We asked exhibitors…

What do you love about PG Live?

Tracey Colliston, Ginger Betty (Stand 424): We love to exhibit at PG Live, it’s by far our favourite show! The atmosphere is amazing, and the people are so friendly; our cardy friend group grows each time we go. It’s great to share news and tips and help each other out. For us it’s a chance to catch up with our friends in the trade and link up with customers old and new at the show that’s purely greeting cards, where everyone is on the same page.

Jo O’Brien, Paper Shed Design (Stand 180): It’s a really friendly and welcoming environment where publishers and buyers can all network exchanging ideas and advice. I’ve made some great friends.

Anna Nelson, Rosanna Rossi (Stand 520): We love catching up with our international distributors. We see them more as friends than work associates, and could chat with them all day! On a business note, it’s also great to see the reactions of our new collections and discuss future projects/ranges etc. There’s so much value with face-to-face meetings and a trade show gives us that opportunity to really connect with our customers, and PG Live is a lovely, friendly environment to do this. For any newbies, I’d say to speak to as many people as possible… it’s a chance to soak up as much knowledge as you can and connect with new customers.

Claire Bates, Danilo (Stand 513): It’s such a lovely opportunity to get together and meet up with customers and other publishers in person. Plus it’s always a pleasure to see the huge amount of effort that goes into everyone’s stand designs as well as their official card and wrap ranges.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

Jo O’Brien, Paper Shed Design: Allow yourself plenty of time. There’s lots to see. And make sure you don’t miss the fabulous free lunch!

Anna Nelson, Rosanna Rossi: I’m not quite sure as we’re so focused on our own stand that we never get to experience the aisles. Comfy shoes are a must and a little stool or somewhere they can sit on the stand always comes in handy. As it’s such a well laid out show, visitors can easily find suppliers and the food is always a winner!

What one product or range should greeting card shops check out at the show?

Tracey Colliston, Ginger Betty: We’re excited to show our new collection - Baby Betty - at PG Live, a range of delicate cards covering several captions, featuring baby animal illustrations and beautiful debossing, and we’ll also be adding new Owl’s Nest designs, too.

Jo O’Brien, Paper Shed Design: We’ve got lots of lovely new designs launching, including two new waterside ranges; By the Sea Shore, and Down by the River.

Anna Nelson, Rosanna Rossi: All 50 new designs are a ‘must-see’ as there are lots of styles to suit all tastes. We’ve kept the trade price competitive too, which is something of value during these times.

Claire Bates, Danilo: It’s hard to say as there are so many to choose from. We are really proud of all our new ranges that we bring to the show, as the creative team and the sales team work so hard to create and showcase the best possible designs.

What’s your most memorable story/experience from previous shows?

Jo O’Brien, Paper Shed Design: I had visited the show many times before but the first time I exhibited I was really nervous. It felt like the first day at school. But I had a really great show, winning a number of golden tickets on the very first day! It was so exciting and a great introduction to exhibiting.

Claire Bates, Danilo: Our costume activity always seems to make a real impact when we have them at the show. Previous special guests have included the Minions, the Paw Patrol team and Bluey and Bingo. This year we are delighted to welcome Leo and Donnie from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to our stand.

Any show offers we can tell our readers about?

Jo O’Brien, Paper Shed: I offer a 10% discount to all first-time customers who place an order at the show