CBA 'Advances' in renamed, reconfigured winter show.(Christian Booksellers Association's trade show CBA Advance)(sales and future of book retail trade)

THE CHRISTIAN Booksellers Association held its winter show February 2-5 in Indianapolis, its third consecutive year in that location. Formerly called CBA Expo, the show was renamed CBA Advance and reconfigured in response to grumbling about the costs and necessity of two annual trade shows, both of which are longer than most other book shows.

For the second year, the meeting began with Independents Day, actually two days (February 2-3), devoted to "professional and spiritual growth," with a slate of educational sessions and special events. The first major change this year was that the show did not run through a weekend--a fact many exhibitors expressed appreciation for--and the floor did not open until Tuesday, February 3, at 5 p.m., closing at 9 p.m. According to CBA president Bill Anderson, "Initially, there was a mixed response to this ideal, but it did allow exhibitors to get in, get things done and get the lay of the land. I think it made the show more efficient--there were no competing events, and there was three hours less exhibit time that day." Several exhibitors told PW that the evening opening did seem to be a hit with retailers, bringing a festive air to the show floor in the opening hours.

The second major change was that CBA's Future of …