Not surprisingly, the bookings are stacking up for next month’s GCA AGM & Conference (October 17 at Knebworth House), given the strong line-up of keynote speakers as well as a great roster of afternoon workshop sessions that have just been finalised – not to mention the enjoyable networking opportunity.
As previously announced on PG Buzz (https://www.pgbuzz.net/card-factorys-ceo-karen-hubbard-and-moonpigs-top-execs-to-top-the-bill-at-gca-agm-conference/), the keynote speakers will be Karen Hubbard, CEO of Card Factory as well as Moonpig’s design director Geoff Sanderson and Sarah-Jane Porter, its head of licensing. While Karen will present her take on card industry, Geoff and Sarah-Jane will reveal what online card retailing tells us about the UK consumer.
Another important element of the morning’s session will be a focus on the environment. Ceri Stirland (GCA President) and UKG’s customer and channel director will be joined by Sue Morrish, director of The Eco-friendly Card Company and GCA ceo Sharon Little to confront the ever evolving environmental picture for the greeting card industry.
Attendees will have some difficult decisions to make as to how to spend their afternoon at the event – selecting which two of the seven workshop sessions they would like to attend.
The full roster has recently been finalised as:
Carly Pearson, head card buyer at Sainsbury’s will share insights into the supermarket’s research on diversity.
Paul Woodmansterne (pictured above centre), managing director of Woodmansterne Publications, in the 65th anniversary of the company, will be laying himself bare with a session entitled ‘Mistakes I Have Made and How To Avoid Them’.
Reggie Pugh, studio director of Paper Rose and The Art Group, will lead on trends and creative direction.
Anthony McGhie, digital engagement manager at Barclays will present on cyber security, the main cyber threats and how to help prevent them affecting a business.
Ged Mace (pictured above right), managing director of The Art File, will be returning with his popular business strategy sessions.
Jeremy Bacon, ceo of The Sherwood Group will share his take on the possible ramifications of Brexit, whether ‘hard’ or soft’, on the industry
Sarah Hamilton, the creator of the Just a Card campaign will explain why it is important to get involved.
“We are making it tough this year as attendees will be spoilt for choice,” says Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA about the workshops. “Everyone will be able to attend two of the sessions in the afternoon. All seven sessions will run concurrently, with two time slots for each,” she explains.
While the AGM at the beginning of the event is free of charge, costs £62.50+VAT to attend the Conference – which covers listening to the speakers, lunch and workshops.
To book your place, contact Sharon on gca@max-publishing.co.uk
Knebworth House is in Hertfordshire, just off the A1(M) and close to Stevenage train station.
