Independent College Bookstore Association - ICBA Retail Conference & PRIMEtime 2027
Event Date
February 8–11, 2027
Location
Atlanta, GA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) Retail Conference & PRIMEtime is the annual gathering for institutionally-affiliated college store professionals. The ICBA Conference is the place to be to exchange ideas, meet potential new partners, and learn from experts who can help you achieve your goals. It is known for its industry-leading professional development, exclusive institutional store networking and collaboration, and dynamic round-robin Buyer and Vendor meetings called PRIMEtime.
The event brings together campus store buyers, managers, marketers and leaders alongside vendors serving the higher-education retail sector. The conference provides in-depth, relevant, and actionable education that addresses the pressing issues facing the industry today, with sessions touching on the strategic and technical aspects of General Merchandising, Course Materials, Sales and Marketing, HR, Operations, eCommerce, and more.
Attendees benefit from both formal and informal peer networking and scheduled vendor meetings. Members and Vendors have the opportunity to meet and explore partnership opportunities at the ICBA PRIMEtime event, the Retail Innovation Showcase, and the VisionTalk strategic sessions. The combination of education, collaboration and direct buyer-vendor engagement makes it a key event for anyone in the campus retail community.
Show Highlights
- PRIMEtime buyer-vendor meetings: ICBA's PRIMEtime allows Buyers and Vendors to interact in a dynamic round-robin format. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss new products, explore promotions and marketing opportunities, and negotiate and place orders.
- Education sessions: Sessions touch on the strategic and technical aspects of General Merchandising, Course Materials, Sales and Marketing, HR, Operations, eCommerce, and more, with speakers that include a range of industry experts and store leaders.
- ICBA Innovators: The annual ICBA Innovators session showcases how Member Stores are successfully innovating and navigating the evolving industry.
- Peer-to-peer networking: Store2Store, Buyer2Buyer and Marketer2Marketer discussions let attendees explore common topics, trends and challenges with peers of a similar size or role.
- Retail Innovation Showcase and VisionTalk: Additional formats where members and vendors explore partnership opportunities and strategic direction.
Registration
Registration begins in the fall for the ICBA 2027 Conference & PRIMEtime at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
The ICBA website offers separate registration paths depending on your role:
- For Stores — Member store attendees can register through the "For Stores" section of the conference site.
- For Exhibitors/Vendors — Vendors can register via the Exhibitor Info & Registration page.
For the latest details or questions, ICBA can be reached at 800.888.9222 or Office@ICBAinc.com.
History
The Independent College Bookstore Association traces its roots back many decades. Since 1927, the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) has been focused exclusively on serving institutionally-affiliated college store Members. The association's annual conference has been hosted in cities across the United States over the years, including Colorado Springs (2001), San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans, Anaheim, Denver (2024), Chicago (2025) and Jacksonville (2026). The 2027 edition brings the conference to Atlanta, Georgia. The conference typically consists of three major components: education plenary sessions, small group collaborative networking sessions, and a unique vendor PRIMEtime program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 ICBA Conference & PRIMEtime?
The ICBA 2027 Conference & PRIMEtime takes place February 8-11, 2027, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who should attend the ICBA Conference?
The conference is designed for institutionally-affiliated college store professionals — including buyers, managers, marketers and store leaders — as well as vendors who serve the campus retail industry. Since 1927, ICBA has focused exclusively on serving institutionally-affiliated college stores.
What is PRIMEtime?
PRIMEtime is ICBA's signature buyer-vendor program in which buyers and vendors meet in a dynamic round-robin format to discuss new products, explore promotions and marketing opportunities, and negotiate and place orders.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration opens in the fall ahead of the 2027 event. The ICBA website provides separate registration paths for member stores and for exhibitors/vendors; you can also contact ICBA at 800.888.9222 or Office@ICBAinc.com for details.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA rail reaches Peachtree Center Station in about 17 minutes, and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis offers an indoor connection to that station. Rideshare and driving are also convenient options.
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