With just a month to go until this year’s GCA Conference, more than 75% of tickets have already been sold, with the Greeting Card Association encouraging anyone yet to secure their place to book soon
The annual conference takes place on Thursday 24th September at Unity Place in Milton Keynes, running from 10am to approximately 4.30pm. The booking deadline is Thursday 10th September, when final numbers must be confirmed with the venue.
The event will feature a packed programme of speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities, with this year’s retail panel set to provide valuable insight into what buyers are looking for.
Chaired by GCA Vice President Mark Callaby, the panel will bring together buyers and retailers from both independent and multiple retail, with Sally Matson of Redcard now joining the line-up. Delegates are also being invited to submit questions in advance on buying decisions, trends, ranging, product selection and getting stocked.
The conference’s speaker programme includes Cydney Ball of John Lewis, Dean Morris of Dean Morris Cards, Seth Woodmansterne of The Generation Game, Sarah-Jane Porter of Moonpig and Jon Hendy of Kantar. GCA CEO Amanda Fergusson will also reflect on 40 years in the greeting card industry.
This year’s conference will have particular significance for Fergusson, as it will be her final GCA Conference as CEO before stepping down from the role.
Networking and new connections
Networking will begin before the conference itself, with Woodmansterne sponsoring a pre-conference drinks reception on Wednesday 23rd September at The Residence Bar, The Hub, Milton Keynes, from 5.45pm to 7.45pm.
The GCA is also hosting a welcome coffee for first-time attendees before the conference begins, offering newcomers the chance to meet fellow delegates and make connections ahead of the day.
Alongside the conference, the GCA will host two online events in September: a free virtual coffee morning with Nick Carey of Abacus Cards on 8th September, followed by a webinar on protecting margins with Ged Mace of The Art File on 10th September.
More information and conference bookings are available from the GCA website.
