CBA is scrapping its winter trade show as part of an overhaul by the booksellers' trade association. A new winter 2008 event will replace CBA Advance, which has seen a drop in attendance in recent years.

The yet unnamed new event for retailers and suppliers, which won't feature exhibits, will focus on "building relationships" and "the development of proactive industry innovations and strategies by attendees," said CBA, which noted that the conference's structure was derived based on member feedback.

Not having an exhibit floor "will save suppliers the costs of drayage, shipping and staff travel associated with Advance. The two-and-a-half-day event will also reduce the time that retailers and suppliers will be away from their businesses," added CBA.

The new event will be "a rare forum for introducing new product without the incremental costs that come with a show floor booth space," CBA President Bill Anderson said. "What we've heard loudly and clearly from both retailers and suppliers is that our industry needs to come together at this key time early in the year, and that suppliers want to invest in connecting with Christian retail."

LifeWay Christian Stores, Mardel Christian and Educational Supply, The Parable Group, Cedar Springs Christian Stores, Spring Arbor Distributors, STL Distribution North America, David C. Cook, Dicksons Inc. and Zondervan have made preliminary commitments to attend and participate in the new trade show, according to the association.

"An event like this will allow the strengthening of relationships and offer a cost effective way to meet and plan with our strategic partners," Parable CEO Steve Potratz said. "We wholeheartedly support this move by CBA."

Michael Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, which decided in February to end its participation at CBA Advance in favor of hosting its own three-day "Open House" for its top Christian retail accounts next spring, told Christian Retailing that the company "appreciates CBA's willingness to change in the face of a changing market. We have not yet decided whether or not we will participate. However, we are carefully evaluating the opportunity."

More details about the new event are to be revealed during ICRS next week.

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