GCA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

1:00pm EDT

Optional Activity: Louisville Slugger Museum

Sunday August 16, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

1:00pm with Doris Webb - book your own ticket here and use code LSMF26 for $4 off. If you buy a ticket, email [email protected] so we can add you to the list to get info on the day of.

Speakers

Doris Webb

Tree Free Greetings

Doris Webb is a greeting card industry professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales, account management, and retail channel development. As part of the Tree-Free Greetings team, she works closely with sales representatives and retail partners to identify consumer trends... Read More →

Sunday August 16, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

Optional Activity: Frazier History Bourbon Museum/Tasting

Sunday August 16, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

2:45pm with Doris Webb - tickets are $40 but we need 8 people minimum in order to do it. Email [email protected] if you’d like to be added to the list and we will let you know if we have enough people/how to pay!

Speakers

Doris Webb

Tree Free Greetings

Sunday August 16, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

6:00pm EDT

Optional Activity: Dinner + Board Games

Sunday August 16, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

With Kate Murray and Brad Woods - bring your own dinner and come play games, catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones!

Speakers

Kate Murray

Owner and Designer, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress

Kate Murray is the owner and designer and letterpress printer at Quick Brown Fox, a letterpress brand and retail shop in Saugerties, New York.

Brad Woods

Maginating

Sunday August 16, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

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

The 'Let's Make This Less Weird' Welcome

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

Medallion ABCD

Whether you're attending for the first time or the fifteenth, this informal gathering is a chance to meet fellow attendees, discover shared interests, and start building connections. No pressure, no awkward networking games - just good conversation, and a snack.

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

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...
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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

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Meal, Mini Conference

8:30am EDT

Retail Insights and Trends in the Greeting Card Market with Faire

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Medallion ABCD

Session information TBD

Speakers

Sara Becker

Customer Marketing Lead, Faire

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Mini Conference

9:30am EDT

Break

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Mini Conference

9:45am EDT

Associate Speed Networking

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT

Medallion ABCD

Join our supplier members as they share their products and services and how they can help you.

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Mini Conference

11:15am EDT

Break

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Mini Conference

11:30am EDT

Breakout Session 1: Show Up. Stand Out. Sell More.

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Mezzanine ABC

Trade shows are a significant investment of time, money, and energy... but the real return comes from what happens before, during, and after the event. In this session, you'll learn practical strategies for attracting the right buyers, displaying products, creating meaningful connections, and following up effectively. We'll cover ways to maximize every aspect of your show experience, regardless of...
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Speakers

Kate Murray

Owner and Designer, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress

Kate Murray is the owner and designer and letterpress printer at Quick Brown Fox, a letterpress brand and retail shop in Saugerties, New York.

Lindsay Henry

Founder & Creative Director, Inklings Paperie

Lindsay Henry is the founder and creative director of Inklings, a stationery and lifestyle brand based in Plymouth, Michigan.

... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Mezzanine ABC

Breakout Session, Mini Conference

11:30am EDT

Breakout Session 2: Who Will Sell Greeting Cards Tomorrow?

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Mezzanine D

The greeting card industry relies on sales reps to drive growth, but finding the next generation of talent is becoming increasingly challenging. This panel will examine what's changing, what's working, and how publishers and sales organizations can adapt. From recruiting and compensation to hybrid roles and evolving expectations, attendees will gain practical insights for building a stronger, more...
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Speakers

Doris Webb

Tree Free Greetings

Brad Woods

Maginating

Lisa Engler

Avanti Press

Vanessa Harnik

Notes & Queries

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Mezzanine D

Breakout Session, Mini Conference

12:15pm EDT

End of Mini Conference

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:15pm - 12:15pm EDT

TBA

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:15pm - 12:15pm EDT
TBA

Break

12:15pm EDT

Lunch and Annual Business Meeting

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

Join Mary Beth Sibert, President of GCA, for an overview on the last year and updates on GCA.

Speakers

Mary Beth Sibert

Director, Brand Management and Artist Relations, American Greetings

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

Meal, Full Conference

1:45pm EDT

Break

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

2:00pm EDT

Retailer Panel

Tuesday August 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

Speakers

Dan Collier

Daniel Richards

Shannon Kang

Director of Merchandising, Paper, Barnes & Noble

Shannon is the Director of Merchandising, Paper for Barnes & Noble and Paper Source, where she oversees the buying strategies of a range of paper categories across both brands, including greeting cards. With more than 20 years in retail across multiple countries, she has built her... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Full Conference

3:00pm EDT

Break

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session 1: Faire

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

Mezzanine ABC

Session information TBD

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mezzanine ABC

Breakout Session, Full Conference

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session 2: Faire

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

Mezzanine D

Session information TBD

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mezzanine D

Breakout Session, Full Conference

4:00pm EDT

Break

Tuesday August 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

Medallion Foyer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

4:15pm EDT

Building a Scroll-Stopping Brand: Launching and Growing on Social Media

Tuesday August 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

In a crowded digital world, attention is the most valuable currency. This session breaks down what it actually takes to build a brand people stop for, engage with, and remember on social media.Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this session will provide practical strategies for launching, growing, and evolving a social media presence that not only captures attention — but keeps...
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Speakers

Adriana Tescut

Director Brand Marketing, American Greetings & Papyrus

Adriana is a brand marketing and social media leader with over a decade of experience spanning data, strategy, and storytelling. She has spent the past 11 years at American Greetings, where she has evolved from a foundation in business intelligence into leading brand and social marketing... Read More →

Victoria Pacino

Manager Social Media & Content Strategy, American Greetings

Victoria Pacino is the Manager of Social Media and Content Strategy at American Greetings, where she works across both the American Greetings and Papyrus brands. With 12 years of experience in brand management, she specializes in building engaging digital campaigns and driving brand... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Full Conference

6:30pm EDT

Dine Around Dinners

Tuesday August 18, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBD

You'll be assigned a random dinner group at various restaurants throughout the Louisville area.

Tuesday August 18, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBD

Meal, Full Conference

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Meal, Full Conference

8:30am EDT

Rethinking Your Business Model to Unlock Relevance, Margin, and Growth Across Your Supply Chain

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Medallion ABCD

This session challenges traditional thinking by exploring how companies can approach their business differently looking beyond individual components and instead at how paper, envelopes, print, and fulfillment work together as a system. Panelists will share how smarter decisions across these four core areas can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and better align with today’s retail demands. By...
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Speakers

Kim Shannon

National Sales Manager, Neenah Paper

Kim Shannon is a National Sales Manager at Neenah Paper with over 20 years of experience driving growth and building strong client relationships. She works with greeting card publishers of all sizes—from major brands to independent companies—helping them identify opportunities... Read More →

Sue Charlier

Greeting Card and Stationery Specialist, Leader Paper

Sue Charlier is an avid greeting card sender with more than 30 years’ experience in printing, paper, finishing, packaging, fulfillment, and envelopes.Throughout her career, she has partnered with greeting card publishers on product development, optimizing print and finishing operations... Read More →

Liz Richardson

Co-Founder, Indigo Ink

Liz Richardson is a co-founder and Co-CEO of Indigo Ink Digital Printing Inc., a full-service print shop located in Columbia, Md. Liz, along with her husband and business partner, Matt, launched Indigo Ink in 2003, believing this new company could better serve quality driven clients... Read More →

Gerard Vail

French and Finch Paper

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Full Conference

9:30am EDT

Break

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

9:45am EDT

Breakout Session 1: Social Media; Connecting with Authenticity

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Mezzanine ABC

Session information TBD

Speakers

Victoria Pacino

Manager Social Media & Content Strategy, American Greetings

Adriana Tescut

Director Brand Marketing, American Greetings & Papyrus

Vicky Barone

Barone & Co

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Mezzanine ABC

Breakout Session, Full Conference

9:45am EDT

Breakout Session 2: AI

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Mezzanine D

Session information TBD

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Mezzanine D

Breakout Session, Full Conference

10:30am EDT

Break

Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

10:45am EDT

Shop Talk: Small Group Discussions

Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Medallion ABCD

Choose two discussion tables based on your interests and join a facilitated conversation with industry peers and experts. These interactive small-group sessions are designed to encourage idea sharing, practical learning, and meaningful connections. What Retailers Look ForLicensing Your Art & BrandCopyrights, Trademarks & Protecting Your WorkMarketing & Outreach for Card...
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Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Medallion ABCD

Breakout Session, Full Conference

11:30am EDT

Break

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am EDT

Medallion Foyer

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am EDT
Medallion Foyer

Break, Full Conference

11:45am EDT

Lunch and Closing Keynote: Connection Starts With Us

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT

Medallion ABCD

A look at how the greeting card industry can foster stronger communities through the simple, powerful act of sending greeting cards. This session highlights the real-world impact of connection and reminds us why the work we do matters every day.

Speakers

Jory Kate Haslett

Leanin' Tree

Jory Kate Haslett is the Senior Product Manager at Leanin' Tree, where she has spent more than 15 years developing greeting card and gift collections that connect with consumers in meaningful ways. A lifelong card sender, she still keeps a cherished box of cards received on her first... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Medallion ABCD

General Session, Full Conference

2:00pm EDT

Optional Activity: Kentucky Derby Tour

Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Book your own ticket here for the 2:30pm time slot. We’ll meet in the lobby at 2pm to head over together! If you buy a ticket, email [email protected] so we can make sure you get the information about the day of.

Speakers

Doris Webb

Tree Free Greetings

Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

6:00pm EDT

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9:45am EDT

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11:45am EDT

2:00pm EDT

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