GCA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

2:00pm EDT

Going FourWords with Your Creativity™ & Opening Remarks

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

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

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

9:45am 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

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

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

Meal, Full Conference

2:00pm EDT

Retailer Panel

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

Medallion ABCD

Speakers

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

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 it.

Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or refining an existing strategy, you’ll leave with ideas you can immediately apply to create content that resonates and stands out.

This session will be lead by American Greetings.

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