ICRS Attendance Down 20% Over 2008

CBA is coming into the final day of it's premier event with disappointing attendance and ever shrinking sales.

http://www.cbanews.org/article.php?id=352

The International Christian Retail Show 2009 Attracts Retailers and Suppliers From 56 Countries.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (July 15, 2009) CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, wrapped up its 60th annual convention in Denver, Colorado, Wednesday. Final attendance figures have Professional Attendees (non-exhibitor personnel) at 1,903, down 20% from 2008. International attendees numbered 534, down 28% from last year, with 56 countries represented at the Show.

The 60th Show opened with a strong spiritual tone set at the beginning with the Worship Now event and continued throughout the duration of the Show. Evidence of a growing desire within the industry to be more intentionally focused on Christ, reliant on prayer, and united together to do the work He’s called us to do was seen and commented on throughout the event.

“In light of the economy and its effects over the past 10 months, we approached this Show with conservative expectations,” said CBA President-CEO Bill Anderson. “We’ve observed in this economic downturn most trade shows are down 30-40% in attendance. We rallied the exhibitors and we’re pleased that a total of 79 responded in providing retailer attendees with clear benefits available only at the Show, cumulatively amassing more than $11,000 in potential savings – offering a tipping point for some retailers. I’m very pleased with the attendance results. While we knew attendance would be down some, I’m satisfied with a strong turnout and the enthusiasm and positive tone throughout the event by both retailers and suppliers.”

Next year’s International Christian Retail Show will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, June 27-30, 2010.