CBA and convention organizer Freeman have launched a new program for exhibitors to help improve return on investment (ROI) at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), to be held June 23-26 in St. Louis.

CBA's "ICRS Cost Savings" will communicate tips, techniques and best practices to increase efficiencies, and boost sales and marketing impact. The program includes a weekly e-newsletter for suppliers and prospective vendors with links to resources and information on how to save money and increase sales.

CBA President Curtis Riskey said exhibitors often could make slight adjustments in operations and logistics to generate more leads, booth traffic and sales.

"We are seeing a greater need for trade shows, while at the same time economic circumstances make measuring ROI more critical," Riskey said. "Our goal with the cooperative initiative with Freeman is to make exhibiting time more productive before ICRS, during the event and post ICRS."

A number of new ICRS initiatives will expand marketing opportunities for exhibitors and provide a forum for obtaining more qualified leads, CBA said. The initiatives will also expand exhibitor reach in marketing, advertising and promotion.

"Seeing new products, learning new ideas and improving business operations are key reasons buyers attend trade shows," Riskey said. "We are developing a combined strategy to bring more buyers to the show, while offering new, cost-effective ways to exhibit."

Toby Purdy, Freeman chief marketing officer, added: "This combined effort will help exhibitors take advantage of a number of Freeman programs designed to significantly save time and money, while increasing tradeshow effectiveness."

ICRS Cost Savings also features an educational paper on how to reduce material-handling costs; a first-time exhibitor video and helpful tips to improve sales; and a live webinar for exhibitors.

Click here for more information on CBA's ICRS Cost Savings.