ChristianTrade has announced Marketsquare International 2010 for 10-12 January, 2010, at the Marriott Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Marketsquare International is the critical winter show for international buyers looking for product from major U.S. and international suppliers. For an exhibitor form, click here.

A LOOK BACK AT MARKETSQUARE INTERNATIONAL 2009:

The second annual Marketsquare International was held 15-17 January, 2009.   The whole world was represented at the show. At left: Phil Burnham (CLC UK) and Ron Edwards (Care & Share, Australia).

Marketsquare International 2009 proved a bright spot in the stressful economic climate. Total attendance was 208—including 74 buyers from outside North America (a 35% increase over last year’s showing of 55). Many of these buyers do not represent single stores but are gatekeepers to funnel Christian products into their countries. During the distributor workshop, one buyer shared that his company ships a 40-foot container of product from America each week. Pictured: ChristianTrade chairman Sylvester Ejeh of Edysyl Christian Distributors in Nigeria, one of the countries where business is expanding.

     “This is a wonderful show for us.  We want to do our 2009 buying early in the year.  A January show for international buying is perfect.  All the people we want to see are right here.” —Kobus Johnsen (CUM Books Christian Family Bookstores, South Africa)

A buyers survey taken at Marketsquare International found international buyers attending the show represented companies with a total worth of nearly a half-billion U.S. dollars. The average company sending buyers to the show has annual sales of US$6,750,000, and those buyers were authorized to spend almost $3 million (an average of $39,000 each) there. The survey also found the majority of international buyers said business was up. It tracked products they planned to buy and which buying events they attend. For details on the survey, click here. At left: What if you have more buyers than salespeople? The Whitaker Anchor booth was busy all show long.

     “Marketsquare International is a top-notch event and highly successful for Destiny Image.  It is a great opportunity for us to meet with important international partners.”—Don Nori, Jr. (Destiny Image, U.S.)

Besides the encouraging attendance, the show succeeded on many other levels. During this year’s Whitaker Anchor Celebration Dinner, author/pastor Myles Monroe, president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, shared a fresh, biblical view of management, highlighting the critical nature of following God’s gifting in one’s life. At left: Monroe with singer-songwriter Kim Hill, who also ministered at the event.

The sold-out exhibit floor featured an international cross-section of Christian-product suppliers. As a special bonus, attendees received a free buffet lunch, tea, and coffee so they could concentrate on business without having to leave the floor. “Based on the business we did and the relationships developed, there isn’t a chance I will miss this next year," said Mike Clark (World Christian Posters, Canada).  "I wish it had been a day longer!”                            At right: Mel Cohen (No Greater Joy, TN) and Bill White (NOTW, CA) enjoy the complimentary lunch.

At the Autograph Party, show attendees met outstanding authors face-to-face, listened to their vision, and received free autographed books. Pictured: Myles Monroe autographs his latest release for Benjamin Anagwonye (Mindex Publishing, Nigeria).

     “A convention like Marketsquare International is a combination of a lot of elements—including a tremendous reliance on the Lord to bring the right people who will have the right experiences. He met with us again this year.  A lot of business was conducted, but networks also grew, and we were all inspired to the task God has called us to."  —Jim Powell, ChristianTrade president                                Pictured at right: New Christian bookseller Melissa Ennin-Anagbo (The Gospel Christian Bookstore, Ghana).

In addition to expert-led workshops for distributors, publishers, and retialers, Marketsquare International featured the first U.S.-based Professional Booksellers Institute.  In two days, ChristianTrade training and member-development director Jack Scott (pictured) cemented the basics of operating a Christian retail store.

Marketsquare International was launched to capture the international business that used to come to CBA’s Advance winter convention. It's a forum for buying and selling Christian product; negotiating international translation rights; networking and fellowship; and training for publishers, distributors, and booksellers from all over the world. At right: At the Friday night reception, buyers and sellers fellowship together as brothers and sisters in Christ.

For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at future ChristianTrade events, please contact Gary Foster (+1 419 238 4082 or gfoster@ChristianTrade.com).