INTL. CHRISTIAN RETAIL SHOW SHORTENS SCHEDULE

The International Christian Retail Show 2009 will be held in Denver, CO, Sunday, July 12 through Wednesday, July 15. The new four-day format that includes three days of extended exhibit-floor hours will allow exhibitors and attendees to maximize time away from their offices and stores, while reducing their costs. Total exhibit time will be reduced by just three hours while shaving off a day of travel costs, meals, and time investment.

“Finding ways to reduce the cost of attending and exhibiting at the International Christian Retail Show, while also finding ways to increase the unique value of the business that can take place only at this industry-wide event, has been our focus since the close of the Show in July 2008,” said Scott Graham, CBA meetings and expositions director. “It can be challenging to meet the widely varying needs and preferences of the many contributors to the Show, but those whom we’ve talked with are thrilled with this shortened-schedule solution.”
In the surveys CBA conducted at the close of the 2008 Show, 67% of exhibitors stated that they prefer a three-day exhibit with another 10% indicating no preference as to a three- or four-day exhibit schedule. For retailers, the most commonly expressed concern was having enough uninterrupted time to network and do business with industry partners. In response, CBA is putting together a slightly shorter and more open schedule that will help both sides accomplish their goals for the 2009 Show in Denver, while also lowering costs for everyone.

While the Show will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this July, Graham says that a fresh approach is being taken to putting together the annual event. “We’ve gone back to the drawing board to figure out what aspects of the show are most valuable to our attendees and exhibitors, and we’re re-shaping the show in significant ways,” said Graham. “We’re creating opportunities for learning, networking, and more on the exhibit floor to provide value in a more effective and efficient format for everyone at the Show.”