Attendance for the 16th annual Expolit conference, which started Thursday and runs through tomorrow at the Sheraton Miami Mart Hotel and Convention Center in Miami, was on the rise, organizers said.

The largest trade fair in the U.S. for the Spanish-language Christian literature and music world has drawn more than 5,000 people a day to view the exhibits and attend the nightly concerts, featuring many of the leading Christian Latino musicians. The event attracted hundreds of booksellers, publishers, distributors and music label representatives along with thousands of members of the general public.

Although exact figures were not available, Expolit Vice President Marie Tamayo said “registrations are up in every category-especially those from Latin America. Despite the economic situation, the industry continues to grow and blossom. But a lot of the growth we're seeing is in Latin America, both in the Christian market and the general market.”

Amarilis Rivera, president of Miami-based Alegría Collection, agreed. "We have received less clients overall at Expolit this year compared to other years, but there are more people from Latin America. ... For Latin Americans, this is their one show of the year. It's a great way for them to get in the information and products they need-and everything is under one roof."

Tamayo said there was a greater missions emphasis this year with exhibitors from Compassion International, Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan's Purse) and World Vision.

Offerings were taken during evening sessions for two Operation Mobilization missions projects: Myanmar refugees who live in the border region with Thailand and abused children in Cambodia victimized by forced prostitution. Expolit provided a $5,000 matching grant.

Keynote speakers were authors Chuck Colson, Don Piper, Stormie Omartian and leadership expert Bobb Biehl. "This is probably the best lineup of speakers we've ever had," said David Ecklebarger, president of Editorial Unilit and executive director of the Spanish Evangelical Products Association.

A series of evening concerts attracted enthusiastic audiences to hear a wide variety of music styles ranging from bachata to reggaetón. The artists/bands included Ingrid Rosario, Milton Valle, Contagious, Face to Face, Amalfi, Luigi Castro, Lucía Parker, José Luis Reyes, Benjamin Rivera, Roberto Orellana, Contagious, Blest, Eddie Coronado, Vmusic, D'Novo, Kevin and Annie Durant, Miguel Angel Guerra, Héctor David, Rodrigo Rodríguez, Amanecer, Kyosko and Rescate.