At the close of ICRS 2007, suppliers and retailers noted a strong sense of encouragement from the week's many networking opportunities.

Luann Richardson, manager of the Perimeter Church Bookstore from Duluth, Ga., said the week provided a better awareness of current products in the Christian market.

"I like seeing all of the products that we may not currently carry, and I may not be aware even exists," she said. "It's a good way to see all the stuff we don't already know about, especially as a church bookstore."

The appearance of Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts in Monday's Super Session was a highlight for several, including Noel Rich, co-owner of the Good Bookstore in Sequim, Wash., who was thrilled to later win a signed football.

"You learn a lot of the new authors that are just coming out with new books," he said. "It always pays off. We get enough free information that we can introduce at the store. It always pays for the trip easily. It's a lot of fun."

Suppliers also had positive comments, noting the importance of networking with retailers.

"It was a good show for us," said Stuart McGuigan, key accounts manager for WaterBrook Press Multnomah Publishing Group, whose multiple author signings "brought in crowds."

McGuigan added: "It seems to me that this show isn't about sales anymore. It's about networking and making these connections with the accounts and getting with people that you don't see, but only at the show and be able to connect with them."

"It has been a great show for us," said Sharon Heggeland, sales operations director for Tyndale House Publishers, whose book signing with Dungy for Quiet Strength drew a large crowd. "We did a lot of author signings to drive traffic to the booth." The company plans to add more exhibit floor space next year, she added.

At NavPress, Account Manager Heather Hebert also reported "a good show," with high interest in the recently released My First Message Bible for children. Thomas Nelson vice president of independent trade sales saw “a great week,” with Max Lucado's forthcoming 3:16 and The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible creating a lot of interest.

"It's always good to connect with our customers, to get to know what is on their heart," Tom Knight, Thomas Nelson's vice president of independent sales, said. "It has been good to hear positive stories coming from our customers, about things they are doing in their stores, how they are connecting with their customers. In the middle of all the negativity that sometimes we think is going on, there are a lot of wonderful stories."

Amy Frew, Provident-Integrity's manager of sales and marketing events, noted the consistency of the retailers during the week.

"This was a pretty good week for us," she said. "Retailers have been…very interested in our products and ready to buy. Atlanta was a great location."

David Lingner, who operated the Christian Outdoorsman exhibit, which he called a "one-stop booth" for fishing and hunting apparel and gifts, said he had no complaints about the show.

"We tripled our sales compared to our first ICRS in Denver," Lingner said. "We had a lot of people who were excited to see us because everyone knows a hunter or a fisherman. And our products are designed to reach these men."

Chuck and Laura Warlick, owners of Life Is ... God, also exhibited in their second ICRS. Chuck Warlick said business was steady. "The traffic seems a little slow, but we're getting more orders this summer," said Warlick, whose booth won a CBA Impact Award.

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