The Dragons Speed Dating event is a fantastic opportunity to meet key retail buyers, and join in a discussion with GCA Expert Panel on the key issues in the industry, getting your questions answered.
To find out all about this event, how it works and how you can get involved read this blog!
What is Dragons Speed Dating?
Dragons Speed Dating is a GCA members event. First launched in 2017, it is a fun way to meet prospective business partners, network with existing business contacts and keep up to date with current industry issues.
Publishers meet at least 3 buyers and have the opportunity to leave samples with all 18 buyers attending.
This member’s event is open to up to 72 different publishers and 18 different retailers.
Over the course of an afternoon the retailers meet 12 different greeting card publishers for 10 minutes each.
Publishers get the opportunity to have a 10 minute meeting with 3 different buyers, one national account, one small group and one independent. Publishers can also submit up to 3 cards for the buyers ‘goodie/sample bags’.
During the afternoon there is also a GCA Panel Seminar, led by some of our GCA Council Members, all experienced business leaders in our industry. Publishes attending are asked to submit questions ahead of the event to set the agenda for this relaxed discussion.
Retailers range from large national accounts, through to small groups and independents. They come prepared with a cabin-sized suitcase to take home the publishers samples!
This event is open to all GCA publishers, of all sizes. It is a great forum to test out reaction to new designs, build on exiting relationships or indeed meet buyers for the first time.
Highlights from the 2026 event:
Dragons that entered the Den in 2026 included Tesco, Oliver Bonas, Fortnum & Mason, Postmark, House of Cards Objectables, More Than Just a Gift, TG Jones, Stationery Supplies, Love One, Set, Blue Diamond, Thortful, Stamp, (formerly UOE) Scribbler, Hugs & Kisses and The Stationery House.
2026 Panellists Recap
Our 2026 Panel was chaired by GCA President Karen Wilson, owner of Paper Salad. The panelists that shared their expertise were:
About the panellists
Highlights from the 2025 event:
Buyers attended from Waterstones, Oliver Bonas, Card Factory, House of Cards, Lark and Jumping Bean, Utility, Highworth Emporium, George’s, Chirpy, John Lewis, Red Card, Postmark, Between the Lines, Presentation Cards & Gifts and Hugs and Kisses, Mantons, Cards, Kisses, Moonpig and Mooch Ealing.
A new ‘Group’ feature in the GCA Members’ Directory allows buyers to easily research the publishers attending! Do make sure your members’ profile is up to date.
2025 Panel Recap
Last year’s event featured a panel of experienced greeting card publishers, led by Mark Callaby (GCA vice president and co-owner of Ohh Deer). The panel included James Mace (The Art File), Jo (Dandelion Stationery), Iain Hamilton (Bewilderbeest), and Anneke Driscoll (Lucilla Lavender Ltd), who shared insights and answered audience questions.
It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from a broad range of publishers and gain valuable industry perspectives.
2024 Dragons Speed Dating Recap
Retailers who attended in 2024 include buyers from John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Postmark, House of Cards, Austin & Co, Red Card, Stationery Supplies, Card Factory, Lark, Diverse Brixton, Medici Gallery, Sincerely Yours, Presentation Cards & Gifts, The Only Place for Pictures, Scribbler, WHSmith and Jumping Bean.
The day also included the opportunity to put business questions to our expert panel.
In honour of International Women’s Day which fell the day after the event, the GCA hosted an all female panel chaired by Amanda Fergusson, GCA CEO.
Our Panel and topics covered:
Further information
Publishers – if you’re booked to attend GCA’s Dragons Speed Dating, please see our How to Slay the Dragon blog in the members’ library.
