The Last Word on ICRS 2010

Just back from ICRS 2010 in St Louis. As cities go, St Louis was really nice, so long as you don't want to do anything but look at an arch. And it was 100 degrees (though I'll admit that was, technically, outside -- a place I rarely ventured). Still, the show was cozy inside the downtown "America's Convention Center," and the hotels were all within walking distance. I've never been one to grasp the charms of St Louis. I mean, the tourist guides can point out the arch, which really is nice, and there's a fine museum underneath it, but not much else. (Actual tourist guide I overheard: "And from THIS angle you get another nice view of the Arch!") The baseball stadium is downtown, which is cool. And there's a Budweiser tour. Um... some good rib joints. That about covers the high points of the city. Not exactly what you might refer to as Vacation Wonderland.

However, since the Christian book show has shrunk markedly in recent years, putting it inside a smaller venue is nice. So St Louis is probably a good size city to host something like this, assuming it survives (more on that later). It doesn't feel like you've got to walk miles to get to everything. (Some of us remember attending past conventions that were so spread out it felt like you were trodding from nearby towns.) And while the convention space is certainly smaller, sticking it here made it feel more crowded, so the mood was generally upbeat. The only downside is that the entire area around the convention center is under construction (the city had to do something, since downtown was becoming ugly and dangerous). That meant it lacked a lot of great restaurants close by, like we had in Denver, and wherever you walked you were stepping over pipes or walking under scaffolding or wondering if the St Louis Crips were holed up in the big abandoned building next to you. 

Still, I don't want to sound whiny. I thought the convention went smoothly. The CBA team did a nice job of putting together this gathering and keeping spirits up in the face of (1) declining membership, (2) the forced sale of its headquarters, (3) the sudden and unexpected resignation of its President, and (4) the plague of locusts that attacked the opening ceremonies. Ha! Just kidding. The opening ceremonies (and indeed most every public event) went off without a hitch. The actual convention floor was great -- I was glad they went back to the old plan of putting the book publishers all near each other, so it was easy to see whose books were doing battle and what the latest cover ideas are. The Art-and-Crud crowd was on the other side, and the various music people and purveyors of Jesus Junk were in between. (The music people are easy to spot --the women are all young and pretty, the guys all have ponytails.) The displays were maybe a bit more subdued this year, as companies cut back on art and signs, but that meant there weren't a bunch of howling morons trying to compete with each other in the music section. I liked the simple layout and the scaled-back designed. And there were no big embarrassing empty floor spaces where people had pulled out at the last minute, as there were in recent years. (True item: A couple years ago, a CBA exec made a point of telling me how wonderful it was that everybody had rented their space and showed up... except we were standing right in front of a big empty booth space at the time. I still marvel he could say that to me with a straight face.) 

If you've not been to ICRS before, imagine a giant building the size of an airplane hangar filled with 10x10 booths displaying books, music, jewelry, t-shirts, art prints, and knick-knacks, all with a Christian theme. Most are fairly mainstream, a few on the fringe. The people working the various booths are almost always nice (they're there to sell products, remember), though occasionally you find the bored sales guy or the woman who you can tell is DYING for a cigarette break. There are great ideas and remarkably stupid ideas, and they're all on display next to choir robes and Betty Lukens Felt Boards and Precious Moments statuettes. 

I'll admit: I love it. Love seeing all the new books, reading the titles, and evaluating covers. Love watching the signings, saying hello to friends, and being surprised by the authors who have jumped houses. I've seen people become speechless when they actually get to face Chuck Swindoll (who, let's be honest, is shorter than me). This show was a bit short on media, which is a bad sign, but Christian Retailing did its usual job of over-hyping everything ("Standard Publishing Is Throwing a Party!" -- "Destiny Image Is Getting Into Movies!"). 

There were some really cool things that happened. First, FaithWords threw an A-list party. You may not have much context for this, but FaithWords is part of Hachette, and Hachette always throws a huge party at the Frankfurt Book Fair. So there's precedent for this, and it was the talk of the show. Speakers included Ted Dekker, Philip Yancey, Chuck Swindoll, and David Jeremiah -- heavy hitters all. Second, the Christy Awards are finally getting some overdue national attention. Christian fiction is not only a significant part of nearly every publisher's bottom line, it's been the fastest-growing segment of publishing over the past decade. So it was nice to see Lisa Samson (an author we represent) serve as the keynote speaker, then win an award for Novel of the Year, and have the story picked up by national news services. Third, B&H Fiction's "Thriller Tour" got a lot of attention for four novelist and the company's new, upgraded foray into suspense novels. Jim Rubart, one of the B&H authors (and another writer we represent), made headlines with his "thank you" talk to retailers, telling them they are helping to change lives. And fourth, the International Square on the showroom floor was remarkably busy -- proving there is a growing interest in American authors around the globe. I sat in the square for an hour, just to get a feel for it, and had a line of foreign publishers asking me about the books we represent. 

There were other cool things as well -- the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) announced that their Book of the Year Award was now going to be known as The Carol, in honor of longtime Christian fiction editor and publisher Carol Johnson, and the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association (AWSA) gave longtime publishing consultant Sally Stuart their Lifetime Achievement Award for her years producing the Christian Writers Market Guide. But there were some clunkers mixed in... One of the award shows invited Phil Vischer to speak. Um... that would be Phil Vischer, the guy who created Bob the Tomato. He had huge success with his Veggie Tales tapes, but then he ran the company into the ground. Don't get me wrong -- I have met Mr Vischer, and think he's very nice, but I doubt you really want people who are trying to run small businesses to follow his example. And his talk on the CBA of the 90's being like one big party -- well, I found it odd and out of place. Just as bad was the workshop on social media -- when a session starts by having someone have to explain what Twitter is... well, you have a sense it ain't going to be on the cutting edge. 

However, my biggest disappointment was that there was no clear winner of my annual "Worst of Show" award. I realize that may cause you to put down your cup of Starbucks and gasp, so go ahead -- I'll wait.   There. Back with me? Previous years have shown there is no LOW to which some tasteless bonehead won't go in order to claim he is spreading the gospel when all he really wants to do is make a buck. Earlier winners include "Praise Panties" (women's underwear with verses on them -- I was always rooting for "His love endures forever"), "Armor of God Pajamas" (pajamas with the appropriate parts of Ephesians 6 printed on them), "Standing On the Promises Shoe Insoles" (don't ask), and "Gospel Golf Balls" (they featured John 3:16 on them, and as the saleswoman said to me, "You never have to worry about losing a ball -- you're just helping to spread the gospel!"). Even worse, there have sometimes been truly tasteless products -- I'm thinking of the artist who had created a painting of a junkie shooting drugs into Christ's arm, or the guy who sold "actual ash from the ruins of Sodom & Gomorrah" (a GREAT way to witness to your gay friends!). 

This year's show had nothing like that. I was pretty disappointed -- apparently the budget cutbacks have even hit the nutjobs and shysters. Oh, sure, there was the company selling soccer balls with miniature verses on them, so you can stop the game, pick up the ball with your hands, and ask your opponent to squint and read the words, I think (apparently the people manufacturing these have yet to pick up on some of the finer points of the game). There were the usual collection of insipid one-off books claiming God wants you wealthy (one guy was having a sale on those, so I'm thinking he may be changing his theology, now that his 401k is down). And there were the "Blood Donor" t-shirts worn by the Kerusso staff, with the fake spilled blood and sayings like "Power in the Blood" on them. Ugh. I don't really understand who wears something like that, aside from the sales staff. Maybe the feeble-minded. They also had "Jesus Is My BFF" shirts, in case you need to give something to a middle-school girl you want to see get beat up. (I also noticed they were having a special on the "One Nation Under God" tees, which is doubtless because the red, white, and blue eagle on them make them look amazingly like the opening of the Colbert Report. My guess is that Glenn Beck supporters were buying these as part of their patriotic duty.)

Still, nothing really rose to the level of Award Winning Badness. I even called my buddy Steve Laube, to see if he'd spied anything that made him want to barf. Nope. If you were there, and saw something I missed, please make a note in the "comments" section below.

Of course, this may be a good sign. The fact that there are no longer so many stoo-pid products could mean we're actually getting rid of the crackpots and fast-buck artists. Or maybe they're just all going mainstream. (There was a Macy's close by, and I could have SWORN they were selling Praise Panties.) I'm not completely sure this trade show will survive -- for all the good vibes, it was still much smaller than before, and publishers are pulling out, and the gift people already have their own shows. 

But all in all, a good show. Would love to know your impressions. 

Comments

[Stephhov]

Awww. I lived in St. Louis for a few years and loved the zoo, the park, art museum, Grant's Farm, and more. It was a good (and inexpensive) place to have a family.
The roads (potholes) and weather I didn't enjoy so much.

[Joanne]

My first time to comment here. So, I must share that you're sarcastic wit has me hooked. I do hope I get the chance to rate the ICRS one day too.

Is it always in St. Louis? Is it for first time authors, or only the established big name writers?

[Timothy Fish]

You’re joking right? It’s been a few years since I’ve spent much time in St. Louis, but unless it’s really gone downhill since then, to say that the only thing worth doing in St. Louis is seeing the Arch is ridiculous beyond belief. My experience in St. Louis has been that it has things to do that are better than what I’ve found in the DFW metroplex and I don’t mean that to criticize the metroplex because there are some high quality things to do around here.

[Karen Robbins]

Maybe the next step is to move the show to Cleveland. At least we will still have the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame even if Lebron leaves.

[Glynn]

My hometown got trashed here. You should spend more time here than just attending a convention: the zoo, the art museum, the history musuem, the world-class botanical gardens, the contemporary art museum, the great Italian restaurants on The Hill, the biking trails, Old Town St. Charles, the old architecture, the Central West End, the St. Louis basilica, Forest Park, the St. Louis University Art Museum, the Washington University Art Museum, Grant's Farm, Ulysses S. Grant's home, and on and on and on.

This was a disappointment.

[Amy]

What a way to start my day! Having been to ICRS in years past, I think you explained it to a tee. Love your blog. It's both helpful and hilarious. Now if I could just find those Praise Panties.....

[Judith Robl]

The only way to judge a convention city is to be there for several days before or after the convention. At convention you don't have time to explore.

Suffice to say that my daughter who lives in Orlando and has very cosmopolitan tastes did a weekend in St. Louis and is itching to go back because she didn't even scratch the surface (pun intended).

That said, thank you for the insights on the ICRS. Some of us may never have a chance to go, so you have given us a taste.

[Angie F]

Awww, Chip, you ripped on my hometown. Now admittedly, if I could pick up my exact life and place it anywhere on the US map, the Midwest wouldn't even make my top twenty.

However, as many others have pointed out, by sticking downtown, you missed the best things this town has to offer. I wouldn't have any problem suggesting St. Louis as a vacation destination for someone who really wanted to visit the Midwest and needed to stay on a budget.

If you are ever forced into St. Louis again, next time google "things to do in St. Louis." You might be surprised at what you find. Better yet, I'd be happy to hook you up with some worthwhile things to do, my friend.

[Les Edgerton]

Funny stuff! I've been through St. Louis maybe ten times and have another take on it. Every single time I've driven through it, I've had to take a detour as they were always working on the roads. I figure it's the biggest single pork barrel recipient in the country or the mayor's friends all own concrete companies...

I spent a lovely two days in East St. Louis, listening to the bucolic sounds of AK-47s and screams in the night.

I see several people mention the zoo. That's exactly where I'd like to spend several hours... watching a tired and bored tiger pacing up and down, dreaming about the veldt, seeing Mom and Dad dragging along six screaming kids with dried ice cream on their kissers and wanting to know when they can go home... Kind of like a NASCAR race...

[Melody]

Ted Dekker?! I'm very jealous.
The convention sounds like it's a lot of fun. Someday I hope I can go.

[Chip responds]

Notes:
1. No, the show is not always in St Louis, Joanne. Moves around every year. And it's for anyone who wants to see what's happening in the world of religious retailing.
2. Yes, I'm joking, Timothy. A convention isn't exactly the best way to see a city.
3. Thanks for all those good tips, Glynn. Now relax. Or feel free to rip Portland for being "the land of the constant drizzle."

[Terri Tffany]

I guess you can call me one of those 90s CBA people where it was a big party:) and my husband who smoked then was alwats running outside to chat with the others.

I was clearly disappointed though a few years ago when it was in Orlando. Sad really that it has happened. Glad you enjoyed it anyways.

[Jenny B. Jones]

Nothing brought home the story of Jesus and the five loaves like Betty Lukens' Felt Boards.

This post kicked butt.
Headed to Macy's right now-
Jen

[Cindy Thomson]

You have to have a pass to get on the convention floor. Maybe ACFW members, like CLASS members, can get them if they're not connected to a publisher, I'm not sure.

I see your point about St. Louis, Chip. You are at a convention, not there for vacation, and you hope to at least find somewhere good to eat that you can get to easily. Denver is great for that, St. Louis, not so much. And you don't want to see THAT baseball team! (Okay, I'm kidding because I'm a Reds fan.)

[Nina Walsh]

Oh, my... I am glad that others have already stepped up to the bat here for good ole St. Louis!!!! We lived there 14 years. San Diego is my favorite city I have lived in, but St. Louis has more to see and do than San Diego! It is a fabulous tourist and family city!!!! You have no idea what you missed by not visiting the Missouri Botanical Gardens -- it was rated one of the top 8 in the world. May be rater higher now? Forest Park is FULL of gems -- zoo, historical society, fab art museum, Jewel Box, Muny, etc. You missed a first rate vacation city!!! Take your family back and taste the city! Speaking of tastes... oh my... TED DREWS Frozen Custard!!!! Don't tell me you missed that!

[Timothy Fish]

I’ll agree that a convention isn’t the best way to see a city. I went to a convention in Fort Smith, AR back in April. I spent the little free time I had locating a body shop, a glass repair shop and the Avis counter at the airport.

[Nancy]

How fitting that a Christian retail show should be held in a town with an ark ... oh ... wait ... that was arch ...

Never mind

[Cheryl]

Need to say something about your Phil Vischer comment - one he didn't speak at an awards show - it was the pacesetter session. He was encouraging retailers and having been with Phil most of the week I think it's safe to say that every retailer in that room appreciated what he said and how he said it. I couldn't believe how many came up to him in his signing line and in the give-a-way line at the Kids workshop telling him how much his talk meant to them. So though you thought it was wierd and out of place the retailers didn't think so.

[Bethany]

You just make friends everywhere you go, dontcha? :) I enjoyed the comments almost as much as the fun post.

[Les Edgerton]

Which came first? The arch or McDonald's?

Just wondering...

[Theresa]

Snort, snort..I nearly peed my praise panties reading this....

I'm JUST KIDDING people.

[Robert Treskillard]

Chip,

Maybe we should have had you over for a good ole Scottish meal and some Gaelic singing! Maybe next time when you're in St. Louis. Until then I should send you a copy of our first CD!

-Robert

p.s. I was invited by a publisher into the show on Tuesday, but wasn't there long enough to see much. Someone in our dinner group saw a shirt that said "Jesus, if you can't come back soon, please send Ronald Reagan". Hmmmmmm...

[Stephhov]

I guess I didn't get the joke at the beginning. Sorry! (I'm mostly German and have mostly no sense of humor.)

[Linroseburkard]

Chip, my impression is that your writing is seemingly effortless but that you're at the top of your game. Thanks for the review--and the laughs. Loved it!

[Bonnie Calhoun]

As usual, it's a great post Chip! Although I must admit I'm a little disappointed that you didn't have a clear winner for your "Worst of Show" prize. I did so look forward to hearing about the latest lunacy since I couldn't be there.

The last time I was in St. Louis was during the air traffic controller strike and I swore the plane was driving me back to NY because we taxied for so long!

LOL...to poor Les, and his East St.Louis foray. Next time don't go to Illinois, stay on the other side of the river :-)

[Monika]

Great post!

It's refreshing to see a sense of humor and someone else who thinks the Christian kitsch is ridiculous. It's disappointing to see bookstores and especially Christian bookstores selling more "gifts" and "Jesus junk" than good books and literature.

[gunnar simonsen]

Chip, this is funny stuff. You have been cracking me up big time... especially the part about the social media workshop and how it wasn't cutting edge because it started with explaining twitter... wait a minute, that was me that led that workshop. :) Hahahahaha!

To be fair to your readers, the majority of the workshop attendees were not currently using Twitter. Therefore, it warranted the explanation. The real intent of the workshop was to discuss the mindset of using social media, whichever the platform being used.

Just because you are on social media, does not mean you are suddenly relevant or cutting edge. But, how and why you use these platforms is that which will make you relevant or cutting edge.

I closed the workshop by challenging the attendees to take a book like Fatherless Generation and make your social media messages mean something beyond the sale.

That is what will make you relevant within your communities.

So, overall goal was... overall summary of social media, various platforms available, the mindset of being successful on them, and examples of using these platforms to sell products that matter and can make a difference.

If you want to discuss cutting edge platforms, feel free to join me at www.facebook.com/socialmediamindset

In conclusion, I do understand and can relate to your overall point and appreciate greatly your observations.

My question to you then is... if this trade show was to survive... what should it look like?

Thanks for the opportunity to opine! Love what you do!

Cheers!

Gunnar

[gunnar simonsen]

BTW, I live in Portland, too. Let's get coffee. Would love to connect!

[Jordans Sneakers]

The sea can accommodate all, so we just to see the sea, our heart is infinitely more freedom and broad!