CPE Hershey features the industry’s “best of the best.”
According to a press release issued by the Munce Group, “An upbeat crowd of 261 retailers, representing 213 Christian stores, converged on September 17-19 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA, for Christian Product Expo (CPE) Hershey, hosted by the Munce Group.
“‘We thank the Lord for a great event where effective ministry and profitable business was experienced by all attendees—retailers and exhibitors alike,’ said Munce Group president Bob Munce.
“CPE Hershey experienced a 25% increase in buying points from last year’s event. With a theme based on Romans 15:4-6, CPE Hershey 2010 offered a full, 48-hour program, which included worship, workshops, an exhibit floor for order writing, large group supplier presentations, evening showcases and an extensive Bible Conference to kick things off on Sunday afternoon.
“The Bible Conference was led by president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan/Harvest House). And the Sunday Night of Worship was conducted by critically acclaimed author, veteran trial attorney and pastor, Randy Singer (Tyndale), with music by new EMI/Centricity artist Daniel Kirkley. On Sunday evening, attendees also enjoyed a private screening of the movie from EMI/CMG, The Imposter, starring Kevin Max and Jeff Deyo.
“Practical and useful training on Monday morning covered subjects ranging from consumer marketing analysis, social networking, relevant technology for independents, current market trends and much more.
“The Monday evening showcase featured an A-list lineup of artist and authors: Austins Bridge (Daywind/New Day), powerful inspirational communicator, best-selling author and musical artist, Sheila Walsh (Thomas Nelson), legendary musician (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band) Guy Penrod (EMI/Gaither Music), and world-renowned pastor, speaker, teacher and New York Times best-selling author Dr. David Jeremiah (Thomas Nelson).
“Tuesday morning, Big Idea creator Phil Vischer unveiled his new product, ‘What’s In the Bible’ DVD series (Tyndale). The crowded show floor closed Tuesday afternoon with cash giveaways of $250, $500 and the grand prize of $1,000. Over 70 vendors were represented, offering the newest products as well as show specials.
“Ivan Boyer from IntegriTeam was in the Blossom Bucket booth and said, ‘I was so busy writing orders that I had to hand out several order forms to the people in my booth for them to begin writing on their own. We were non-stop!’ S.T.L. representative Karen Bilbrey said, ‘We had planned to have two people in the booth; but due to an illness, I was the only one. I was so busy that I will make sure we have at least two people here at all times!’ DaySpring representative Kevin Backes said, ‘We had four DaySpring reps in our booth and we wrote a bunch of great orders. We were busy the whole time. Thanks to the Munce Group for putting on a show like this. There’s nothing else in our industry like CPE.’ David Austin from Bridgestone Multimedia said, ‘We wrote more business in the first day of CPE than we did at any tradeshow we did last year—and maybe even combined!’
“CPE attendees honored veteran retailers Jack and Ruth Ann Savage who retired after over 50 years of owning and operating Jack’s Religious Gifts in Salisbury, MD. Jack and Ruth Ann have been on the Munce Group Retail Advisory Board, which helps select catalog product and has strategized the phenomenal growth of the Munce Group. Jack is a former CBA board member and a past president of CBA.
“'I can’t think of a better time for our industry to get together to worship, learn, serve, teach and be encouraged,' said Munce Group COO Kirk Blank. 'We have three words that describe CPE—encourage, equip and engage. We know that retailers and vendors ne
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