Dear GCA Member:
In fewer than four weeks, the GCA Village will open, GCA Greeting Card Experts will share their knowledge, members and industry colleagues will “mix it up” at our Signature Mixer, Show attendees will see the LOUIE finalists, and LOUIE Gala attendees (have you bought your tickets?) will be the first to hear which companies are LOUIE Award winners – all at the National Stationery Show (NSS).
This year, we’re excited to offer a new member benefit: the GCA Village – for publisher members who want to participate at the NSS yet may not need a full-size exhibit space. Stop by and see new products from 9 companies: Bonair Daydreams LLC, Emily McDowell Studios, Fresh Out of Ink, Isabella James Fine Stationery, Legacy Publishing Group, Loudhouse Creative, Paper Pop Cards, Peconic Bay Originals, Spreengs (and act fast if you would like to be a GCA Villager – there are only three spaces remaining!)
And because the GCA is the voice of the greeting card industry (and a resource to members and affiliated partners), we’re debuting “Meet the Greeting Card Experts,” an opportunity for NSS attendees to engage one-on-one with some industry leaders (read more about this in “Ask the Expert”). My thanks to the GCA’s Mentorship Program for sponsoring this event and to our presenters: Sue Charlier, Steve Gimbelman, Susan January, Ron Kanfi and Tory Wright – for taking the time to share their expertise.
I’m looking forward to an out-of-this-world “Universe of Wonders” experience at the LOUIE Gala. It would not be such a special and celebratory evening without the generous support of our sponsors.
Keep an eye out for the 2017 GCA Survey – we’re putting the finishing touches on a streamlined survey – and we encourage all GCA members, non-members and industry colleagues to participate. And be sure to read Rafe Morrissey’s Postal Affairs Update for some promising news from Washington about the USPS.
In my next column, I’ll share a GCA Convention preview with you. Thanks to Glen Biely and his team at Madison Park Group for planning and producing GCA’s 2017 Annual Convention (“Good Vibrations/Bold Inspirations”) October 11-14 in San Diego. Registration opens at the end of May; book your hotel rooms early to receive the GCA-discounted rate.
I’m looking forward to seeing new members and to renewing old friendships in the Village, with the Experts, at the Mixer and with the LOUIE winners in NYC!
With thanks,
–Carlos
Many Thanks to Our Great LOUIE Sponsors
