We’ve received so much fantastic feedback on the GCA’s Speed-dating with Dragons event which saw 60 publishers in one to one pitching sessions with 18 retailer ‘Dragons’.
The buyers were out in force with retailers including Clintons, Cardzone, Scribbler, House of Cards, Frosts Garden Centres and independent retailers Belly Button, Calliope, Forget Me Not (Stubbington), Little Paperie and Unit 7 represented in the ‘Dragons Den’. Meanwhile in the ‘Oval Office’ GCA president Ged Mace of the Art File, held Sales and Strategy workshops and London Agents, the two Jos – Jo Bannister and Joanna McFarlane hosted Sales Agent Q&A sessions.
This event was a first for the GCA – we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part for helping to make it such a success.
Feedback from Publishers
HEY! Just wanted to say a HUGE THANKS for masterminding, organising and giving great advice in Tuesday’s Speed-dating with Dragons event. I found it challenging, hugely enjoyable, nerve-wracking, informative, eye-opening and slightly bonkers!
Massively appreciated the opportunity to meet some of the industry’s leading retailers and discuss products on a one to one. Also really fab to speak with the agents, Jo Bannister and Joanna McFarlane and, of course, ask invaluable advice from Ged Mace of the Art File.
Pure gold. Feeling inspired with lots of new ideas. Thanks so much!
All best wishes
Rose x
www.rosemadderlondon.com
Hi Sharon
I’m sure you’ve been inundated with emails today but I’m going to add to them! We wanted to say a BIG thank you for organising a great day yesterday. It was a brilliant idea and such a great opportunity for us to get face to face with the retailers and practice pitching – something we’d not done yet. It really focused our minds on who we are, our sales figures and our future plans as a small publisher. It was lovely to hear their positive responses and a big confidence boost for us.
I didn’t think being out of my comfort zone would be so much fun! (I slept well afterwards too!)
Thank you 🙂
Deb and Simon xx
Desito
And from two of our Dragons…
Dear Sharon
Can both Nicky and I say thank you for the fab day on Tuesday that the GCA hosted?!
After overcoming my initial nerves, it was a fab event that soon became an environment that I felt comfortable and pleased to be a part of. I hope you were pleased with the outcome?
It was such a pleasure meeting so many great suppliers who went out of their way to do an amazing job of showcasing their products. We could have happily placed three orders given the time…..The sample goody bags were amazing and several publishers have already made direct contact with us.
We are ALL so lucky to be working within an industry that is both supportive and nurturing to all. Several of the newbie publishers commented on how friendly the atmosphere was and that they had found the lack of “Dog eat Dog” attitudes surprising.
So well done on putting together a great networking event for both publishers and retailers.
If you organise another speed dating event soon I am happy for you to pop my name down to be a “Dragon” again.
Sharon please accept this very big pat on the back….. xx
Best Wishes
Louise Helyer-Prydderch
Managing Director
Forget Me Not (Stubbington)
