New look Gathering 'really refreshing'
Retail and supplier representatives have given a thumbs-up to the new look winter trade show that opened the Christian products industry year, Jan. 7-9.
Launched with an industry-wide prayer rally, The Gathering 2009 drew more than 200 church and other Christian retail store representatives to The Ramada Orlando Celebration Resort & Convention Center in Kisssimee, Fla. The event sponsored by Christian Retailing magazine featured more than 20 workshops and almost 90 exhibitors.
While overall attendance was down some from last year's event, a special daylong training program for prospective stores that preceded The Gathering program drew nearly 50 participants.
Christian Retailing Publisher Dave Condiff said that he was pleased with early feedback to The Gathering—formerly focused on church bookstores but this year expanded to include independent stores.
'Virtual tour' of 'Gathering' online
Christian retailers unable to attend the first major trade show of the year are being given an opportunity to make sure that they don't miss out on some of the benefits of being there.
Video presentations from almost 90 exhibitors at The Gathering 2009 are being offered online by event organizers Christian Retailing. The informal short reports filmed live at the event feature key new products for the coming year and details of specials offered at the Jan. 7-9 show, with some participants extending their specials.
