GCA Greeting Card Conference travels to Detroit

This year, greeting card and stationery publishers will convene in the Detroit, Michigan, in October for a one-of-a-kind event. The GCA Greeting Card Conference 2025 (previously called the Workshop + Retreat) will bring together thought leaders, innovators and creators for a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow. “The GCA has chosen Detroit for the location of its annual Conference in 2025,” said GCA Executive Director Sierra Bretz. “We are excited to use Detroit not only for our annual business meeting, but as our classroom to celebrate creativity, resilience, inventiveness, and the unique power of connectivity that greeting cards possess.” Included in the three-day conference will be:

• Educational sessions led by industry experts
• Networking opportunities to connect with card publishers, suppliers, industry partners, and retailers from all over the map.
• Inspiration and collaboration through interactive discussions and hands-on workshops.

According to GCA President Andy Meehan, greeting card makers can expect an expansive experience that can’t be had at trade shows or other general seminar-based events. “We’re set to dive deep into the art and business of greeting cards. With my personal commitment to being ‘always stationery, never stationary,’ we’re excited to explore new pathways alongside our colleagues in the industry, expanding our knowledge and best practices,” Meehan said. Additionally, the synergy that comes from bringing all members of the industry together in one place helps leaders of the industry make strategic advancements. “The annual GCA Conference allows our members to bring their collective focus to the issues that impact our industry,” said Erin Brower, GCA board member and senior director of government affairs at Hallmark Cards. “Together we can advocate for improvements that ultimately benefit our customers who depend on an affordable USPS to mail greeting cards to friends and loved ones.” Detroit-based publisher Avanti Press has been a member of the GCA for 40 years and is excited to bring the event to its hometown for the first time. “This is a highly independent, entrepreneurial, creative community,” said Avanti Press founder and former GCA president Rick Ruffner. “Bringing together single person startups, mid-sized companies, and some of the largest global suppliers creates a powerful opportunity to celebrate our category’s vibrancy and growth.” This year’s conference will be held at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit and is open to all greeting card ​industry members, partners, and enthusiasts. This event is one of two major events held by the GCA each year, in addition to a host of year-round chats, webinars, townhalls and our beloved curated trade event, *Noted (to be held in Las Vegas this July). More details for the conference will be released as they are available, or visit the GCA website.