John Lewis, Scribbler, Sainsbury’s Commit To GCA’s Speed-dating With Dragons Event

The bookings went crazy when tickets for the GCA’s Speed-dating with Dragons 3 event went live this morning (January 29) at 10am.

As a result 72 lucky GCA card publisher members will secure the opportunity to make a series of one-to-one pitches of their products to some of the best greeting card buyers in the business at the afternoon event that will take place on Tuesday 26 February at London’s Business Design Centre.

Lisa Rutherford, card buyer for John Lewis & Partners (pictured top left), Cardzone’s md Paul Taylor and Scribbler’s buyers Andrew Webb and Sarah Bertram are among the latest retailers to have committed to being ‘dragons’. They join the strong line-up, which includes buyers from Sainsbury’s (Carly Pearson pictured centre), Between the Lines (both Lindsey, pictured top right and Ellie Kleinlercher are participating), Thortful, House of Cards, Postmark, Moonpig as well as strong indies, Calladoodles, Red Card, Cardies and Creased Cards.

Commenting on the take up, Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA said: “As evidenced by the booking frenzy this morning, there is no denying the popularity of the Speed-dating with Dragons concept! It is great that so many top card buyers have been so keen to commit to becoming ‘dragons’. It is going to be an exciting and fulfilling afternoon.”

Above: The GCA’s Amanda Fergusson (left) and Raquel Lopez watch the screen as the bookings flood in for the Speed-dating With Dragons 3 event this morning.
Above: The GCA’s Amanda Fergusson (left) and Raquel Lopez watch the screen as the bookings flood in for the Speed-dating With Dragons 3 event this morning.

As well as the pitching sessions, the event will also involve a panel session whereby industry experts will be there to share their experience and knowledge by answering burning business questions.

Anyone wishing to join the event or the waiting list should email the GCA’s Raquel Lopez on gca2@max-publishing.co.uk

Above: A pitching session in action with (front right) Postmark’s Mark Janson-Smith (who is a dragon again this year) listening intently.
Above: A pitching session in action with (front right) Postmark’s Mark Janson-Smith (who is a dragon again this year) listening intently.

It will all be a hot bed of greeting card action at London’s Business Design Centre on Tuesday 26 February. Prior to the afternoon’s Speed-dating with Dragons event, the morning will see a PG Live exhibitor meeting taking place.

The meeting will share advice, insight and guidance on getting the most out of exhibiting at PG Live (which takes place June 4-5).
“The upbeat meeting, will be relevant to those experienced in exhibiting, trade show virgins as well as those who might just like a few reminders!” said Jacqui Parr, marketing manager of PG Live.

Above: Scribbler’s Andrew Webb and Sarah Bertram (centre) will be among the ‘dragons’ at the event. Seen here at last year’s PG Live, spending their Sunshine Ticket with Foggish.
Above: Scribbler’s Andrew Webb and Sarah Bertram (centre) will be among the ‘dragons’ at the event. Seen here at last year’s PG Live, spending their Sunshine Ticket with Foggish.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 26 February 2019, 11am – 12.50pm at the Business Design Centre, on the Gallery level. (It will be free of charge to attend, with complementary coffee, tea and biscuits.)

“We will be covering a number of key subjects, from stand design and the build logistics to the many free marketing opportunities that are available,” added Jacqui.

The whole PG Live team will also be on hand to answer any additional questions.

Anyone wishing to attend should email Jacqui Parr on jacqui@progressivegreetingslive.com

Above: The Business Design Centre is ready for PG Live 2019, which will take place June 4-5.
Above: The Business Design Centre is ready for PG Live 2019, which will take place June 4-5.
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