With the strong January 2008 launch of Marketsquare International in Toronto, ChristianTrade Association International has worked to ensure the 2009 location will meet the high expectations for both international buyers and exhibitors. ChristianTrade is pleased to announce the second annual Marketsquare International will be held 15-17 January, 2009 at the Atlanta Sheraton Gateway Hotel.
“When a new convention within the Christian trade attracts over 300 at its first appearance, everyone knows it’s a winner,” said Jim Powell, ChristianTrade president. “The growing importance of international business within the industry required a second meeting in North America each year. CBA’s ICRS is the unquestioned leader, and now Marketsquare International is established as that second meeting. International translation rights and English product sales were features of the convention in Toronto and will also be prominent in Atlanta, facilitating the participation of more American suppliers.”
The only negative during the Toronto launch of Marketsquare International last January was the absence of several major buyers from Africa because they couldn’t obtain visas. “Since everyone must have a visa to travel to ICRS, there should be no problem obtaining a new visa or traveling to Atlanta on the same one used in the summer,” Powell said.
The Atlanta Sheraton Gateway Hotel is especially convenient for international travelers, as it is only five-minutes from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport via a free shuttle service. To book a room at the Sheraton, please click this link: Sheraton Reservations
For more information about participating in Marketsquare International as an exhibitor, please contact Gary Foster (+1 419 238 4082 or gfoster@ChristianTrade.com). A downloadable exhibitor reservation form is available here: MI09 Exhibitor Reservation Form This Question & Answer file has been complied to help answer your questions about exhibiting: MI09 Q&A. Exhibitor Rules and Regulations can be found here: MI09 R&R
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REPORT ON THE FIRST CONVENTION:
First Annual Marketsquare International Convention Draws 300+
ChristianTrade Association International’s first annual Marketsquare International, held January 24-26 at the Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre in Toronto, Canada, successfully hosted more than 300 attendees from 22 countries worldwide.
The 157 international buyers present widely endorsed the convention. “When Koorong (Australia), Struik (South Africa), and Laterna Ventures (Nigeria) all converge on a January convention, you’ve held a successful international event,” says Jim Powell, ChristianTrade president. “We’ve received positive evaluations from nearly every exhibitor and attendee, enough to now start planning for 2009.”
Marketsquare International succeeded at the goal of capturing the international business that used to take place at CBA’s Advance winter trade show. “We learned a great deal through the experience of holding the convention,” Powell says. “And we will take that knowledge forward in developing the convention for next January. We hope to announce a time and date soon.”
The presence of many major publishing companies’ top executives emphasized the growing significance of overseas markets:
Bill Greig III, Gospel Light president, (USA), said, “While we as Christian publishers have room to grow in the USA, our greatest growth opportunities are outside our borders.”
Greg Thornton, Moody Publishers president, (USA), claimed, “I don’t believe any of us can fathom the rate and dramatic nature of the changes we will experience in Christian publishing by the year 2018.”
Bob Hawkins, Jr., Harvest House president (USA), proclaimed, “The landscape of Christian publishing will change dramatically over the next several years. Consolidation at all levels will continue, competition will become stiffer, publishing decisions will need to be smarter, and technology must be harnessed to reach more people around the world by different means—all without compromising the message God has entrusted to us."
Tessie DeVore, Strang Communications executive VP, Book Group, (USA), forecasted, “The day is coming when content will be tailored to specific regions and different countries.”
”Stephan Spies, Lux Verbi managing director (South Africa), stated, “The old model—produce it in the West and sell it to the Global South—is giving way to a new model: collaborate with partners worldwide for the value added in extending the reach of content.”
In addition to a full exhibition floor, the World of Opportunity-themed program at Marketsquare International included an opening celebration banquet and seminars for both Christian publishers and booksellers.
A number of attendees spoke positively of the convention:
“The opportunity to spend time with publishers and other suppliers in an environment where time was not as pressured was a real blessing. Rather than 30 minutes, some of my meetings were for an hour. That’s unheard of!”
“Jack Scott (who led the retail workshops) was helpful, inspiring, informed, had the pulse of the present situation and offered realistic, yet faith-filled suggestions, solutions and advice!”
“I liked the informal atmosphere—good for networking. Having lunch available in the exhibition hall was helpful and enjoyable. All-in-one location was perfect.”
Allen McVicker, Victory Marketing reported, “Marketsquare International was better than I expected. We even negotiated some rights deals that surprised us.”
ChristianTrade Association International is a worldwide association of nations, companies, and individuals committed to fulfilling the Great Commission through the distribution of Christian resources. It holds international regional conventions in North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe; publishes an annual directory of the Christian trade; hosts international events at CBA’s International Christian Retail Show; and serves as a catalyst for growing the Christian trade worldwide.
|
