GCA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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10:30am EDT

Registration Open

Monday August 17, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm EDT

Medallion Foyer

Monday August 17, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Medallion Foyer

Registration, Mini Conference

1:30pm EDT

First Time Attendee MeetUp

Monday August 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBD

Monday August 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBD

Networking, Mini Conference

2:00pm EDT

Going FourWords with Your Creativity™ & Opening Remarks

Monday August 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

The Going FourWords with Your Creativity™ Framework is a science-backed tool built around four words — Revive, Realize, Refine, and Release. These four words help professionals regain and maintain energy, confidence, and joy in their career and life.

Speakers

Beth Buffington

Founder, BDI-Create Today

Curious Creative · Founder, BDI-Create Today · Author, Going FourWords™ Framework

Beth Berns Buffington is a curious creative, and this curiosity shows up in all corners of her work. As a keynote speaker, creative coach, licensed artist, and product designer, she believes creativity is one of the most practical tools we have for building a life we actually love... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Mini Conference

3:00pm EDT

A Data Dive into Current and Future Market Trends

Monday August 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

Join Erica Kirkland, the publisher and editor of Giftbeat, as she guides an open discussion on current and future trends impacting the greeting card industry. Look forward to a deep dive into the present market along with predictions of the future of this category among independent gift retailers. Attendees will have the chance to ask Erica any question they would like regarding Giftbeat, current market trends and future predictions!

Speakers

Erica Kirkland

Publisher & Editor, Giftbeat

With two highly-respected, self-published titles for independent lifestyle retailers, Erica Kirkland is forging her own path in the market as an unabashed champion and advocate for small store owners. With InStore Magazine for Canadian store owners and Giftbeat for U.S. retailers... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Mini Conference

6:30pm EDT

Louie Award Dinner & Winner Ceremony

Monday August 17, 2026 6:30pm - 10:00pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

Join the Louie Committee as we announce and celebrate the winners of this year's Louie Awards! Dress your best, grab a drink, and have some fun with fellow paper people.

Monday August 17, 2026 6:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

Meal, Mini Conference

GCA Conference 2026

10:30am EDT

1:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Beth Buffington

3:00pm EDT

Erica Kirkland

6:30pm EDT

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