News

The 70th Annual Convention of the Greeting Card Association (GCA) will take place Wednesday, Sept. 14, through Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. All members of the industry – both GCA members and nonmembers – are welcome to attend.

Horseshoe Bay Resort will serve as the venue for the roster of speakers, informative panel sessions, strategic meetings and networking activities planned for this year’s convention – themed “Staying Relevant.” The theme shapes the content of the upcoming convention, which will address the significant consumer and communication shifts affecting the greeting card, invitation and stationery business, according to Convention co-chairs Jason Evans of Birchcraft Studios and Christy Kaprosy of American Greetings.

On the roster at this year’s GCA Annual Convention is keynote speaker Jim Welch, president and founder of The Growth Leader, Inc. Welch brings more than 25 years of marketing leadership, having previously worked for Hallmark Cards and Procter & Gamble. As the “The Practical Growth Leader,” Welch will provide convention attendees with innovative, cutting-edge growth strategies.

Research firm On Your Mark will lead an interactive discussion with a panel of young women to understand how greeting cards and stationery play a part in their lives. Another session will feature top retailers who will share unique sales category insights about the role of social expressions. Additional speakers and panels, including a presentation by GCA Associate members who are suppliers to the industry, will also offer critical industry knowledge to attendees.

Substantial early discounts for the 70th Annual Convention are being offered for those registering by Friday, Aug. 12. To register, visit www.greetingcard.org.