The annual US Greeting Card Expo is going virtual in May.
The US Greeting Card Association has announced that their annual greeting card event, *Noted, will be held virtually on May 20-21, 2021.
The greeting card category is experiencing a resurgence during the current pandemic, with consumers expressing a growing appreciation for the value of cards in furthering relationships, and retailers are looking for products that reflect the current times as well as new and creative designs. The pandemic has also led to many challenges, prompting makers and retailers to pivot and approach doing business in innovative ways. A virtual version of *Noted supports those pivots by allowing makers to connect with retailers and expand their business in an online environment. *Noted’s key focus is to help greeting card makers reach more buyers and sell more cards.
“*Noted is more than just a traditional trade show,†said GCA President, George White of Up With Paper. “It was created to foster community among the stakeholders in our space, including not only makers but also retailers, sales reps, and suppliers. Building on the success of our first in-person *Noted event in 2019, we look forward to now expanding our community further with this virtual effort.â€
 “Exhibitors at *Noted will be able to sell directly to interested retailers and buyers through the GCA Marketplace, our exclusive online B2B platform,†explained GCA Executive Director, Nora Weiser. The GCA Marketplace allows GCA members to sell online with transaction fees up to 400% lower than most other B2B platforms that serve small publishers.Â
For the 2021 virtual event, *Noted will:
- Feature keynote sessions with timely topics for buyers and sellers
- Highlight Pitch Programs to get makers front-and-centre with potential buyers
- Recognise outstanding new cards in the Noted@*Noted competition
- Announce finalists of the 2021 Louie Awards competition
- Allow exhibitors to transact sales through the GCA Marketplace
- Welcome qualified retailers with complimentary attendance
With people continuing to celebrate life events remotely, greeting cards as a stand-alone item or as a valuable add-on item, have gained importance as a way for retailers to increase sales. Retailers who shop *Noted this year will be amazed by the variety, creativity, and quality of cards on display.
Those who wish to exhibit, sponsor, or attend can do so by visiting the GCA website at www.greetingcard.org
