It has been announced today (February 16) that the Progressive Greetings Live 2021 exhibition will be going ahead physically, but with new dates of Tuesday 27 July and Wednesday 28 July.
Taking place in its ‘home’ of the Business Design Centre in London, Islington, the popular dedicated greeting card trade show was due to be staged June 8-9, but organisers Max Exhibitions believe the later dateline will give extra reassurance to exhibitors and visitors alike.
“While the Covid situation is improving by the day in the UK, with the vaccine rollout ahead of schedule and everything signaling that lockdown measures will be eased very soon, by moving PG Live from early June to late July allows for an extra seven weeks of people’s confidence to build as we all embrace the new dawn,” explained Warren Lomax, joint show director of PG Live.
Having spoken to so many of the exhibitors over the last few months, Warren added that “it has come across loud and clear that the greeting card community really wants PG Live to go ahead, so that retailers can see in the flesh all the inspiring new ranges and designs that you have been creating.”
The news of the new timeline for PG Live has gone down well with those in the greeting card community.
Exclaiming his delight at the news, greeting card retailer Mark Janson-Smith, managing director of Postmark told PG Buzz: “I can’t think of a better show to kick off the return to normality than PG Live. I’ve missed everyone from the industry a lot this past year and this will be a show like no other. Roll on July!”
Matching Mark’s enthusiasm, Wendy Jones-Blackett, co-owner of Wendy Jones-Blackett said: “We’re very happy with the news that PG Live is moving to late July. You can’t replace the face-to-face! We will be there – with bells on!” As Wendy points out: “Those extra few weeks will mean all the difference to the confidence levels of retailers and exhibitors. We’re confident that with the successful vaccine rollout and the fact that this is a seasonal virus we will all be mingling and enjoying the finer sides of our businesses by then. We’ve launched lots of new cards over the last few months with no trade fairs to show them off at and will be adding more for PG Live too.”
Many other exhibitors have also come forward, keen to share their endorsement of the decision regarding PG Live, acknowledging the prudence in building in some extra time before the show takes place. “Roll on July!” is the collective cry!
“PG Live is our favourite trade show – so we are absolutely delighted that moving to the end of July this year gives it a real chance that it can go ahead – and we all so want that. That extra seven weeks will make all the difference. We can’t wait!” – Karen Wilson and Claire Williams, co-owners of Paper Salad
“Everyone at Emo is desperate to get back out into the wide world to meet with customers, friends and industry colleagues.
We’ve been very, very busy over the last year and can’t wait to set up our stand.
We’ve always felt PG Live is a perfect show in many ways, from location, size, buyer attendance, and of course lunch and some great pubs and restaurants close by!
Our sector is almost as much about the people as it is about the products – so roll on July!” – Brett Smith, managing director of Emotional Rescue
“Like so many publishers we are desperate to be able to showcase our product in a trade show environment where we can engage with our customers and they can touch, feel and see our wonderful array of new products. Moving the show will, I’m sure, enable more of our customers to attend. We just can’t wait to meet up in person again and thrilled that PG Live, as the UK’s best greeting card focused show will likely be the first in-person show of the year. Roll on July!” – Grace Elphinstone, marketing manager of Carte Blanche Greetings
“Fingers crossed we’ll all be vaccinated and ready for action again at the BDC in July. It has been an annual highlight for us and we’ve really missed it. It’s great to have a date to look towards, especially as we have so much newness to unveil.
On a personal note, I miss my ‘home from home’ in Islington and can’t wait to reacquaint myself with our old haunts around Camden Passage.” – Martin Powderly, creative director of Pigment
“Nothing virtually can replace actual face to face meetings, and product showcasing. It makes good sense to delay PG Live until July, thereby providing exhibitors and visitors with greater reassurance.
The new timing for the show gives us a great chance to showcase our latest ranges and our 2022 product. We are so looking forward to seeing our industry friends and retailers. It’s been too long.” – Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo
“Erring on the side of caution makes a lot of sense at the moment. Although the vaccine programme is giving everybody light at the end of the tunnel it will inevitably need the time to roll out to enough people to allow a return to normality. Moving PG Live to the end of July will hopefully mean we will be able not only to have a fantastic show for publishers and retailers alike, but just as importantly re-connect face to face with all our friends in the industry, and hopefully raise a glass (or two) in celebration.” – Paul Urban, managing director of Kingfisher Cards
While PG Live 2021 exhibitors have already been contacted about the date change, work is now underway to update the website, revising the marketing plan, communicating with visitors as well as preparing for registration to go live.
www.progressive greetingslive.com
Top: PG Live 2021 will be returning to the Business Design Centre July 27-28 this year.
