This popular GCA members event is a great way to meet prospective business partners, network with existing business contacts and keep up to date with current industry issues!
For established publishers it’s a good opportunity to show new products and build on established relationships. For new businesses it’s a great opportunity to get feedback on designs and learn more about what buyers are looking for. And maybe get some orders!
Details of 2023 event
Dragons Speed Dating (DSD) took place on the afternoon of 2nd March 2023 at the Business Design Centre, London N1 with 72 publisher taking part. The event started at 1pm and finished at 5.30pm.
Sarah Laker from Stationery Supplies and Giraffe Gifts joined us on a zoom meeting to let us know what she will be looking for from publishers in 2023, and sharing her advice on how to prepare for, and get the most out of, Dragons Speed Dating, see link below.
About Dragons Speed Dating:
If you haven’t been to DSD before see our blog What is Dragons Speed Dating for full details about how it works, plus film, photos and highlights from previous years!
Full details about how the day works, what you need to do to prepare is available on our Prepare the Slay The Dragon blog. This includes a recording of the zoom meeting held recently to help you get the most out of this event. Dragon Sarah Laker, owner of award-winning, family-run business, Stationery Supplies, in Marple and Wilmslow and Giraffe Gifts shared her tip tops for impressing the buyers.
This event is open to all GCA Publisher members.
Retailers who attended in 2023
Buyers from John Lewis, Scribbler, Postmark, WHSmith, Stationery Supplies, Card Factory, Diverse Brixton, Tesco, Presents Sheen, Calladoodles Carshalton, Jarrold Norwich, Between the Lines, Wishlist Raynes Park, Garsons Farm, Moonpig, The Only Place for Pictures in north London and Utility in Liverpool and Manchester, were our 2023 Dragons!
It’s a great way for retailers to find new suppliers as well as network. Buyers all meet at least 12 different publishers, and take home 3 samples from each of the 72 publishers attending.
If you are a retailer interested in joining us as a Dragon for this event please email amanda@gca.cards
Panel Discussion
The 2023 Panel of GCA members shared insights into their businesses and answered questions.
Our panel on 2nd March will be:
Sarah Jackson, Stormy Knight, shared insight into her business, talked about her strategy and the importance of identifying and setting goals.
Georgina Fihosy Afro Touch Design, Georgina talked about her business journey, shared how she has built her brand, the importance of inclusive designs, and key tips for suppling national accounts.
Nick Carey, MD of Abacus Cards shared his top tips about how to secure your retail space and encourage reordering.
Will Miles, from Briffa a specialist legal practice with a particular focus on intellectual property law, shared some top tips on managing your IP and signposting to key information Briffa have made available to GCA members.
Brett Smith, Emotional Rescue shared his top tips for ‘dating’ the Dragons on the day and following up afterwards.