The 2024 GCA Conference and AGM
The 2024 annual GCA Conference and AGM will be held in Bristol on Thursday 19th September 2024 at the Bristol Harbour Hotel.
The event will start at 9.45am with coffee and the first opportunity to network, and finish by 4.30pm.
Tickets are selling fast. Click link below to secure your tickets now!
About the GCA Conference
The GCA’s annual Conference & AGM is a great opportunity to meet others, listen to inspirational speakers and learn about and discuss the key topics affecting our industry.
This year we will have an exciting line-up of speakers. They will be sharing their business experiences and focusing on the key issues effecting our industry. We will also be sharing the latest industry market research.
GCA Conferences are also a great opportunity to meet others in the trade and exchange news. We start the day with a networking coffee, with further opportunities to chat over a late morning coffee and lunch. Members from new and small businesses, through to the industry leaders will be there, including retailers and key suppliers. To learn more about our annual GCA Conference and AGM see below.
2024 Venue
Bristol is a city that embraces creativity and creative thinking.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most recognisable structures. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it marks a turning point in the history of engineering and has come to symbolise a city of original thinkers and independent spirit. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is featured in our Conference logo, kindly designed by Emily Nash.
The Harbour Hotel, Bristol is a remarkably elegant 19th-century property. Designed by renowned architect William Bruce Gingell, and inspired by Sansovino’s 16th Century Library of St Mark in the Piazzatta at Venice, the building dates back to circa 1850 when it was home to two former banks. Immaculately restored, with stunning contemporary interiors and period features throughout. .
Located in the heart of Bristol, with excellent transport links to the M4 and M5 motorways, the venue is readily accessible. London is a 2.5hr drive. The closest train station is Temple Meads, just 5 minutes’ drive or 15 minutes’ walk. The full address of the venue is Harbour Hotel Bristol, 53 – 55 Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1HT. Our link to book has more information on getting there and also suggested hotels if you are staying overnight.
Keynote Speakers
We have a fabulous line up of inspirational speakers:
James Taylor, Trading Director at Cardzone – A family business growth journey, the highs and lows
James Taylor, Trading Director of family-owned business Cardzone will share insight into what’s next for Cardzone, look at the value for money debate and speak about Cardzone’s recent Clinton’s acquisition, along with other earlier acquisitions. He will also speak about his own journey in the business, sharing some key lessons he’s learnt; learning to work differently, cost management, rewriting the script and managing change, plus work life balance and working with his Dad!
He will also share his thoughts on the UK card market and the retail landscape over the next 3-5 years.
David Gold, Director External Affairs & Policy at Royal Mail
We are delighted to announce that David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director External Affairs & Policy, will be speaking at the GCA’s Bristol Conference. David is keen to hear members concerns as well as to share Royal Mail’s plans for the future, including Christmas 2024.
“We look forward to welcoming David to our Conference, and appreciate his willingness to hear directly from members and share Royal Mails plans especially ahead of the crucial run up to Christmas” says Amanda Fergusson, GCA’s CEO
James Stevens, James Ellis – Looking at sustainability differently
James Stevens launched his business under the name James Ellis Stevens in 1990. Known for high quality blank greeting cards, children’s cards and gift stationery, James Ellis supplies a wide range of retailers in the UK and abroad.
Less than 7 Years ago James Ellis were selling a very successful card range containing plastic and loose glitter. James will talk about the challenges of reinventing their range to make it plastic free, how this led them to joining the 1% for the Planet organisation, and how they now look at sustainability differently.
Mark Callaby , Ohh Deer – The Story of Ohh Deer: you can do anything but not everything
Co-owner of Ohh Deer, Mark will be sharing some of the lessons he’s learnt running the company he and business and life partner Jamie Mitchell started as an online business in his grandmother’s attic in 2011.
Jon Hendy, Business Unit Director at Kantar – 2024 Consumer Insights
Jon heads up team that delivers consumer insight to retail clients at Kantar, including the major grocers and specialists. Jon’s team cover several categories including cards, party and gifting. Jon has worked in market research for nearly 30 years, the last 10 with Kantar, and has worked regularly with many of the UK’s biggest FMCG and GM companies
If you have questions you’d like us to put to our speakers please contact us. We look forward to seeing you in September!
AGM and GCA Council
The day will include an update on GCA activities to promote and protect our wonderful industry, and also to support you and your business.
This part of the day will also include updates on the activity of the GCA Council. The Council are responsible for general oversight of the management of the GCA, and focus on policy matters that affect members and our industry. The Council includes members with key skills and experience to enable us to effectively run the GCA in line with our stated objectives.
If you are interested in standing for election to Council please contact amanda@gca.cards.
The night before – networking drinks!
If you are local, or planning to stay over the night before, please join us for a drink!
Emotional Rescue and Ling Designs are sponsoring a meet up drink in Bristol city centre at Dirty Martini Bristol from 6pm on 18th September. It will be a fun opportunity to network ahead of the Conference.
Dirty Martini Bristol
47 Corn Street
Bristol
BS1 1HT
The venue is located near the venue of the AGM.
If you would like to attend please book your place by clicking here.
Hope to see you there!
Local Hotels
- Harbour Hotel Bristol – Use this link for special rate – GCA accommodation at Harbour Hotel Bristol
- Premier Inn – King Street
- Premier Inn – Finzels Reach
- Premier Inn – Lewins Mead
- Travelodge – Mitchell Lane
- Travelodge – Bristol Central
- Holiday Inn Express – City Centre (close to Temple Meads)
- Holiday Inn
Getting to the Venue
Clean Air Zone
Bristol Harbour Hotel is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Car parks
- Preferential rates at the NCP car park on Nelson Street – postcode BS1 3DB
- Trenchard Street multi-storey car park
By Train
Bristol Temple Meads is the nearest train station. The Harbour Hotel is 0.8 mi from the station and an 18-minute walk. Walking directions here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ncDgXbUHeyDU4v6r7
The following buses go between Temple Meads and the city centre: A1, 8, 74
By Plane
Catch the A1 Airport Flyer bus from Bristol Airport https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/by-airport-flyer/ – buses run 24 hours daily up to every 12 minutes. An adult single is £9 and a return is £15.
Further information about the GCA Annual Conference & AGM
If you are a GCA Supplier member and are interested in Sponsoring the Bristol Conference please log in and visit this link to find out more. https://www.gca.cards/sponsor-the-gca-conference-agm-2024/ NB There are a limited number of Sponsorship places, so they are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Find out more about top 10 things to see and do in Bristol.
See report and photos from our 2023 Conference and AGM in Leeds
See report and photos from our 2022 Conference and AGM in Nottingham
Also, see report and photos from the 2021 Conference and AGM in Manchester
Find out more about the Latest GCA Events
More member Information about the GCA and it’s Council
