Welcome Attendees!

International Christian Retail Show 2011

July 10-13, 2011, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, USA

 

Please check back here closer to the 2011 Show for a complete schedule of events. The 2010 Show schedule is below for your reference.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration

Plaza Lobby

10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
International Vision Celebration & Luncheon

Room 223/224
Additional Registration Required
The ChristianTrade International Vision Celebration & Luncheon offers a unique event targeted specifically to guests traveling from outside the USA to come to the Show. This year's event will highlight Remi Morgan, world-renowned pastor of Lagos Province 24 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria and operator of the largest Nigerian Christian products distributorship. The event will include lunch, reports from the Christian trade worldwide, and an update on international happenings.

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
General Session: Digital/Mortar: Store Value in a Digital Age

Ferrara Theatre

The publishing industry is on the cusp of a major paradigm shift as digital e-books and e-readers are gaining momentum and popularity. Are you wondering how the brick-and-mortar store will play a part? The 2010 General Session will open the Show with a panel including: David Crace Chief Marketing Officer of EMI CMG, Amanda Edmonds Director of Strategic Partnerships at Google Books, Jason Green President of Mardel, Mark Kuyper President & CEO of ECPA, Darin Sennett Powells.com Director of Strategic Projects (Sponsored by Ingram Content Group, and Chris Smith Spring Arbor's Director of Sales ready to dialogue and define the significant role that the brick-and-mortar store will play in this rapidly changing environment.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Standard Publishing Sneak Peek Product Party and Give-a-Way!

(Standard Publishing)

Renaissance Grand Hotel - Crystal

Join Standard Publishing as we showcase new products! Meet authors, get a peek at VBS 2011, and enjoy tons of giveaways!

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fellowship and Dinner

Second Floor Lobby - above the Ferrara Theatre

Grab a bite to eat before Worship in the lobby just above the Ferrara Theatre. Food available for purchase.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Worship Him

Ferrara Theatre
Grab a bite to eat after the General Session and then be sure to make it back as we gather together as an industry to Worship Him! Let's start off the week on the right foot as we worship Him who called us into this industry and are reminded of why we do what we do. Randy Alcorn (Tyndale) will speak, while Jeremy Camp (EMI CMG) and The Museum (EMI CMG) will lead in a time of worship.

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pacesetter

Ferrara Theatre
Worship will flow right into Pacesetter on Sunday evening to continue the welcome to the Industry's largest event of the year. Come and hear from Phil Vischer (Tyndale) and Stephen Kendrick (B&H). Phil, as the creator of VeggieTales, and Stephen, as an author, pastor, and the producer of recent films such as Fireproof, will each offer their unique perspectives on the role of Christian media and how it relates to issues important to the Church and to Christian Retail . Musical artists Blackwood Brothers (New Day), Sisters (New Day), and Gold City (Provident-Integrity) will perform in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Southern Gospel music. Pacesetter will also include the presentation of the CBA Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Anderson, former President & CEO of CBA.

Monday, June 28, 2010

6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Shaped by Faith Strengthening & Stretch Work-Out

(Wesscott Marketing)

Renaissance Grand Hotel - Westmoreland/Kingsbury

Start your day with a Pilates mat workout that will stretch your body, clear your mind, lift your soul, and give you energy for a full day at ICRS. Your instructor is Theresa Rowe, a Christian Fitness expert, who knows that finding a balance in life is harder than sitting on a stability ball, is the author of Shaped by Faith and three workout DVDs.

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration

Plaza Lobby

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Ribbon–Cutting Ceremony & Devotion

Main Entrance to Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

To set our minds and hearts on the reason we are in this industry, please join Josh McDowell (Harvest House) and your brothers and sisters in a time of devotion. Seven time Dove Award winner, Steve Green (Spring Arbor), will also lead in a time of musical celebration through music from his latest CD, Love Will Find a Way.

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Floor Open

(soft close 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Prospective Retailer Seminar, Retail 101

Room 261

Presenter: Robbie Halstead, Kingdom Retail Solutions
Additional Registration Required

Launching a successful ministry and business is a difficult task. You want to make the most of every resource, every connection, and every tool available to you as you start out on this journey, but it can be difficult to pool together all these resources at once. The Prospective Retailer Seminar is designed specifically for prospective or new retailers asking questions such as: How do I develop a strong business plan? Do I have enough capital? Have I chosen the right location? How will I determine my inventory mix? These questions and many more will be addressed during this two-day seminar. You'll also have the opportunity to meet with sponsoring suppliers from the industry providing services and products that will be of interest to you as you build your retail business. Sponsored by: Anchor Distributors/Whitaker House, Kerusso, STL Distribution.

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Retailer's Sneak Peek Family Entertainment Reception

Town Center: Family Entertainment Theatre

Come and enjoy light refreshments while getting a sneak peek at the latest family friendly films that will be featured throughout the Show. Meet with actors from the movies and learn more about each project and how it can help you increase your traffic and sales.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBA Member Luncheon

Room 223/224

Hosted by: Mark Elfstrand
Additional Registration Required, For CBA Members Only

Sign up for the CBA Member Luncheon to rest your feet and enjoy a lunch sponsored by your Association. We want to welcome you as our guests and provide a bit of refreshment in your day. While you relax and enjoy your meal, we'll share with you a few of the resources available exclusively for CBA members, upcoming CBA Channel Exclusives to drive sales and ministry in your store, and the winners of the CBA Spirit of Excellence Awards. Attendees will also hear more about the upcoming Christian Store Day. Let's join together to encourage one another and forge partnerships for mutual success.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Workshop - New Marketing: Using Social Media to Market Your Store

Room 263

Presented by: Gunnar Simonsen of Potizio Solutions
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

If you want to be successful in marketing to your customers and building a community centered around your store, you need to take advantage of the many social media tools available today. In this session you'll learn about some of the latest methods being used by other Christian retailers and walk away with the steps to implement your own strategy in your store back home.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Workshop - General Session: Drill Down - Digital Solutions

Room 262

Presented by: David Amster of Integra Interactive, Inc.
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

What are immediate ways retailers can effectively connect with consumers using digital technology? The drill-down session discusses immediate digital tactics that might be deployed. Where is the consumer going digitally, what's expected from retailers, and what are crucial retail best practices to connect with consumers in the new realm?

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Children's Product Trends

Room 274
Additional Registration Required

Back by popular demand, the Children's Product Trends event led by Dr. Mary Manz Simon will walk attendees through the latest product trends and merchandising ideas in relation to your children's product category. Actual product will be featured and one sample of each product will be offered to each store represented.

Sponsored by: Alphabet Alley, Big Idea, Bridgestone Multimedia, Concordia Publishing House, David C. Cook, Dayspring, Gospel Light/Regal, Guideposts/Ideals Publications, His GEM, Kerusso, Kregel Publications, New Day, Scripture Candy, Standard Publishing, Tommy Nelson (a division of Thomas Nelson), Tyndale House Publishers, Warner Press, WinePress Publications, Zondervan/Zonderkidz.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

CBA Non-member Beverage Reception

Town Center: CBA Member Services Area
If you're not a current member of CBA, we would like to meet with you while you're at ICRS and express our thanks and appreciation for what you do and the important role you play in our industry. Plan to stop by for a refreshing beverage and to learn more about the many resources CBA has to offer with the help of our many service providers.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Industry Prayer Meeting

Town Center

Before wrapping up the first day of business on the exhibit floor, let's gather as an industry to give thanks to the Lord. Evergreen Press will lead us as we worship together and seek Him in our interactions at the Show and the work we do back home. To submit a prayer request prior to the Show, please go to www.prayerforcba.com. Sponsored by Evergreen Press.

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Soft Close of the Exhibit Floor

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

VeggieTales Premiere Screening Sweetpea Beauty - a Girl After God's Own Heart

(Big Idea Entertainment)

Ferrara Theatre - America's Center

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the truest heart of all? Sweatpea Beauty knows that what's on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blue-berry can't see past her own reflection! Will Sweetpea save the Queen from the lies of the tricky mirror and help her understand she's perfect just the way God made her? Find out in this fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty. Refreshments served prior to show.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FaithWords Author Reception
(FaithWords)

Room 220, 221, 222

FaithWords Author Reception - Please join us for an evening with FaithWords authors Ted Dekker, David Jeremiah, Jim Kelly, Chuck Swindoll, and Philip Yancey as they share from their new Fall releases. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Shaped by Faith Strengthening & Stretch Work-Out

(Wesscott Marketing)

Renaissance Grand Hotel - Westmoreland/Kingsbury

End your day with a Pilates mat workout that will stretch your body, clear your mind, lift your soul, and give you energy for a full day at ICRS. Your instructor is Theresa Rowe, a Christian  Fitness expert, who knows that finding a balance in life is harder than sitting on a stability ball, is the author of Shaped by Faith and three workout DVDs.

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Publishers' Institute: Embracing the Next Decade

(Christian Small Publishers Association)

Room 266

This seminar is designed for publishers and anyone interested in becoming a publisher. Learn tips for success in publishing and marketing from experienced professionals in Christian Publishing. Registration fee is $20. Pre-register at www.christianpublishers.net. Registration is also taken at the event.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Letters to God Screening

(EMI CMG Distribution)

Ferrara Theatre - America's Center

Vivendi Entertainment & EMI CMG Distribution invite you to join us for a night celebrating a "Community of Hope" featuring special guests, recording artists performances, and a special film screening of Letters to God DVD releasing in August 2010!

 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Shaped by Faith Strengthening & Stretch Work-Out

(Wesscott Marketing)

Renaissance Grand Hotel - Westmoreland/Kingsbury

Start your day with a Pilates mat workout that will stretch your body, clear your mind, lift your soul, and give you energy for a full day at ICRS. Your instructor is Theresa Rowe, a Christian Fitness expert, who knows that finding a balance in life is harder than sitting on a stability ball, is the author of Shaped by Faith and three workout DVDs.

7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Registration

Plaza Lobby

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Retail Idea Exchange Breakfast

America's Ballroom: Room 223/224
Additional Registration Required

A common favorite of retailers attending the Show is the Retailer Idea Exchange. This event gathers together retailers of all types and sizes over breakfast to share what is working and best practices. The Show is the largest gathering of Christian retailers in one location; make the most of this opportunity to learn from your colleagues.

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Floor Open

(soft close 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Workshop - The Future of Christian Retail as Told by Your Customers

Room 263

Presented by: Kelly Gallagher and David Campbell of RR Bowker
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

In the midst of a struggling economy and with the growth and rapid change of the retail market, have you wondered what the future of your business might look like? In this session, you'll dive into the latest consumer data and research available to see what customers are telling us about the future and vitality of Christian retail with their purchasing behavior.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Workshop - Church Store Specific: Using Social Media to Market Your Church Store

Room 262

Presented by: Gunnar Simonsen of Potizio Solutions
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

If you're a church store manager wondering how to implement social media into your marketing plan, this session is designed specifically for you. Perhaps your church leadership is already utilizing social media tools and you're wondering how the store can integrate into the church's existing social media presence. Learn how to utilize social media to build a stronger community around your church store.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
CBA Non-member Beverage Reception

Town Center: CBA Member Services Area

If you're not a current member of CBA, we would like to meet with you while you're at ICRS and express our thanks and appreciation for what you do and the important role you play in our industry. Plan to stop by for a refreshing beverage and to learn more about the many resources CBA has to offer with the help of our many service providers.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshop - Church Store Specific: Aligning Church Leadership with Your Ministry

Room 262

Presented by: Geni Hulsey
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

If you come from a church store, you may have experienced that sometimes church leaders may not understand and align with the direction you believe the store needs to go in. Come and learn from other church store managers how to navigate this delicate scenario and how you can bring church leadership on board with the store. Sponsored by: Christian Retailing

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshop - Differentiate Your Store with Knowledgeable Frontliners

Room 263

Presented by: Eric Grimm of CBA
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

In today's competitive market you can't afford not to have knowledgeable staff who are able to serve your customer better than your competition. Come and learn how training increases sales. See how CBA Connect equips you to train your staff in customer service disciplines as well as the latest product intelligence information from top suppliers in the industry.

10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Prospective Retailer Seminar, Part 2

Room 261

Presented by: Robbie Halstead, Kingdom Retail Solutions
Additional Registration Required

Sponsored by: Kerusso & Spring Arbor

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Heart of the Artist Luncheon

America's Ballroom: Room 223/224
Additional Registration Required

Sponsored by GMA

The Heart of the Artist Luncheon will give you a glimpse into the story behind the songs of some of your favorite artists. You'll enjoy lunch while mingling with participating artists and then settle in while each artist shares a bit about their passion behind their music and performs. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the stories of passion and purpose you can share with your customers. Performing artists will include Audrey Assad (EMI CMG), Matthew West (EMI CMG), Sanctus Real (EMI CMG), P-Dub (EMI CMG), Candy Christmas (New Day), and others.

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Soft Close of the Exhibit Floor

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Marriage: Why We All Struggle

(Crossway)

Room 240/241

Join Crossway and Paul Tripp for hors d'oeuvres, a book signing and a short message based on What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. Tickets available at the Crossway booth 1903.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

"A Christmas Snow" Advanced Screening

Ferrara Theatre - America's Center

This will be an advanced premiere screening of the motion picture " A Christmas Snow" from the creators of "The Ultimate Gift."

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
BASIC: Fear God Film World Premier

(David C. Cook)

Roberts Orpheam Theatre

Join bestselling author & pastor Francis Chan for the BASIC: FEAR GOD Film World Premiere. This exclusive event will be simulcast worldwide from the historic Roberts Orpheum Theatre, 416 North 9th Street, St. Louis, MO (1 block from America's Convention Center0. Musical guests will include Chris McClarney and Chris Quilala. A pre-show light meal will be available from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Shaped by Faith Strengthening & Stretch Work-Out

(Wesscott Marketing)

Renaissance Grand Hotel - Westmoreland/Kingsbury

End your day with a Pilates mat workout that will stretch your body, clear your mind, lift your soul, and give you energy for a full day at ICRS. Your instructor is Theresa Rowe, a Christian Fitness expert, who knows that finding a balance in life is harder than sitting on a stability ball, is the author of Shaped by Faith and three workout DVDs.

 

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Registration

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Heart of the Author Breakfast

America's Ballroom: Room 223/224

Hosted by: Tosca Lee
Additional Registration Required

Back by popular demand, the Heart of the Author Breakfast is your time to hear directly from top industry authors. Start out the last day of the Show by listening to the stories of some of your customers' favorite authors. You'll leave inspired and with information you can share to help your customers find the books they're looking for. Participating authors will include: Christian Ditchfield (Crossway), Paul David Tripp (Crossway), Dr. LaSalle Vaughn (Deep River Books), Vic Kennett (Kerusso), Dr. Mary Manz Simon (Standard), Jim Rubart (B&H), Robin Caroll (B&H), Tosca Lee (B&H), Frank Pastore (Tyndale), Eleanor Clark (WinePress), Janet Ruth (WinePress), Lynn DeShazo (WinePress), and Brian Zahnd (Strang).

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Exhibit Floor Open

Exhibit Halls 1,2,3,4

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Workshop - New Marketing: How to Reach Your Customers on a Shoestring Budget

Room 263

Presented by: Randy Voorhees of Bookstore Manager and Gunnar Simonsen of Potizio Solutions
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

You know you can't afford not to market your store well, but budgets are tighter than ever; so how do you make it work? Come and learn successful new marketing techniques and learn how you can implement these low-budget practices into your marketing plan.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Workshop - Christian Store Day: It's Coming, Are You Prepared?

Room 262

Presented by: Bob Elder of Propeller Consulting and Eric Grimm of CBA
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

You may have heard about Christian Store Day but you may still be wondering what it is, how it will impact your store, and how you can play a part. Participation in Christian Store Day can help draw more customers into your store and strengthen your store's presence in the community. Come and learn how you can participate in this CBA-led event taking place across the country.

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Integra Interactive My Media Burn Bar Users Meeting

(Integra Interactive)

Room 260

Join us for the My Media Burn Bar annual ICRS users meeting. Introducing new screen interface and seasonal marketing programs. Prospective customers welcomed. Digital update and review.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshop - Surviving Tough Times: Bargain Book Strategies for Success

Room 263

Presented by: Jerry Bloom of SAS/Wholesale Christian Books
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

The economic changes and challenges consumers have experienced has opened up a window of opportunity to grow sales in bargain book product. Bargain product is a unique category and one that can help you sustain a positive bottom line when other product categories might be struggling. Come and learn how to make the most of this unique category to drive traffic and sales.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshop - Increasing Traffic & Sales Through Book Clubs

Room 262

Presented by: Cynthia Rucht of American Christian Fiction Writers
Additional Registration Required for Non-CBA Members

Maybe you've been hearing for years about utilizing your store as the meeting place for book clubs and bible studies - but you've wondered if this can really be a profitable arrangement. Learn how to increase not just foot traffic to the store, but actual sales through opening up your store as a meeting place for church and community groups.

 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.

Concordia Publishing House Tours

Concordia Publishing House will be offering tours of their facility on Thursday, July 1 at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Please visit booth 2209 to schedule your tour and receive directions. Or, call 800-325-3391 prior to the convention to set up your tour.