August 2024 CPE: Where the Industry Does Business

The Buoyancy PR authors and staff had a great experience in Ft. Wayne August 4-6 at the Christian Product Expo, sponsored by the growing Christian Retail Association (CRA).

CPE carries as its descriptive slogan, “Where the Industry Does Business” and that was well evidenced from my perspective during the three days of the trade show.

There was a great energy and positivity in the hall, and I saw many beautiful books and gift items. At the show, I met people who had just opened new bookstores, heard about other new stores opening, and saw many store reps placing orders.

While final attendance figures are not yet available, CRA reports an increased number of exhibitors and retailers participated in the show.

Anytime the bookstore industry sees some improvement this helps all of us, including authors.

It was great to see Christian media there as well, and an increasing number of them. The Buoyancy authors obtained more interviews than we even expected and made some contacts for future interviews as well.

At our booth, those same Buoyancy authors did book signings and enjoyed interactions with store representatives.

Overall, the entire experience was encouraging, stimulating and tank-filling and brings to mind this scripture: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  Proverbs 27:17