Books In Common recently asked Merrill Kalman a few questions about her recent event coordinated with Books In Common and the secret to the program’s longevity:
How did the collaboration with Books In Common help make this year’s event successful?
Since this past year was our 25th anniversary year we wanted to make it extra special, and a request was made for Garth Stein to participate in our event as one of our featured speakers. Books In Common was very helpful to us in that regard and worked out a plan to make it affordable for us.
As one of the nation’s largest “Friends” organizations, what’s been your secret for keeping the public and Brandeis supporters interested in what you do?
Our biggest “secret” to our success has been our speakers. We’re known for always having the tops in bestselling authors and celebrities, mixed occasionally with amazing up-and-coming authors.
Our other secret would be everything that we provide for entertainment during the course of the event. The event is always held at a beautiful five-star hotel, and during the course of the day we have boutique shopping with 15 different vendors, book sales and signings, a fabulous luncheon meal and five of the best authors to listen to.
For a slightly larger donation than the cost of the entry ticket, people can enjoy a lovely cocktail reception the evening prior to the luncheon event, where they get the opportunity to mix and mingle with the authors and have their books signed in advance of the large crowds the next day.
