CBA Convention

CBA Convention 2002 Brings Christian Retail Industry to Anaheim

New Technologies to Take Center Stage at Trade Show

Who: up to 12,000 Christian retailers and product suppliers from around the world
What: 53rd Annual CBA Convention
When: July 13-18, with exhibits opening Monday, July 15th-Thursday, July 18th
Where: Anaheim Convention Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, June 25, 2002 – Up to 12,000 delegates representing all segments of the Christian retail industry are expected to attend the 53rd Annual International CBA Convention, July 13-18 at the Anaheim Convention Center. During the international networking and buying event, representatives from all 50 states and over 60 foreign countries will converge for the largest annual gathering of Christian retailers and product suppliers in the world. The show is not open to the general public.

The exhibit floor will officially open Monday, July 15, at 9:00 a.m. when Ernie Martin, chairman of the board for CBA cuts the ribbon at the entrance to the exhibit hall. The exhibits will feature Christian books, music and gifts from 488 different companies in 1520 booth spaces. Throughout the week, attendees will hear from authors such as Franklin Graham, John Maxwell, Chuck Swindoll and Lee Strobel, and recording artists such as Nicole C. Mullen, Crystal Lewis, Sandi Patty, Sixpense None the Richer, Bob Carlisle and Rachel Lampa.

“We’ve placed a strong emphasis on solidly biblical teaching, the music program offers a broad variety of genres, and the education tracks are the strongest we’ve ever had,” said Bill Anderson, president and CEO of CBA. “It is critical for our industry to come together face-to-face in this age of digital communication. No one can put a dollar figure to the value of relationship-building that takes place when our industry meets at the Convention, but it pays huge dividends all year long.”

Tradeshow Week reports that the CBA International Convention is #164 of the 6,000 U.S. tradeshows based on total exhibit-floor space sold (up from #181 in 2000). Buyers are expected to place orders for more than 2,000 stores as well as research new product and marketing trends, glean ideas for merchandising techniques and store promotions, and attend the 32 training and development workshops. Training will be offered on topics such as product selection, merchandising, customer service strategies, and adapting to new technology.