Progressive Greetings Live’s latest innovation spreads newbies’ area into BDC’s Gallery Bays
Further expansion is on the cards for Springboard Intro as the latest PG Live innovation has exceeded expectations – and then some!
The new area for PG Live 2023 is backed by The Imaging Centre and marks the 10th anniversary of the digital print specialist’s sponsorship of Springboard section at the UK’s only dedicated greeting card trade show – which runs over 6-7 June at London’s Business Design Centre.
Giving first-time exhibitors an easy way to debut at the event at just £440+VAT for a table, the Springboard Intro take-up means over 150 publishers and associated businesses have already pledged their participation in this year’s event.
Having already been expanded from the initial earmarked space adjacent to the main Springboard area, the Springboard Intro tables will now extend into the Gallery Bays at the venue.
And Simon Davis, The Imaging Centre’s new business development manager, said: “I’m blown away by the level of uptake so far by our customers booking into IC Intro, and feel it’s a great way to kick start your PG live journey into the wholesale world of greetings – I look forward to meeting them all at the show.”
In addition to Springboard Intro, there’s an attractive bonus of £100 credit at the printer for all 2023 exhibitors in the main Springboard area who are publishers using The Imaging Centre’s IC Simplicity service.
This £100 will be applied to the exhibiting publishers’ respective IC Simplicity account on day one of the show, 6 June, and can be used for any orders placed during the show or afterwards. The credit can also be used as part-payment for any larger order placed on the IC Simplicity portal. Springboard exhibitors who currently do not use IC Simplicity can receive the bonus if they sign up for the system.
The Imaging Centre’s managing director Adam Short added: “We’re delighted with the uptake of both the Springboard and Springboard Intro areas and so pleased to now be able to announce that, due to its popularity, we are expanding Intro further to allow even more new publishers to exhibit at this year’s PG Live.
“It’s so exciting for us to see the volume of new publishers coming into the industry and be able to give them a platform to showcase their talent. We’re really looking forward to meeting everyone at what promises to be a top show.”
Among those already signed up are Graeme and Angie Jenkins who will be launching Angie’s Folk Art at PG Live having done their homework by attending the 2022 GCA Conference & AGM where they met The Imaging Centre.
Graeme said: “We’re so excited! The show will allow us to talk to people in the industry who have a wealth of knowledge that we’re hoping they will share with us.
“This show is the perfect venue for us to showcase Angie’s existing portfolio of work and engage with the industry to see what they think of her current range.
“Obviously, we’re new to the industry and looking for ways to get noticed. Unfortunately, we’re not the sort of people to engage with social media and prefer to stick to talking to people face to face where we can showcase our products. That’s why PG Live is such a good fit for us.”
It will also be the first trade show for Henries 2022 finalist Cake And Crayons, where founder Helen Barker is “very excited to be taking part” after starting her business in 2021.
She told PG Buzz: “As soon as I saw The Imaging Centre was supporting a section for newbies with PG Live, I was on the phone booking my spot! It’s absolutely perfect for me – I’ve been building my business up over the last year, and I’m so keen to show my designs at the trade fair. This package is affordable, supportive and a fab platform for me to launch from! I can’t wait!”
Doodleshoe’s Jane Barrett is “super excited to be taking part in the inaugural Springboard Intro area this year”, as she’s really looking forward to showcasing her card ranges to buyers and extending the reach of her brand.
Viv Hunter will be taking her place in Springboard Intro for her eponymous brand Viv Hunter Art, and she said: “I’m so excited at the possibility of bringing my popular card designs to a wider audience and meeting more of the wonderful people in the greetings trade.”
For Petimo’s Sophie Edwards PG Live being her first trade show is the logical next step after building her website and testing designs in real shops.
“Springboard Intro is a great idea to enable new designers to dip our toes in the water without it being overwhelming,” Sophie explained. “Customer feedback has been amazing. It will be great to have the opportunity to show so many more retailers at PG Live and get their feedback as well.
“My only problem is that I can’t stop designing, especially as customers keep giving me ideas. I already have way more cards than will fit in the space so I’m going to have to get very creative with my display!”
Battered Cards is the name of artist Scott Anderson’s new humour cards venture and he admitted: “As new publishers go, I’m box-fresh, straight out of the packet tags still attached!
“So, Springboard Intro was absolutely the perfect platform to launch Battered Cards to the industry, without the daunting prospect of filling a full stand. I’m excited to meet everyone at PG Live, and do as many personalised Venn diagrams as I can!”
Anyone wanting to know more about exhibiting at PG Live should contact Tracey Arnaud, sales manager, on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk or call her on 07957 212062.
