During industry events like Winter Institute and Children’s Institute, many publishers invite booksellers to attend intimate author dinners. Here are a few tips for navigating these invitations: 
 
RSVP as soon as possible.
It’s tempting to wait until you receive all of your invitations before committing to any of them, but publishers appreciate early and enthusiastic responses. Also, let them know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions.
 
Share the love.
It’s fun to go to dinners with your colleagues, but publishers often want to include as many individual bookstores as possible at their author dinners. Consider having your colleagues each attend a different dinner.
 
Be prepared.
If the publisher provides a galley or advance copy, make sure you read the author’s book so you can talk to the author about it and have plenty to talk about with your seatmates at dinner.
 
Tell the publisher if your plans change.
If you’re no longer able to attend the dinner — or if you’re canceling to attend a different dinner — let the publisher know as soon as possible so they can fill the seat. If one of your colleagues would be an enthusiastic supporter of the author and their upcoming book, feel free to let the publisher know that you have a replacement idea. If you’re still attending the conference, be sure to connect with the publisher in another way and stop by to meet their authors at the receptions.

Free evening?
Network with fellow booksellers. Reach out to your publisher contacts and business partners. Visit a local independent bookstore if they're open late. Check the Publisher Dinner Board near the Welcome Desk for open spots. Hang out in the hotel lobby or bar and strike up a conversation with booksellers, authors, or publishers. Check out the Institute's evening events listed in the Ci2025 program. 

If you're interested in local attractions and recommended eateries, check out:

• Travel Portland
• Portland’s LGBTQ+ Friendly Directory
• Portland’s LGBTQ+ Night Life
• Directory of Portland Black-Owned Eateries
• Black-owned Restaurants in Portland
• BIPOC-Owned Business in Portland

Have fun!
Remember, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow booksellers and authors, and connect with publishers and other members of the industry.