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  It's the comeback story of the year. The fading star, pretty much written off, finds a new burst of energy to snatch a victory and get just about everyone up on their feet cheering.
It sounds like the latest inspirational movie, but it's the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), whose successful residency at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver last month confounded many. Hats off to CBA for its organization of the event, and anyone who was there for your part in turning what some had feared could be a funeral into a celebration with a positive and hopeful attitude. Before we all go skipping off into the sunset (cue stirring music), though, let's not get too misty-eyed. Having right-sized itself, in many people's opinions, the show was undoubtedly a great success—relatively speaking. But let's not forget that the latest marked drop in numbers follows several years of decline. The event's future shape and format will surely need to change further so that this year becomes a reversal of fortune rather than a temporary pause. While we applaud all those who played a part in this year's success, I and the rest of the Christian Retailing team break from clapping to bring you our annual and highly personal thumbs-up, thumbs-down assessment of ICRS 2009.  for the clever reorganization of the show floor that helped foster a sense of busyness.
for suppliers and retailers alike who wanted to be there and make the most of the event. to publishers and suppliers just as generous with giveaways to a smaller crowd as in years past (and, yes, we especially mean you, FaithWords).  for the lack of big evening events other than movies.
for the sound problems, from the Sunday night music event to the Product Intelligence Tours (great location on the show floor, but a little hard to hear above the outside buzz). for giving attendees what they wanted—a second year and, once again, stirring message from Anne Graham Lotz at Worship Now. for the limited restrooms within easy reach of one end of the floor. to comedian Jeff Allen, for keeping the crowd entertained Sunday evening, during a longer-than-anticipated set change. to the Heart of the Author luncheon. A nice packed house, good food and heartfelt stories made it an event to remember. for the great retail ideas content at some of the Product Intelligence Tours (PITs). to the sponsors who pushed their own stuff too much at the Product Intelligence Tours. for the need to bring in more chairs for the Monday evening prayer meeting, which established a nice tone for what sets this trade show apart. on convention center food. Definitely better selection this year, but prices continue to be super-inflated. that there were plenty of great eating places within easy reach of the center. for the remote location of the media room, far away from the floor. Feel our pain. for book-signing personalities mingling with attendees, and notably football great Joe Gibbs, seen letting one retailer try on his Super Bowl ring. to the retired bookseller couple who won a free trip to Denver at last year's show and came "so we can encourage others." to the CBA members' breakfast for the fast-moving and informative chat-show format. for an absence of any water for refreshment in the workshop rooms. that a smaller show floor meant the ship-home service could be conveniently located adjacent.
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