeded.

All books from our company were on display, but I'll have to admit Confessions of a Former Rock Queen was the focal point.


We did have a few purchases, but most libraries must send us a PO in order to order. Many seemed quite interested and took notes of which books they wanted, and the fact we offer a 30% discount for libraries, schools, and museums interested them more.

Galand Nuchols traveled from her home in Texas to join us, and she may not have worked an event like this before but showed many "experienced" authors how to do the job. She approached visitors as soon as they entered the door (our booth was just inside one set of doors), gave them her card, and told them not only about her book Second Chance, but also about the other 4RV titles.


Several librarians showed an interest in Elysabeth's series about the states, as well as other titles that can be used in their programs.

Many want to know as soon as Shirl Yancey's book comes out because it sounds interesting and like a great resource. Shirl prepared a framed copy of the cover for Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia and had business cards beside the framed copy. On the photo of the table for 4RV Publishing at the right end, the framed photo can be seen.


Suzy and Shirl


Suzy Koch joined us for part of the days we were exhibiting. She greeted some of the librarians, too, as did Lisa Willis on Wednesday.






I hobbled home exhausted and barely able to walk. Jacque Graham, Galand, and Shirl nearly tied me to my chair, trying to keep me off my feet, but those who know me understand that's difficult for me.


Yes, it's a joke, but they did manage to some extent.






Jacque greets libarian, Lisa in background

Speaking of Jacque, she was on hand working much too hard, too -- as usual.

I didn't get a picture of Eric Mathe, who came to help us take everything down and reload in my van.



I'll end with a couple of shots of the very large area used for the exhibition. We did enjoy meeting people from Oklahoma and many other states. Several of us have appearance dates set as a result. 4RV has been invited to Denver, Colorado for something (we're supposed to receive an email with information).



Both pictures are taken from our table and give such a small view of the space used.



I have many other pictures taken during the MPLA exhibition. Maybe I can use them another time.


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10 comments:

Ginger*:) said...

This looks like a fantastic event. I hope that 4RV does very well with libraries and schools and much much more. The display stands out as does your dedication to your authors, illustrators and staff.

Along with all that praise... I offer you two advil and a comfy chair.

Janet said...

Sounds like it was a great place to be. Liked your display with all your books.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Thank you, Vivian and ladies, for all the hard work you do. I hope lots of libraries order books.

Bev

Vivian Zabel said...

Thanks, all. We do what we can to promote 4RV books, and some authors are working as hard.

Ginger, Advil I can't take, and I discovered I can't take Claridan D, either.

Connie Arnold said...

Looks like a great event, and you must be ready for a good rest after all that work, Vivian! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

elysabeth said...

Excellent that other opportunities have come along to you all who were available and can do them. Will 4RV be able to make it to Denver? I know travel is hard and with you not able to really do all the work and such, just curious. Curious how it all turns out. E :)

Vivian Zabel said...

We must have younger, more physically able people help us with the work setting up and taking down.

Thankfully we had two people take off work to help us take down the booth for this event.

We will probably have to start limiting which books go with us.

Rena Jones said...

It looks like it was a great event, Vivian. Thank you for all of your work, along with everyone else who made it happen.

Vivian Zabel said...

Next time, I'll take a photo of each book, or one of sections of displays so people can see each book well.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures from the conference. The 4RV table display looks great. Hope you do well with sales to the libraries and with your other events.