What's New
Unique offerings connect you with MORE ways to give and to provide value to your customers.
+Make a Measurable Impact
Ministry in Action presents an opportunity during ICRS to impact the host city’s community. This year’s chosen ministry, Orlando Children’s Church (OCC), is dedicated to reaching at-risk students through physical nourishment, spiritual renewal, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships. Since 2002, OCC has grown to serve over 500 children. Each Saturday, school buses transport children to attend the Children’s Church, where the message for these children is “You matter to God,” and, “Jesus is the remedy.”
During ICRS, you will help OCC as they provide a refuge for children who face difficult life circumstances and often intolerable hardships—violence, gangs, drugs, and fatherless homes. In the Town Center workstation, attendees and exhibitors will stuff hundreds of backpacks with provided school supplies. These backpacks will be presented at the close of the show to local Orlando children who are living in crisis. We will also coordinate donations of t-shirts for the OCC volunteer force and books for their library, allowing us to build and promote literacy among the children. OCC is a Central Florida nonprofit, 501(c)(3) Christian Outreach Ministry (www.orlandochildrenschurch.org).
+Spread Your Ministry Across the Globe
Consumers want to purchase from companies that give back, and Christian stores can be in the forefront of this movement by selling products that ultimately lift people out of poverty, enslavement, and abuse. Through the Fair Trade in Action exhibit on the exhibit floor, you can learn more about how fair trade can underscore missional development. As consumers become more aware of the ministry impact of Christian products, they will begin to look for more options within your store. This special exhibit highlights companies providing products that have a ministry impact—by creating financial support and economic development, taking women out of prostitution, helping widows and orphans survive, and making a substantial difference in people’s lives.
+Influence the Culture for Good
The inaugural ICRS Film Festival will premiere new and upcoming theatrical film releases and DVDs to showcase Christian filmmakers and studios that are changing the culture through media. Christian retailers gain an insider look to learn stories behind new films and about the people who make them. The festival will help you plan promotions to increase sales for products and other supporting merchandise. A comprehensive guide will provide information on screenings, appearances, and training around this growing Christian-store category.
+Ask Your Retail Questions
During Retail Rx: Ask the Experts, a panel of retail experts who possess pivotal knowledge and experience will solicit audience involvement and conduct a question-and-answer session. This is your chance to get expert opinions to your most-pressing questions. Put your questions in writing ahead of time to determine which are foremost in your retail business.
+Establish Titles You Trust
The Christian Fiction: Authors, Retailers, Readers event is a time for you to connect directly with authors and understand more about merchandising their titles. You will also come to understand more about your readers through research provided on book trends. Each attendee will receive a sample of each featured product from sponsoring suppliers. Ticket required.
+Connect with Fiction Readers
Through the distinctive ACFW Author Connection booth you can listen to author conversations that reveal the heart of Christian fiction, its relevance for readers, and the role fiction plays in our shared goal to “publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does” (Psalm 96:3, NLT). Reader testimonies will show how fiction has profoundly affected people struggling with serious life issues. Meet with fiction authors to hear more about their work and inspiration, and to learn the power of story in evangelism, outreach, and comfort of hurting souls.
+Be Inspired
The New Voice Showcase event will highlight new voices—a mix of artists and authors—for the CBA industry. While an artist may give a glimpse of the story behind the song, an author will speak out on topics that inspire. Christian authors and artists spend their lives and careers finding ways to make their message relevant and motivational. Come see who’s new and experience great entertainment and unexpected inspiration, as pictures are painted with words and music.
