ICRS 2013 a Success!

The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) is the largest gathering in the nation of Christian authors, editors, publishers, agents, music and film industry and retail gift sellers.

This year, under the St. Louis Arch, amazing things happened. Steve Laube, literary agent at The Steve Laube Agency, wrote a comprehensive blog post about his observations of the 2013 event. Here are some of the highlights (click here for the entire post):  

Golden Scroll Awards banquet winners (at AWSA)

• Editor of the Year went to Sandra VanderZicht of Zondervan
• Fiction Editor of the Year went to Vicki Crumpton of Baker Publishing Group
• Nonfiction Book of the Year went Karen Whiting and Jocelyn Green for Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (God & Country Press of AMG Publishers.) 
• Novel of the Year went to Jeanette Windle for Congo Dawn (Tyndale)
• AWSA of the Year was Carol Kent
• The Beyond Me Award, presented by Kathi Macias, went to Sue Badeau
• The prestigious 2013 Golden Scroll Lifetime Achievement Award went to Carole Lewis, the bestselling author and national director of First Place 4 Health,

Christy Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award to agent, Lee Hough at Alive Communications. This stellar man—who has not only contributed significantly to the Christian publishing industry, but is also a superb example of how to love your wife, family and others—has two months to live due to terminal brain cancer. Well deserved, Lee Hough. Well deserved.

Exhibits galore with the latest in books, music gifts and more.

Next year’s ICRS will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 22-25, 2014. 

 

See you there!

 

 

The 3 M’s of Connecting at ICRS 2013 (for Authors)

It’s almost here! The International Christian Retail Show 2013 will be held June 23-26, 2013 at America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri and attendees are getting ready.

From Christian book and music publishers, editors and agents to authors and media, the event promises to be packed with information, education and FUN!

Who’s exhibiting at ICRS (the largest Christian convention for book, music and gift retailers)? For a map of 2013 ICRS Exhibit Hall Floor, check out the link. 

 
For authors: Author and veteran ICRS attendee, KarenWhiting, offers these tips for authors at the conference:

1. Meet. I like to meet the sales reps of my publishers. When they meet me and we chat, they get more excited about my books and that helps book sales.

2. Media: I am not signing at ICRS this time, but I will be interviewed for radio and TV while I am there. With fewer big names coming the stations, they have more room to interview the lesser known authors.

3. Marketing: The one-sheet should include a summary of your marketing plan. What you bring to the table in marketing ideas plays a bigger role than ever.

Get ready now! It all starts in less than three weeks.

Veggie Tales Turn 20: Celebration at ICRS 2013

 

America's favorite faith-based animated children's series, VeggieTales is turning 20 this year, and they will be celebrating with special anniversary events at the 2013 ICRS show in St. Louis.  

It all begins with a birthday bash to kick off the ICRS show and the entire CBA community is welcome. Co-Founder Michael Nawrocki, CEO Leslie Ferrell, and fan-favorite characters Bob and Larry will be on hand for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photo and autograph opportunities with Veggie stars.  

And don’t forget the birthday cake!

It all happens Monday, June 24, 2013 – 7:45 a.m. (CST) at ICRS 2013 held at America's Center Convention Complex (Hall 4 - Main Convention Floor Entrance). 

Happy birthday to our colorful, and inspiring, vegetable friends!