First Book Fair for Charismatics Yields Low Attendance, Few Sales
by Marcia Z. Nelson, Religion BookLine -- Publishers Weekly, 10/4/2006
The first-ever Charisma Book Expo, held Sept. 27-30 in Atlanta, featured dynamic preaching but not enough book orders.
The show drew 125 exhibitors and around 1,000 people, including international attendees. “We were disappointed,” said exhibit organizer Stephen Strang, president and CEO of Strang Communications, which serves the charismatic community. Strang expected the four-day event, open to the trade and the public, might attract 3,000.
He and others involved noted that trying something for the first time entails risks. “Anytime you try something new you’re never quite sure,” said David Lewis, v-p of sales and marketing at Baker Publishing Group, one of seven co-sponsors. “But everyone had anticipated a stronger turnout and that just didn’t materialize.”
The event, at the Georgia International Convention Center, featured workshops and exhibits, as well as evening worship services. “This wasn’t just a trade show,” said Strang. Atlanta is home to several large charismatic congregations. Charismatic Christians have an exuberant worship style and believe in biblical “gifts of the spirit,” including prophecy and speaking in tongues. Authors popular with charismatics include T.D. Jakes, Tommy Tenney, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer. The conference featured a number of charismatic ministers, including John Bevere and Martha Munizzi.
Lewis suggested that more publicity would have helped turnout. He also said the location was hard to find, a disadvantage for attracting foot traffic from the public. “But the people who did come had a good time,” he said.
The public will nonetheless have a chance to see what it missed. Sessions were videotaped to be broadcast later on the Daystar Television Network. “It will have exposure far beyond those who attended the event,” said Strang.
Strang said he would evaluate the event before deciding whether to repeat it. “Lots of people encouraged us to continue it,” he said. “We probably will do it again, but will have to do a total evaluation.”
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