Because CBA, the association for Christian retail, strongly believes it is important for everyone to be informed on several hot-button issues affecting Christian retailers, vendors, and publishers, it is opening its general sessions to everyone at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), June 28-July 1 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. General session attendees do not need an exhibit floor badge.

Religious liberty, culture wars and the future of Christian retail are among the critical topics that will be addressed, each of which have the potential to affect everyone involved in creating, producing and distributing Christian books, media and lifestyle products.

"Religious freedom, engaging with the culture, and the future of our industry are subjects that are important not only to retailers and suppliers, but also to the church, authors and artists, those involved in ministry, and consumers," said CBA President Curtis Riskey.

The first general session, "Religious Liberty: Can You Be a Christian and in Business?" is 3:00-4:00 p.m., June 28. In the wake of several recent court decisions, Christian businesses are being demonized. This session will inform business owners who want to live out their faith at work of their rights and responsibilities.

Offering the keynote address is Craig Parshall, special counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). The follow-up panel discussion includes Daniel Blomberg, legal counsel for The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and Doug Napier, Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel, executive vice president and chief alliance officer.

"Engagement: Building Relationship Based on Truth," to be held at 8:00 a.m. on June 29, will give attendees creative ideas on how to connect with today's culture without compromising their convictions. Keynote speaker Steve Green of Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. will be followed by a panel of experts including author and evangelist Josh McDowell (Barbour); Sue Smith, manager of Baker Book House and CBA board chairperson; and Bob Lenz, Life Promotions president.

"Connecting the Future: Church, Store, and Digital Natives," 8:00 a.m., June 30, will discuss where the faith community is going and what it means for retailers, suppliers, and content creators. Keynote speaker Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research, will offer insights into the culture and the church followed by a panel discussion of young leaders including inspirational speaker and evangelist Nick Vujicic, author and pastor Jarrid Wilson, and third-generation retailer Zach Wallington.

Exclusive hours have been reserved for the keynote addresses and breakout sessions. To give everyone the opportunity to attend, exhibit floor hours have been pushed back to 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on June 29-30. Floor hours are 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on July 1.

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