The strong trio of keynote speakers have been revealed for the GCA AGM and Conference, which takes place on Tuesday 24 October at Birmingham’s Council House. The keynote speakers will be delivering the ‘big picture’, the ‘retail picture’ as well as the ‘pretty picture’.
“The GCA AGM and Conference is when the card industry comes together to meet up with old friends and new, be inspired by great speakers, take part in workshops and enjoy a delicious lunch in a spectacular venue – this time the very grand Council House in Birmingham city centre,” says Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA.
Hot on the heels of Waitrose’s new approach to greeting cards going into its stores in September Kirsty Hicks, the grocer’s well respected card and wrap buyer of Waitrose will be sharing her passion for the sector as well as its ambitious plans.
Want to know how the ‘greeting card economy’ is likely to fare in the future economic landscape? Glynn Jones is one of the Bank of England’s official ‘eyes, ears and voices’ across the UK, collecting information about trends and business developments. Glynn, as the Bank of England’s Deputy Agent for the West Midlands & Oxfordshire, will share his views on the economy as well as reveal the inner workings of the Bank of England.
Sarah Hamilton, the talented artist, author of the recently published House of Card book and founder of the Just a Card campaign will share her infectious enthusiasm for celebrating what is great about cards as well as the importance of fighting to protect the independent retail sector.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the event will also include an inviting workshop programme which offers attendees the opportunity to participate in some group Q&A sessions that are being led by industry experts.
These include:
Agents with Rosie Trow, SW Agent and Robin Hill, NW Agent
Brokerage with Chris Houfe, sales director of The Great British Card Company
Business Strategy and Planning with Nigel Willcock, sales and marketing director of Paper Rose and The Art Group
Copyright with William Miles of Briffa LLP
Creative Development with Rachel Hare, founder of Belly Button Designs
Export with Ged Mace, MD of The Art File
Social Media for Retailers with Chris Fox of Gift Shop Hub
Websites and ecommerce with Raj Arora, MD of Davora
The cost for the Conference (11am-4pm) is just £62.50 + VAT for the full day’s event including lunch.
The workshop sessions are free of additional cost, but space is limited so prebooking in advance is advised.
Booking forms will be sent out to all GCA members today (Thursday 10 August) with all details to be uploaded to the GCA website in due course.
