Attendance rises over 2009 for Spanish product world’s annual gathering

EXPOLIT

Despite the continuing global recession, attendance was up and attendees were upbeat about the 18th annual Expolit conference—held May 13- 18 in Miami, organizers said.

Although final attendance figures were not available at press time, registrations for the largest trade fair in the U.S. for the Spanish-language Christian literature and music world—which was also open to the general public—were up about 30% from last year, according to Expolit Vice President and Director Marie Tamayo.

Held at the Doubletree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel and Exhibition Center, Expolit featured several new events, including One World Youth Challenge 2010—”an entire day dedicated to youth,” Tamayo said.

The increase in attendance—which included both domestic and international conventioneers—was “spurred by a strong emphasis on youth, family and media events (along) with a wide variety of leading musicians and speakers such as Luis Palau and Kirk Cameron,” she said.

“This year we had specialized tracks,” Tamayo added. “The youth (focus) was more than well received. … A spirit of unity was a comment I received over and over at Expolit.”

Spanish Evangelical Products Association (SEPA) Executive Director and Editorial Unilit President David Ecklebarger said that “all the way around there was good enthusiasm on the part of the exhibitors.”

“The pulse right now is one of guarded optimism,” Ecklebarger added. “The industry is starting to turn the corner. There are a number of bookstores that were running level rather than losing ground. But I think the Spanish (product) industry has sort of bottomed out.”

He said that there was “a more positive feeling” at Expolit from the 2009 event. “Last year there was so much uncertainty about the future,” Ecklebarger added. “But this year there is a feeling of more confidence. … There was a sense of optimism on the part of the booksellers that things have either leveled off or are getting better.”

Some Spanish-language publishers reported growth in 2009.

“We had our best year so far, and 2010 is a special year with our 40th anniversary,” said Tito Mantilla, publisher of Editorial Portavoz (Kregel Publications’ Spanish imprint) who was elected SEPA president at Expolit.

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