# NAIBA and SIBA to Resume Separate Independent Bookseller Trade Shows Regional associations will end joint conference model by 2027 to reduce rising costs. - **Source:** [Publishers Weekly](https://www.publishersweekly.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ff424b78-ac3d-4802-a373-e3c5d4c495e1 ## Shift in Event Strategy The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association and the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance announced a return to separate regional trade shows by 2027. This decision concludes their joint New Voices New Rooms conference model, which began in 2020 as a collaborative response to the global pandemic and its associated travel restrictions. ## Rising Costs Impact Decisions Despite record attendance at the 2026 Baltimore event, the organizations cited escalating event and travel expenses as the primary driver for this change. By hosting individual regional gatherings, both associations aim to provide more accessible and cost-effective opportunities for independent booksellers to network, share resources, and conduct essential business operations. ## Historical Attendance Patterns Recent data highlights the geographic distribution of participants in the joint model. The 2026 Baltimore conference attracted 219 NAIBA members and 137 SIBA members, while the 2025 Atlanta gathering saw 221 SIBA members and 114 NAIBA members. These figures illustrate how location significantly influences the turnout for each specific regional organization. ## Evolution of Joint Programming The partnership initially launched as a virtual initiative during the pandemic before transitioning to in-person trade shows in August 2023. While the large-scale joint conference format is ending, the organizations intend to maintain the New Voices New Rooms brand as a shared programming partnership to support their collective community goals. ## Leadership Transition Context This strategic shift coincides with leadership changes within the organizations. SIBA executive director Linda-Marie Barrett is stepping down at the end of December, while NAIBA executive director Liz Hottel recently succeeded longtime leader Eileen Dengler. These transitions mark a new chapter for both associations as they refine their operational models. ## Future Collaborative Initiatives Beyond the trade shows, the associations remain committed to working together on critical industry advocacy. They plan to unite their efforts regarding book bans and the impact of artificial intelligence on the publishing sector. This ongoing cooperation ensures that the two groups continue to share resources and inspire innovation across regions. ## Focus on Regional Growth Returning to regional events allows both NAIBA and SIBA to focus on the specific needs of their local memberships. Leaders expressed optimism that this move offers greater potential for growth within their individual associations. By tailoring events to specific territories, they hope to foster stronger connections among local independent bookstore owners. ## Upcoming Operational Details While the decision to separate is finalized, specific logistics for the 2027 conferences remain under development. Both organizations have committed to releasing further details regarding their individual event schedules in the coming weeks. Booksellers should monitor official communications from NAIBA and SIBA for updates on future regional meeting locations and formats. ## Sources covering this story - http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/101725-naiba-siba-to-resume-separate-trade-shows.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._