MARKETSQUARE INTERNATIONAL 2010 & AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN REMAINDER SHOW "A MAJOR EVENT"

Nearly 220 international buyers, U.S. buyers, and Christian resource suppliers met in Atlanta 10-12 January 2010 for the third installment of Marketsquare International. Almost 20 countries were represented at the convention.

“In so many ways this was our best Marketsquare International,” says Jim Powell, president of ChristianTrade Association International. “Adding America's Christian Remainder Show was a hit with buyers, with sales going on even after the convention concluded. The publisher and bookseller training had the best attendance we have ever experienced. Exhibitors were upbeat about sales activity on the exhibition floor.”

Mel Cohen of No Greater Joy Ministries in Pleasantville, TN, one of nearly 60 suppliers present at the event, reported his sales by noon on the first day exceeded the entire convention last year.  (Scroll down for the complete list of exhibitors.)

The Whitaker Anchor Celebration Dinner featured Pastor Larry Huch, author of The Torah Blessing. Bob Whitaker, Jr, of Whitaker House Publishers expressed excitement over the continued increase in buying activity, "We are very pleased to be a major sponsor of Marketsquare International and see the convention as a major event on our marketing calendar."

“We are so grateful to the suppliers who support the show and are growing it into a meaningful event for everyone,” adds Powell. “The biggest and most gratifying surprise was the support of American retail buyers.”

"It was a great show, very informative, with very helpful networking with stores facing challenges similar to our own,” says Rev. A. L. Simpson of Good Seed Christian Books in La Grange, GA. “We will be back next year.” 

With Marketsquare International being held at the same time as the AmericasMart Gift Show, nearly 50 Christian stores from the southeast and beyond participated in the show. 

“The panel we held on bargain books was standing-room only,” says Powell. “Our international buyers were excited about this addition to Marketsquare International.” The panel included CBA’s interim executive director, Curtis Riskey and Jerry Bloom, president, Wholesale Christian Books, whose company owns the International Value Book Show traditionally held in Nashville, TN. 

Marketsquare International is 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.  The next show is planned for 17 – 19 January 2011 in Atlanta. For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kim Pettit (+1 719 432 8428 or kpettit@ChristianTrade.com). 

“We are looking at ways to bring additional value to Marketsquare International and the Christian remainder show next year,” adds Powell.

 EXHIBITOR LISTING

These companies exhibited at Marketsquare International/America's Christian Remainder Show. Click on the contact name to e-mail them for information on their products.

For a report on last January's Marketsquare International 2009, click here.