This GCA Local event will be hosted by GCA Council members Wendy Jones-Blackett and Fiona Pitt at Water Lane Boathouse in Leeds City Centre. Our GCA Local Events are all about bringing members together for relaxed, informal meet-ups with fellow cardies in your area. Whether it’s over a coffee or a post-work drink, these gatherings...
GCA Virtual Coffee Mornings are a great opportunity to learn more about the greeting card industry, connect with fellow GCA members, and hear from one of our GCA Council members. These informal sessions last 45–60 minutes and are hosted by a different Council member each month. This month, we’re joined by Karen Wilson — founder...
We’re delighted to invite you to a free online session hosted by Claire Bates, Senior Marketing & Sustainability Manager at Danilo, and Simon Taylor, Sustainability Technologist at Hallmark. Together, they will: Explore the challenges and implications of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Provide an overview of the current position Share practical insights to help your...
Virtual Coffee Morning hosted by Daniel Prince, GCA council member and Managing Director of Danilo Promotions.
This GCA Local event will be hosted by GCA Council member Sarah Jackson, founder of Stormy Knight in Bristol Our GCA Local Events are all about bringing members together for relaxed, informal meet-ups with fellow cardies in your area. Whether it’s over a coffee or a post-work drink, these gatherings are a great chance to chat...
Sending Christmas cards each year is like the annual roll call for your social circle; it's a festive way to say, "Hey, I haven't forgotten you... yet!" It's a tradition that combines the joy of getting something in the mail that isn't a bill with the thrill of a yearly pop quiz: "Do I remember...
Top Drawer takes place in Spring (January) and Autumn (September). The shows focus on design-led gifts and accessories, featuring a wide range of products including greeting cards and gift stationery, jewellery, gifts, toiletries, home accessories, soft furnishings and children’s products. Please let us know if you’re exhibiting so we can include you in any show initiatives...
GCA Virtual Coffee Mornings are a great opportunity to learn more about the greeting card industry, connect with fellow GCA members, and hear from one of our GCA Council members. These informal sessions last 45–60 minutes and are hosted by a different Council member each month.
We’re thrilled to welcome Council Member Wendy Jones-Blackett as our guest host this month.
Getting FSC Right: How to Confidently Use and Promote FSC logos in the Greetings Industry
*Noted+Gifted is card and gift tradeshow organised by the US GCA. *Noted brings together the US greeting card community and gives attendees a chance to connect with one another, discover new products, and celebrate the diversity of greeting cards and the people behind them. *Noted events kick off with the prestigious Louie Awards ceremony, UK GCA members wishing to...
Spring Fair is the sister event to Autumn Fair, and largely follows the same format but is a larger show. It takes place over four days at the NEC Birmingham. There is a reduced rate Debut area in the greetings hall, operated in association with the GCA, to give first time GCA members exhibiting a taste of the...
Valentine's Day cards are the unsung heroes of February, bravely bearing the weight of our romantic aspirations on their papery shoulders. They're like love's little messengers, fluttering through letterboxes and into hearts with all the subtlety of Cupid's arrow (minus the risk of accidental injury). Historically, these cards have been the go-to method for expressing...
GCA Virtual Coffee Mornings are a great opportunity to learn more about the greeting card industry, connect with fellow GCA members, and hear from a GCA Council member. These informal sessions last around 45–60 minutes and are hosted by a different Council member each month.
This month, we’re delighted to welcome Rebecca Green, GCA Council Member and Co‑owner and Creative Director of Raspberry Blossom.
Rebecca founded Raspberry Blossom in 2014 and grew the business from a start‑up to an award‑winning brand with its own warehouse and team. She’ll share insights into her journey in the greeting card industry, licensing and her role on the GCA Council.
What does it really mean to become a B Corp — and is it something your business should be thinking about now? Join Future Shift for a practical, introductory webinar designed to help GCA members clearly understand what B Corp certification is, what’s involved, and the potential benefits for businesses within the greeting card industry....
This GCA Local event will be hosted by Amanda Fergusson and Danielle McCarthy at Unity Place in Milton Keynes—the venue where we’ll be holding the GCA Conference in September. This meet-up offers members a relaxed opportunity to connect and a special sneak peek at the venue ahead of the big day. Our GCA Local Events are...
GCA Virtual Coffee Mornings are informal 45–60 minute sessions giving members the chance to connect with fellow GCA members and hear directly from a GCA Council member.
This session will be hosted by Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax, long‑standing members of the greeting card industry with a combined 35 years of experience.
Jakki and Warren will share insights from their journey in the industry, reflecting on how it has evolved over the years, key lessons learned, and their perspective as GCA Council members.
Dragons Speed Dating is back! This GCA event gives greeting card publishers the chance to pitch their designs directly to leading retailers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet key retail buyers, showcase your ranges, and gain valuable feedback. Alongside the speed-dating sessions, you’ll join a discussion with the GCA Panel on key industry issues, your...
Taking on your first employee is an exciting milestone for any growing business — but it also comes with important responsibilities and decisions. In this practical and easy‑to‑follow session, Liz Chiva from Hallidays HR will guide you through everything you need to know to hire confidently and build the foundations of a strong, motivated team.
In this webinar, we’ll cover:
Your Legal Obligations
From pensions, payroll and insurance to contracts of employment and essential pre‑employment checks — what the law requires before and after you bring someone on board.
Recruitment Essentials
How to attract the right candidates, run a fair and effective selection process, and ensure you hire the best fit for your business.
Retainment & Performance Management
Practical tips for keeping great employees engaged, supported and developing — plus how to manage underperformance constructively.
Growing Your Team
When you’re ready to move from one employee to two, three and beyond, what should you consider? We’ll look at structure, roles, culture and planning for sustainable growth.
Fit, Motivation, Morale & Leadership
How your leadership style shapes team morale, productivity and long‑term success — especially in a growing small business.
Whether you’re about to hire your very first employee or preparing to expand your team further, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
This session will be hosted by Seth Woodmansterne, Managing Director of Woodmansterne Publications, a third‑generation publishing business founded in 1953. Seth joined the family business in 2011 and completed a planned transition into the Managing Director role in 2020.
He’ll share insights into his journey in the greeting card industry, Woodmansterne work with leading licensing partners, its role as a broker publisher, and his perspective as a GCA Council member.