The 55th annual CBA International Convention in Atlanta, Ga., which wrapped up yesterday, saw an increase in retail attendance this year, with 3,816 professional attendees (total minus exhibitors and youth) picking up their badges, up 745 people over the Orlando show last year.

CBA President Bill Anderson said the attendance reflected a channel regaining its footing, addressing opportunities for growth and expressing a cautious optimism. Both retailers and suppliers were selective in travel dollars with youth attendance lower compared to adults, causing the youth tours to be cancelled, and exhibitors bringing fewer people.

For the second year in a row, the number of exhibitor personnel companies brought to the convention decreased significantly with 973 fewer people this year than the previous year, following a decrease in 2003 of 1,000 fewer than 2002.

At the close of the convention, 10,969 people had registered attendance, slightly more than last year's attendance of 10,902. There were 426 exhibitors displaying their wares in 1,251 booth spaces.

International attendance was similar to previous years, with 821 international attendees from 58 countries, compared to last year's international attendance of 780 from 58 countries.

Next year, CBA International will be held in Denver, Colo., at the Colorado Convention Center, July 10-14.

Look for full coverage of the convention in the Aug. 2 edition of Christian Retailing magazine.

• Next