Thomas Nelson has scrapped plans to hold its second Open House reception for key Christian retail accounts, scheduled for April 13-15. The three-day event has been pushed back to 2010, when it will become a biennial happening.

The postponement was announced by the company's Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Ministry Development Group, Gary Davidson. In a message to invitees last

week, he said the decision to put the event back had been made with the hope that it might "take some pressure off and give you additional time to focus on your business."

Davidson said: "In today's economic climate we want to be sensitive to your needs." The company remained "100% committed to Christian retail," he added. "We will continue to work diligently to create products and promotions that will drive traffic and sales into your stores."

The Nelson move came just days after CBA announced that it had cancelled plans for a West coast location for its Industry Conference, Feb. 4, because of lack of support, though the Jan. 14 one planned by the trade association for Atlanta goes ahead.

Earlier this month, Thomas Nelson terminated 54 employees after poor sales reports for September and October. It was the second round of staff cuts at the Nashville-based publisher this year.

Thomas Nelson debuted Open House this year after pulling out of CBA's winter event, maintaining it was more cost effective to host its key accounts in Nashville than take part in the wider industry event. Around 100 of Nelson's top Christian accounts from across the country had their Nashville travel and accommodation paid for, taking part in training sessions and hearing inspirational speakers.

Dates for the 2010 Open House have yet to be announced.

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