“ This is a great show for all the advertised reasons! Time spent here was greatly beneficial AND
super enjoyable.” Kregel Parable Christian Stores, Grandville, MI
And the evening banquets! We had an amazing lineup of speakers and artists, including an Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient, showing us once again that God provides; Newsboys’ former frontman John James, sharing his powerful testimony of redemption and second chances; Randy Alcorn, diving deep into his studies on animals in Heaven; and Leanna Crawford, reigning GMA Dove Award winner for New Artist of the Year, ministering to us with a personal and heartfelt concert.
Randy Alcorn
“ This is a great show for all the advertised reasons! Time spent here was greatly beneficial AND
super enjoyable.” Kregel Parable Christian Stores, Grandville, MI
Where the Industry Does Business Of course, CPE is also where the industry comes to do business. When the exhibit hall opened Monday morning, retailers had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with publishers and suppliers, discover new books and products, discuss upcoming releases and promotions, and place orders for their stores. The show floor remained open through Tuesday afternoon, giving retailers dedicated time to meet with the companies whose products fill their shelves and to build relationships with the 30 new vendors that exhibited!
That personal interaction continues to be one of CPE’ s greatest strengths. In an increasingly digital business environment, there is still tremendous value in sitting across the table from a vendor, hearing the story behind a new product and discussing what might work specifically for an individual store and its customers.
Authors were also an important part of the experience,
Leanna Crawford
22 CRA today / www. christianretailassociation. org