Advisor Communications Buys Boston-based Great American Bargain Book Show

January 6, 2013

The Boston-based Great American Bargain Book Show (GABBS) was bought by Framingham, Mass.-based Advisor Communications and will be renamed the Boston Remainder & Overstock Show.

The show was founded and owned by Larry B. May, who will retain ownership of the Atlanta-based GABBS event.

“GABBS has been supporting the Boston market for the past three years and with the new management team based in Massachusetts the event can expand and address the specific needs of the bargain book distributors and book buyers in the Northeast better,” May said.

He added, “We’ve enjoyed working with the companies in Boston and will continue to support the event in the future as both an exhibitor and marketing partner.”

The Boston event will move from its home at the John B. Hynes Convention Center and be held Aug. 14-15 at the Cyclorama Boston, part of the Boston Center for the Arts in Boston’s South End neighborhood.

Bill Sell, managing partner of Advisor Communications, which is an affiliate of the Portfolio Media Group, will lead the team and help drive the event in to new product lines and services, according to show management.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with Larry and the entire GABBS Network team,” Sell said.

He added, “They’ve come a long way with their various programs and Larry’s insight in to the remainder and bargain book industry is second to none.”

The Atlanta GABBS event also is making some changes, moving to AmericasMart Atlanta and being collocated with the Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market.

“This is a major audience expansion program for GABBS Atlanta and will open up the market opportunities for our customers to potentially hundreds of new gift shop buyers, new to the bargain book business,” May said.

He added, “We are developing joint marketing programs with AmericasMart and will have new training programs for both book store owners and gift shop owners, taught by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.