Authors Josh McDowell and Karen Kingsbury will be part of several new events during the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), according to CBA officials.

Marking its 60th anniversary in Denver, ICRS is set for July 12-15. McDowell, author of Evidence for the Resurrection (Regal) and NFL Hall of Fame member Joe Gibbs, author of Game Plan for Life (Tyndale House Publishers), will speak during the Pacesetter event July 12, which is not a new event. However, it will be followed by the presentation of CBA's new Spirit of Excellence Awards, which will honor stores for their innovation.

Also July 12, a new General Session will feature B&H Publishing Group author and missiologist Ed Stetzer as well as R.R. Bowker General Manager Kelly Gallagher, who will provide information on industry trends, research and best practices.

Additionally, the new Heart of the Author Luncheon, to be hosted by Kingsbury, is scheduled for July 14. Besides Kingsbury, several other authors will reveal the stories behind their books, the retailers trade association said.

CBA also has plans for an extended show-floor ribbon-cutting ceremony July 13, while the new Town Center will feature new products, cross-merchandising idea centers, a free cyber café, lounge and food service.

CBA will also debut new specialized selling tracks--distinguished by product category--at the Denver show, which will be showcased on the exhibit floor and exhibitor booths. The tracks will enable retailers to learn about various categories of product, while sponsoring suppliers can demonstrate their specific products for buyers.

CBA previously announced plans to shorten its annual summer show from five to four days. The new four-day format-which 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, CBA officials said. Total exhibit time will be reduced by just three hours, while shaving off a day of travel costs, meals and time investment.

Read the full report in the April 6 issue of Christian Retailing.

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