july 11, 2006
Making the "Good Stuff" Available at the CBA
Up to 11,000 people will converge on the Denver Convention Center this week for The International Christian Retail Show -- presented by the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). People representing all segments of the Christian retail industry will attend this international networking and buying event. Representatives from all 50 states and 55 countries will converge for the largest annual gathering of Christian retailers and product suppliers in the world.
And CBN.com's ChurchWatch will be reporting from the floor of the convention all week long -- featuring interviews with Nicky Cruz, Pastor Jack Hayford, Frank Peretti, Ron Luce, Phil Vischer & Mike Narwoki from Veggie Tales, Zola Levitt, and more!
“The International Christian Retail Show is the place where the industry comes together to work out the solutions, solve the problems, and identify the opportunities ahead,” said Bill Anderson, President and CEO of CBA.
The exhibit floor officially opens today at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The exhibit hall features Christian books, music, and gifts from more than 410 different companies. Representatives from Christian retail stores from around the country and around the world will place orders, research new product and marketing trends, and glean ideas for merchandising techniques and store promotions.
Throughout the week, attendees will hear from best-selling authors such as Max Lucado, Stormie Omartian, and Jerry Jenkins, and recording artists such as Michael W. Smith, Bart Millard, and Casting Crowns.
The exhibit floor will be closed on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. so that everyone—retailers, suppliers, vendors, authors, and artists—can come together at the Super Sessions. Monday’s session will address the critical issue of passion for excellence in business and ministry by focusing on the challenges and opportunities Christian retail has to make a difference in the culture and the world..
For the first time, the ECPA Gold Medallion Awards will be presented in conjunction with the CBA Retailer Impact Awards at a new awards event to be held on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Convention Center Lecture Hall. Awards given out will include the Charles “Kip” Jordon Book of the Year and the Jim Carlson CBA Store of the Year Impact Awards. Authors will be on hand to accept their awards, and attendees will also hear from noted authors Charles Colson and Philip Yancey.
On Wednesday evening, CBA, in partnership with W Publishing Group and Reunion Records will host “CBA Presents: Come Thirsty,” a worship event led by Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado, designed as an evening of refreshment for the soul for the entire channel.
I will keep you posted on the big news from The International Christian Retail Show all week long.
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