A new trade show celebrating charismatic books and music is to be launched in the fall.

The Charisma Book Expo, to be held at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) Sept. 27-30 is being organized by a group of leading charismatic publishers headed by Strang Communications, publisher of Charisma magazine.

The three-day event, which will feature speakers, workshops and general-public admission, is to be hosted by Strang along with seven partners: Baker Publishing Group, Faith Library Publications, Gospel Light, Harrison House, Integrity Media, Warner Faith and Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors.

“The charismatic market continues to grow, and we all feel that it deserves the kind of exposure and recognition that just isn't to be found at any other trade shows,” said Strang founder and President Stephen Strang. “We are not looking to compete with any other event, but simply better celebrate and serve a significant constituency.”

The Charisma Book Expo program will include special training sessions for Christian retailers, individual supplier events, guest appearances, trade-floor time and evening celebrations, featuring some of the industry's top charismatic authors and artists. Details are to be announced later. Special issues of both Charisma and Christian Retailing magazines are being planned to coincide with the new show.

Organizers anticipate that more than 200 Christian retailers will visit the expo at the GICC, located adjacent to Atlanta International Airport. With the speaker sessions and convention floor being opened up to members of the public-similar to the annual Expolit fair for the Hispanic Christian market-around 2,000 other visitors are expected.

Atlanta-area Christian retail stores will be invited to sell at the event alongside other exhibitors. “We believe it will be a great opportunity for them to connect with new customers in the area for long after the expo is over,” said Tessie DeVore, executive vice president of the book group for Strang Communications.

Exhibition space will be sold by Bill Kilchenstein, president of General Media of Pinellas Park, Fla., who was convention sales manager and trade-show manager for the National Religious Broadcasters association, 1994-2000. He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 1-727-546-4638.

Scott Blume, chief operating officer for Harrison House Publishers, said the company was “very excited” to be part of the new show. “The opportunity to meet with stores that carry charismatic-interest products is a huge positive for us. We are really looking forward to the event,” he said.

Bob Nealeigh, director of CBA sales for Warner Faith, said he welcomed “the benefits and opportunities that the Charisma Book Expo will bring to the Christian retailing business and the public who attend. The end consumer will have an opportunity to really see the breadth of Christian products available, and meet some of their favorite authors and artists face to face.”

Stephen Strang, who founded Charisma magazine in 1975 to serve the charismatic and Pentecostal movement, said the idea for the book expo was born from the recognition that charismatic Christians were increasingly influential in the Christian products industry-as authors, artists and consumers-but not always well recognized or acknowledged.

“There's a lot of enthusiasm for the event,” he said. “We are looking forward to building relationships, expanding our businesses and celebrating God's goodness together.”

Strang Communications also publishes Christian Retailing magazine and is home to the Charisma House, FrontLine, Siloam and Casa Creación imprints.

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