Karen Hubbard, ceo of Card Factory (above second left); Moonpig execs Geoff Sanderson and Sarah-Jane Porter (far right) as well as trailblazing environmental publisher, Sue Morrish (of The Eco-friendly Card Company) are all set to take to the ‘stage’ at this year’s GCA AGM and conference which takes place on Wednesday 17 October.
As AGM’s go, the GCA’s is always ‘rock n roll’ and this year it is on track to hit the high notes, not just in the line-up of ‘performers’ but also the venue, taking place at the amazing Hertfordshire gothic mansion, Knebworth House, home of the legendary Knebworth Festival that takes place in its beautiful grounds.
As well as the keynote speakers, the day will also include a presentation of the GCA Market Report, revealing the health and wealth of the UK greeting card industry; updates on the ‘front of mind’ environmental developments affecting our sector while afternoon workshop sessions will cover all manner of topics, from the likely affects of Brexit to how to support independent retailers.
As Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA summed: “There are so many compelling reasons to come to the AGM and Conference this year… to meet up with old friends and new in the gorgeous surroundings of Knebworth House, listen to prestigious speakers galore, enjoy a delicious lunch and feast on a cornucopia of workshop sessions, steered by experts in the afternoon!”
Karen Hubbard, ceo of Card Factory, the UK’s largest greeting card retailer, is to present her take on the greeting card sector, the challenges and opportunities that we, as an industry, face.
Moonpig’s design director Geoff Sanderson and Sarah-Jane Porter, its head of licensing will reveal what online card retailing tells us about the UK consumer.
And, as the GCA prepares to release its environmental guidance, GCA president Ceri Stirland (customer and channel director of UKG) and Sue Morrish, director of The Eco-friendly Card Co/Glebe Cottage discuss the intricacies of the industry’s environmental issues as well as the options open to publishers and retailers.
The afternoon GCA Workshop sessions will be led by:
Sarah Hamilton, the creator of the Just a Card campaign who will inspire you to get involved.
Jeremy Bacon, ceo of The Sherwood Group will be sharing his take on the likely ramifications of Brexit, whether ‘hard’ or soft’, on the industry.
Paul Woodmansterne, managing director of Woodmansterne Publications, in the 65th anniversary of the company, will be laying himself bare with a session entitled ‘Mistakes I Have Made and How To Avoid Them’
And Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, will be imparting his knowledge with a Business Strategy session.
Two other workshop speakers are also being confirmed on equally compelling subjects.
* Attendees will be able to attend two of the sessions in the afternoon.
* The event kicks off at 10.30 and will conclude at 4.30pm.
* While attending the full AGM aspect of the event is free of charge, to enjoy the conference, lunch and afternoon workshops costs just £75 (inc VAT).
To book/pay for your tickets (deadline is October 8) contact Sharon Little on gca@max-publishing.co.uk or by phoning 020 7619 9266.
Knebworth House is just off the A1(M) and close to Stevenage station.
