NMBA HOSTS FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL GALA & MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The annual gala is something that NMBA members look forward to--getting dressed up each year and catching up with their fellow members--but this year we had to think of new ways we could safely host the event. In hopes of obtaining some sense of normalcy, we decided to continue the event but with a twist: it would be held virtually. Despite the obstacles, the gala was a success! We had members from all across the country, many of whom had never been able to attend the annual gala before because of the physical distance. In total, we had around 50 members log onto the virtual meeting and vote for board members.

​Along with membership voting, the main attraction of the gala was the announcement of the winners of this year’s Southwest Book Design and Production Awards. Jared Gann and Sandi Wright put together a presentation that featured the winners and images of their books that played as they announced the winners. They also created lovely certificates for all winners and finalists that were mailed out after the announcement. It was a great turnout and it was nice to see everyone, even if it was virtually! ​