Popular Trade Fairs For Greeting Card Publishers

Nov 5, 2023 | Sales & Distribution Support, Marketing Support

Last updated 5th November 2024:
This blog is regularly updated with latest information for tradeshows coming up.

Exhibiting at trade fairs is one of the main ways for publishers to meet new buyers or agents and obtain sales leads from both at home and abroad. They are also a part of the greeting card social calendar, where existing publishers catch up with old colleagues and new publishers are able to meet each other under one roof. This is the time when, as a new publisher, you realise that there is a whole greeting card world out there!

Before deciding to exhibit, it is advisable to visit the major fairs. This will help you to decide which would be the most appropriate fair for your products. It is important to research each fair, taking into account the time of year, price of the stands, distance from your base, cost of accommodation and the size of the fair. Read this GCA blog on preparing for your first tradeshow.

Below is the latest information from the main greeting card trade shows in the UK, which attract a regional or nationwide audience. There may also be local trade shows close to you, so it’s worth checking them out too.


Progressive Greetings Live

Progressive Greetings Live is organised by Max Exhibitions Ltd, sister company to Max Publishing who publish the Trade Magazine Progressive Greetings. This show is fully dedicated to greeting cards and takes place in June at the Business Design Centre. GCA members receive special reduced rates on stands at this show.

The next PGLive is 4th-5th June 2024.

Venue: The Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Organiser: Progressive Greetings Live
Contact: Tracey Arnaud, on this link or direct line: 01234 740051
www.progressivegreetingslive.co.uk


Spring Fair

Spring Fair takes place from first Sunday in February at the Birmingham NEC. The next show will be Sunday 4th-Wednesday 7th February 2024. There are thousands of exhibitors showcasing ranges of products including giftware, design-led products, pictures and prints, jewellery, collectibles, china and glass, furniture, home furnishings, housewares, stationery and of course greeting cards.

There’s a special section in the greeting card hall called GCA Debut area, which gives GCA members exhibiting for the first time an opportunity to try out the show at a reduced rate, and be in a signposted area with other young companies click here for more information. This area is popular with buyers looking for new publishers.

There is also an additional marketing opportunity for GCA members at the show. Spring Fair are working with the GCA to promote card sending by encouraging everyone visiting the greeting card area at the show to write and send some cards.

If you are exhibiting at the show and want to take part in this additional marketing opportunity, see here for more details.

Spring Fair International
Venue: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
Organisers: Hyve Group
Website: www.springfair.com
Contact: Soraya Gadelrab Soraya.Gadelrab@hyve.group


Autumn Fair

Autumn Fair is the sister event to Spring Fair, and largely follows the same format. It takes place over four days from the first Sunday in September, again at the NEC Birmingham.

There is a Debut area in the greetings hall, operated in association with the GCA, to give first time exhibitors a taste of the show at a reduced rate. This area is popular with buyers looking for new publishers.

The GCA is working with the Autumn Fair team on marketing initiatives; please let adriana@gca.cards know if you’re exhibiting so we can include you in any show initiatives we are running.

The next Autumn Fair will be on 1st-4th September 2024.

Click here to register https://www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration

Autumn Fair Birmingham
Venue: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
Organisers:
 Hyve Group
Website: www.autumnfair.com
Contact: Soraya Gadelrab Soraya.Gadelrab@hyve.group


Top Drawer

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.

The next Top Drawer will be held 15-17th January 2024

Please let Adriana, adriana@gca.cards know if you’re exhibiting so we can include you in any show initiatives we are running. Also, in the run up to the show do tag the GCA on social media posts and use the hashtags #cardmitment #sendacarddeliver

Top Drawer
Venues: Kensington Olympia, London
Organiser: Clarion Events
Contact: https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/


*Noted USA

*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, 

The next event is 17th-18th April 2024 at the Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco.

UK GCA members wishing to exhibit at *Noted are able to take advantage of a special reduced stand price. To find out more visit this link in our Members’ Library.

*Noted
Venue: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco
Organiser: US GCA
Exhibitors: Visit Members’ Library for details of UK GCA offer
https://www.greetingcard.org/noted/

Home & Gift, Harrogate

Home and Gift is held each July in Harrogate in a combination of hotels, exhibition halls and marquees all within walking distance of the town centre and each other. Over 775 exhibitors showcase ranges of products including general giftware, design-led products, home and decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, pictures and prints, jewellery, collectibles, china and glass and volume giftware.

The next show is 21-24th July 2024.

Home & Gift
Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre
Organiser: Clarion Events
Exhibitors: 0207 384 7730
www.homeandgift.co.uk


Brand Licensing Europe

Held annually in October, Brand Licensing Europe is the leading event for licensing and brand extension. Exhibitors at Brand Licensing Europe showcase their images, artwork, designs, brands and characters to an audience of around 4300 European retailers, licensees and promotional marketers who are actively seeking new licensing opportunities. Brand Licensing Europe takes place annually in September at ExCeL, London.

Brand Licensing Europe
Venue: ExCeL https://www.brandlicensing.eu/

London Stationery Show

London Stationery Show is dedicated to writing and paper products, featuring the biggest selection of writing and paper products from around the world. Targeted at stationery and gift buyers, exhibitors include 150+ of the biggest UK and international names alongside exciting new brands.

London Stationery Show
Dates: 14-15th May 2024
Venue: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
www.stationeryshow.co.uk

Glee

Glee is the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, takes places in June at the NEC Birmingham.

The show celebrates the growing demands of gardening and outdoor living across nine future-focused show sectors, including Home, Gift & Clothing, Plants, Outdoor Entertaining, plus thousands of products across Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decorations, Food & Catering, Retail Experience & Services, Hardware & Tools and PAW for pets.

Glee Birmingham
Venue: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
Organiser: Hyve Group
http://www.gleebirmingham.com

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