With a revised schedule and events, Gospel Music Week 2005 struck a chord with many retailers and music buyers as a worthwhile week to network and learn about new products.

Through sales presentation from record labels, various workshops and nightly concerts, retailers were able to walk away from the week with a "big picture" perspective on forthcoming releases and ideas to help sell new product.

Third-time GMA Week attendee Michael Brink of Arrowhead Bookstore in Johnson City, N.Y., noted a nice balance in the sales presentations of new artists Sarah Brendel and Inhabited with established artists like Mark Schultz and Amy Grant.

"I'm very pleased this year," he said. "It felt like a nice blend of new artists and established artists. This year seems to strike a good balance."

Katie Sternberg of Baker Book House in Holland, Mich., was "definitely" glad she attended, citing networking opportunities as the highlight. This was her fourth year attending GMA Week. "It's been good to meet with other retailers, to see how they do things and comparing notes," she added.

Nightly concerts were offered in a variety of settings featuring an eclectic offering of genres including pop, rock, alternative, Southern gospel, gospel, jazz and urban music. GMA Week culminated last night with the presentation of the Dove Awards.