Not content to rest on their laurels, organisers of the Christian Resources Exhibition are bucking the recession and plan to develop the event over the next few years.

"Since being under the direction of Bible Societies Resources Ltd and the new management team, we have posted an increase in visitors for the past two years," said executive chair Colin Saunders.

More than 12,400 attended the four-day event at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre in Esher last month, a four per cent increase in visitors on 2008. Despite the recession, the 370 exhibitors taking part in this year's show were a nearly 20 per cent rise on 2008 numbers, with more than 1,000 organisations represented.

"We worked hard at shaping a practical seminar programme this year for local church leaders at all levels - under the theme being, doing and changing church," said Saunders. "Excellent attendances at more than 60 seminars suggests we are providing an important training resource."

His vision is to develop the event into the International Christian Resources Exhibition.

"It is not always official leaders who bring new life to the local church," he said. "I want to take the event towards an EXPO concept - not just a long line of shell-scheme stands but a place to actually experience new ideas, get much more 'hands on', as well as gather information.

"Already established as Europe's leading Christian exhibition, we believe there are hundreds of key leaders from the continent who would benefit from visiting a show of this size and depth."

For the first time this year, the annual Christian Bookellers' Convention (CBC) was held alongside CRE at Sandown Park.

"Change never comes easy," said CRE and CBC event director Steve Briars. "It was a new experience for everyone but the feedback we have received from suppliers and retailers has been very encouraging. In difficult days, financially, there is a real sense of optimism for the future."



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