GCA Conference & AGM bookings go live for 28 September annual event
The GCA is taking the Leeds with its 2023 Conference & AGM by giving industry folk plenty of warning for the September event in the Yorkshire city.
All association members are invited to Leeds, the 2023 UK City Of Culture, for the industry’s annual get together which is being held at the Royal Armouries on Thursday, 28 September – and tickets are now available with a special earlybird booking offer of last year’s price of £80, which will rise to £95.
GCA ceo Amanda Fergusson said: “It’s a great opportunity to meet others, listen to inspirational speakers as well as learn about and discuss the key topics affecting our industry. This year we will have an exciting line-up of speakers, based in or around Leeds. They will be sharing their business experiences and focusing on the key issues affecting our industry. We will also be sharing the latest industry market research.
“It’s also a great opportunity to meet others in the trade and exchange news. We start the day with a networking coffee, with further opportunities to chat over a late morning coffee and lunch. Members from new and small businesses, through to the industry leaders will be there, including retailers and key suppliers.”
Already signed up as the publisher keynote speaker is Wendy Jones-Blackett, founder of the namesake brand that’s based in the city’s suburbs and the artist behind this year’s logo for the event, which includes the Royal Armouries’ and Leeds’ signature owls – the birds appear on the city’s coat of arms and there’s an Owl Trail highlighting their many appearances in the area.
Well known for her creativity in the industry, Wendy will be talking about how she got into the world of greeting cards – from her blacksmithing days at art college via the Glastonbury Festival – plus a few highs and lows from her years in business and sharing where she finds the inspiration to design new ranges.
Other speakers are to be confirmed, but are likely to include insights from the retailing and trade supplier sides.
And the networking is all set to start on the eve of the event, with Yorkshire-based publisher UK Greetings kindly agreeing to host a meet-up in a Leeds city centre hostelry from 6pm on 27 September.
Top: Wendy Jones-Blackett drew the 2023 livery
