The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew the family of Betty Predmore, manager of Hobe Sound Bible College Bookstore in Hobe, Fla. Predmore's husband, Lyndell, daughter Tara and young grandchildren Cassidy and Spencer sat on the floor waiting for the exhibit floor doors to open.

The family arrived about 45 minutes before the ribbon-cutting ceremony to jot down separate lists of booths that featured book signings and giveaways.

"It's easier to put it down on several pieces of paper than try to search the show newspaper," Lyndell explained. "We're just making up a schedule so we know where we're going."

Tara told Christian Retailing that they communicate with walkie-talkies and cell phones on the exhibit floor. "I don't always come, but my parents have been coming for 16 years, and they've got it down to a science," she said.

Her mother added: "The ribbon-cutting is exciting because it's the opening of the whole show."

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