Unite 2017 (International Christian Retail Show)

Event Dates
2017-01-27 - 2017-01-30
Venue
Duke Energy Convention Center
Organizer
CBA - the Association for Christian Retail
Website
http://cbaonline.org/unite-2017/
Exhibitors
231
Floor Size
43730
Attendees
2677
Event contact title
CONTACT
Event contact first name
Chuck
Event contact last name
Steinert
Email
csteinert@cbaonline.org
Event contact telephone number
719-265-9895
Description

UNITE, CBA’s international convention, is the place the Christian product industry meets. Retailers, artists, publishers, suppliers, and others gather to address relevant topics, share knowledge, and generate business opportunities to provide resources for God’s people. Propelled by the theme “Envision the Legacy,” this year’s event will be a time of looking forward–of building on our foundation in a way that sets up future leaders to continue building.

Attendee information
The importance of interacting in a live face-to-face setting with others from the Christian product industry community cannot be underestimated. In an online-driven economy for both information and business transactions, human-to-human connections are more important than ever. Interacting with a person live is different and invaluable. While many of us acknowledge that there is power in being connected to other people who are active in the same industry, we often still easily find reasons not to attend the annual convention. The needs of running a business are endless, and taking a few days away can seem like it’s not the best use of time. However, attending UNITE may be just the thing to reinvigorate you and grow your business.
Exhibitor information
At UNITE 2017, you can connect face-to-face with thousands of decision makers in one trip, generate leads and sales, and reinforce your brand. UNITE is a conference and trade show for people who create, produce, distribute, and sell products and resources reflecting family values and the Christian faith. The annual convention brings representatives from more than 50 countries for idea sharing, training, leadership development, and launching new products and resources. Products include Bibles, books, church curriculum and supplies, gifts, lifestyle products, and family entertainment (music, faith- and family-friendly films, and other media). The event also attracts national pastoral leaders, authors, artists, musicians, filmmakers, journalists, and others involved in Christian media.
Partner Voices
Partner Voices
NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact
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