First Christian Book Expo Set for 2009
By Lynn Garrett -- Publishers Weekly, 5/9/2007 2:02:00 PM
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association has announced plans to launch the first-ever consumer book festival for Christians. Christian Book Expo will held March 20-22, 2009, at the Dallas Convention Center in. Dates have also been set for 2010 and 2011.
The new show is seen as a way to boost the visibility of Christian products. "When I surveyed our members when I first came on board, they cited lack of product awareness by consumers as a major problem," said Mark Kuyper, ECPA president. Kuyper pointed to a 2006 study by the Barna research organization that showed that "two-thirds of Christians are unaware of even major authors" and reinforced the fact that "there is not the same awareness level for authors as there is for other forms of media. We want this event to drive awareness and drive sales, pulling product out of stores instead of just putting it in," he said.An exhibit floor of more than 100,000 square feet will allow publishers, authors, ministry groups and booksellers to exhibit, but Kuyper said "the essence of the event will be the program." He said that 150-180 workshops, seminars, "mini-events" and evening programs featuring authors are planned. It is hoped the events"will give consumers—both individuals and churches--an experience with the product, build awareness and lead to word-of-mouth and recommendations," Kuyper said.Though Kuyper stated that sales at the event are not the primary goal, books will be sold, and he cited three ways for Christian retailers to participate. "Publishers, if they choose to, can partner with a local retailer to do the selling in their booth. Local retailers can exhibit themselves. And we will encourage and support them in holding in-store events linked to the Expo." He cited the Guadalajara Book Fair as a good example of how well that can work for local stores. ECPA is also exploring the idea of a centralized store for the event.ECPA is still researching pricing, but projects an admission cost of no more than $50 for the entire three-day event. Day passes also will be available. As for the choice of Dallas as the first host city, Kuyper noted: "There are more mega churches in the Dallas area than any other city in the country. Thousands of Christian book buyers are located right there."
