Record Numbers Flock to World's Largest Christian Communications Conference

By Michelle A. Vu , Christian Post Reporter

February 19, 2007|2:13 pm

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of Christians are attending the world’s largest Christian communications event where top faith media professionals and Christian leaders have convened to strategize on how to harness the power of media to spread the Gospel.

A wide range of participants – from A-list Hollywood producers to award-winning talk show hosts to small-town pastors – are in attendance at the 2007 National Religious Broadcasters’ (NRB) Convention & Exposition. The exhibition, one of the highlights of the Feb. 17-20 convention, opened on Sunday.

According to the NRB vice president of conventions, David Keith, a record growth in attendance was seen this year.

“After seeing a record 19 percent attendance growth last year at NRB 2006, we are pleased to see that this year’s registration numbers have not leveled as partially expected, but continued to advance once again with another 4.5 percent growth as of Sunday,” said Keith, according to Valerie Fraedrich, the NRB’s director of publications.

Last year there were over 6,200 attendees.

The convention showcases nearly 300 exhibitors including well-known Christian groups and companies such as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Salvation Army, Tyndale House Publisher, TBN Networks, and the Inspiration Network.

Secular companies such as Panasonic, Sony, Canon, JVC Professional and Adobe Systems also participated in the exhibit’s Tech Lab, which features hands-on product demonstrations for equipments such as cameras and video editing suites.

The Tech lab is popular with a growing number of ministries and church leaders who find technology useful in enhancing worship and engaging the younger generation.

NRB also offers educational sessions led by professionals at the top of their field, which take place simultaneously with the exhibit and guide attendees on topics such as raising funds, marketing, copyright laws, and transforming church worship with technology.

In total, over 120 educational sessions were available at NRB.

Special events at this year’s NRB include a film screening of Amazing Grace: The William Wilberforce Story on Amazing Grace Sunday, a Night of Comedy, and a performance by Christian-rock group Salvador.