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About Kim and the Book Events Team

“I LOVE LOVE the author speaker series! It exposes me to great minds, ideas and trends that may not surface otherwise on campus — it makes me happy I work here!”
— a Microsoft employee

Kim Ricketts founded Book Events in July of 2003 with the goal of connecting people, stories and ideas—through books. Fueled by a firm belief that people want new ideas in their daily lives, the company has expanded from two original clients to a growing list of companies and groups on the West Coast. This is a company dedicted to connecting authors and books with readers in a wide variety of non-traditional venues—from corporate campuses to cocktail parties, and we’ve even put authors on cruise ships! 

Kim Ricketts

Has been passionate about books since she was a child, and her vocation and avocation have come together in this exciting company.  After studying history and literature at Whitman College and the University of Washington, she began her bookselling career at a small neighborhood bookstore in Seattle.  In 1997 Kim took on the “book club coordinator” position at the University Book Store and in 1998 was named Events and Programs Coordinator for that store and its branches.  During the five years Kim held that post she created an active calendar of events both in-store, on campus and at large offsite venues, and in addition coordinated a wide variety of multi-day conferences throughout the Northwest. 

Kim is an active member of the community, donating her time and expertise to numerous non-profit organizations and important causes.  She was the 2006 recipient of the Jeri McDonald Community Service Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial success and dedicated volunteer service to the Chamber of Commerce and the Puget Sound Community. 

Kim has sat on the Board of Directors for Northwest Bookfest, the UW Extension Writing Program and American Voices/Foolproof.  Currently she is a Trustee of the Board of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, a Board Ambassador for Hedgebrook, A Women’s Writer’s Community and is a member of the American Booksellers Association, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, the Pacific Northwest Bookseller’s Association, and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Hilary Vonckx

Is the Office Manager for Book Events and comes to the company after four years at Queen Anne Books, in Seattle, where she worked as a bookseller and as the newsletter editor for this bustling neighborhood bookstore.  Prior to diving into the book world, Hilary spent ten years in advertising and media planning in New York City, after earning her B.A. in English from Kenyon College.  In her free time Hilary reads fiction, loves to travel, hike, bike and run through the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Deb Crawford

Joined Book Events as a Financial Associate in 2004, following many years in the customer service arena and with a degree in Economics from the University of Puget Sound.  As an event employee, Deb relishes being able to interact with the clients and the public and enjoys the experience of learning something new from each and every author.

Judy Amster

Has been a proud part of the Book Events Team since the beginning, and has escorted everyone from Cat Cora to Thomas Keller to Anthony Bourdain — and more.  She has been collecting cookbooks for over 40 years and is thrilled to add signed event books to her crowded shelves.

Our event staff and booksellers

Make Book Events successful every day, and they include: Taysa, Amy, Susie, Molly, John, Danny and Anne.


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