Greeting card distributors and publishers from all corners of the world received a proper British welcome last night (June 4) at the PG Live International Visitors Drinks Reception.
The ‘language of greeting cards’ came into its own, interspersed by the clinking of glasses at the legendary annual event held in a private bar at the Fox on the Green pub, close to the Business Design Centre, where the show opened for business this morning (June 5).
Leading distributors and publishers from far and wide – from New Zealand the Czech Republic, Finland to the States – senjoyed a few hours meeting their international peers on the eve of the show.
“Our international visitors always make up a vibrant contingent of PG Live. Many of the attendees have been to each and every PG Live which made the event all the more of a celebration,” commented PG Live’s co-show director Warren Lomax.
“We have been to each and every PG Live since it started, on both days. We love the show as it truly combined business with pleasure,” commented Ronald Kroeze of Orangepapers in Holland.
Fellow Netherlander, Ton Holland of Artige added: “I have been at nine out of the 10 PG Lives and exhibited at five of them. The atmosphere of the show is fantastic!”.
Alan Harnik, president of Notes & Queries, a leading US distributor of UK greeting card publishers has been a longtime supporter of PG Live. He recalls the very first ever PG Live: “The buying experience was so, so different from all the other trade shows in the UK. I was like a child in a candy store not sure where to begin!”
Meanwhile, Antipodean, John Simson, md of Simson Cards, who was also at the very first PG Live and has been a strong advocate ever since said: “What PG Live has brought to our industry was an event that was enjoyable; that combined the hard work with fun; a time to catch up with old mates and make new friends in a sociable environment. It is a ‘community event’ with a good cross section – from the old stalwarts to the newbies – and it comes with all the benefits London has to offer.”
