Oliver Tress, co-founder of Oliver Bonas, the fast growing fashion and lifestyle retailer has been announced as a keynote speaker at the Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) 100th Anniversary Celebration Conference and AGM that will take place at Westminster’s Central Hall on Thursday 17 October 2019.
The day event, in addition to a packed agenda of top speakers and panelists will also include a specially curated exhibition of greeting cards over the last 100 years.
“The 100th anniversary of the GCA is a milestone that deserves to be marked and celebrated, but even more importantly, we need our AGM and conference to champion the present as well as embrace the future’s opportunities and challenges for our industry,” Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the Greeting Card Association (GCA) told PG Buzz. “We are delighted that Olly was willing to speak, as he truly is a retailer of our time, whose stores help to perpetuate the contemporary consumer’s appetite for greeting cards.”
As well as speakers galore and the presentation of findings of the GCA UK Greeting Card Market Report into the health and wealth of our industry, the event will also include a high profile panel discussion on the sector’s environmental developments, a hot topic for retailers and publishers alike with associate member suppliers on hand to answer questions and provide solutions.
All GCA members and Associate Members are now able to reserve a place at the GCA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Conference & AGM. The cost (including lunch) is £84 (Including VAT) per person. Attending the AGM at the very beginning is free of charge.
To book your place click here: http://www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk/anniversary-celebration-conference-and-agm
In addition to the stimulating agenda and invaluable networking opportunities for attendees, the venue of Central Hall Westminster is fascinating and impressive. Opened in 1912, the building, initially known as Methodist Central Hall established itself as a prime setting for current affairs, debates, and concerts. Its claims to fame include hosting first-ever meeting of the UN (in 1946) as well as having welcomed leading poltical and cultural figures, including Mahatma Gandhi. In 1966, the FIFA World Cup Trophy was stolen from the Library, where it was the centrepiece of an exhibition – before being recovered a few days later, thanks to Pickles the dog!
“Just like the GCA, Central Hall has a rich heritage and like the Association has a legacy to continue. The GCA’s formation aside, 1919 was also significant as it was when the Treaty of Versailles was signed after the carnage of the First World War; this was celebrated with a great Allied procession through London, passing through Westminster, where in November of that year Nancy Astor became the first woman to be able to take the oath and sit in the House of Commons, only a few steps from Central Hall, making it even more appropriate as the place to mark the GCA’s milestone,” elucidates Amanda.
The event will also see greeting card industry-leading lady, Ceri Stirland, UKG’s customer and channel director hand over as GCA President to fellow doyenne, Rachel Hare, founder of Belly Button Designs.
