2015 ICRS format
changes mean focused time for keynotes, training, and exhibit floor
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – CBA’s 2015 International
Christian Retail Show (ICRS) will have a later exhibit-floor start time. This
unprecedented change is to allow the entire industry to attend three keynote
sessions on topics with far-reaching consequences: religious liberty, engaging
with the culture, and the future of Christian retail.
ICRS is June 28-July
1 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The new
exhibit-floor hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 29-30, with exclusive floor hours 10
a.m.-4:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 1, the exhibit floor is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
The time reserved for the Monday and Tuesday keynote
sessions is 8-9 a.m. followed by targeted breakout workshops, 9-10 a.m.
Sunday’s keynote is 3-4 p.m. prior to the industry worship service, Worship
Him!
“Because these issues are so important to our industry’s
future, we want everyone to have the opportunity to attend these
sessions, hear the messages, and apply what they learn to their business or
ministry,” said CBA President Curtis Riskey.
Pam Harrington of the Billy Graham Training Center
(Asheville, NC), said, “Our industry is at a point where we need to come
together. I understand why having new exhibit floor hours is necessary. I think
it’s critical we be together as a group.”
The first general
session, “Religious Liberty: Can You Be a Christian and in Business?” is 3-4
p.m., Sunday, June 28. Craig
Parshall, special counsel for Jay Sekulow’s American Center for Law and Justice
(ACLJ), will frame the discussion and moderate the follow-up panel dialog including
Doug Napier, Alliance Defending Freedom’s senior counsel, executive VP, and
chief alliance officer; and Daniel Blomberg, legal counsel for The Becket Fund
for Religious Liberty.
“With local court decisions ruling against traditional
Christian values, it’s more important than ever that Christian business owners
keep informed about threats and what to do about them,” Riskey said.
“Engagement: Building
Relationship Based on Truth” is 8 a.m. Monday, June 29, featuring keynote
speaker Steve Green, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. president and founder of Museum of
the Bible. Panelists include author and evangelist Josh McDowell (Barbour);
Sue Smith, manager of Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI) and CBA board
chairperson; and Bob Lenz, Life Promotions president.
“To have a positive influence on the culture for Christ, we
need to understand how to engage the culture without compromising our
convictions – even promoting them as viable life solutions,” Riskey said.
“Connecting the
Future: Church, Store, and Digital Natives” is 8 a.m., Tuesday, June 30.
Inspirational speaker and author Nick Vujicic (WaterBrook-Multnomah) will give
a brief message, and Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research,
will frame the panelists’ conversation with new research on the church and
young people. In addition to Vujicic, panelists include author and pastor
Jarrid Wilson (Nelson Books), and third-generation retailer Zach Wallington of
Christian Supply (Spartanburg,SC).
“Our mission to support the church and the Great Commission is
directly tied to how the next generation is coming to Christ,” said Riskey.
“Serving technology-enabled people requires a new mindset for everything we
communicate.”
For information on 2015 ICRS, visit www.ChristianRetailShow.com.
# # #
No comments:
Post a Comment