GCA Workshop + Retreat 2024

Bring your book to hang out with fellow readers! We'll meet in the lobby of the hotel and have some quiet time to enjoy reading before the day kicks off. No assigned book, bring what you want!

Mary Beth Sibert, Director, Creative & Artist Relations at American Greetings moderates this panel of savvy entrepreneur-minded panelists. Wonder what buyers and retailers are looking for when they are shopping for new product? How do each of the panelists look at trends while staying true to their brand/retail store or clients & customers? What are they looking for when purchasing cards/social expression product? This panel will answer all these questions and more!

Don't be afraid of AI! Unlock the potential of ChatGPT to streamline your business operations and enhance customer engagement. This workshop will provide practical insights and real-world examples on integrating AI-driven solutions for efficient, innovative workflows.

As greeting card designers, we have the power to bring visual design and written messages together with causes we are passionate about to deepen the purpose and meaning behind our work. Artistic activism merges creativity, imagination, and cultural expression to raise awareness, inspire action, or provoke dialogue on critical issues. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear from makers about how they’ve created art that connects people through shared experiences, helps people express complicated feelings and ideas, and engages, enchants, and invites participation to advance causes. You’ll also hear about the responses they’ve received from customers, including how they found parallel audiences that elevated their brands. You’ll walk away with inspiration and understand how creativity, culture, and the arts are powerful forces that anyone can leverage.Using Artistic Activism to Deepen Purpose and Meaning Panel

Enjoy brunch and conversations with industry veterans in small groups.

With significant shifts in the consumer landscape, companies can’t just rely on what they thinkthey know about consumer behavior. Companies that embrace an up-to-date understanding of today and tomorrow’s consumers will be best positioned to succeed. It’s time to look at and understand “what’s now” while preparing for “what’s next.”