What is the Ladder Club For Greeting Card Publishers? – Part 1

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Every year, new greeting card publishers head for pilgrimage down to Westcliffe on Sea. You may think that is a strange time of the year to be enjoying the seaside, but the salty air and pretty coastal views are just a bonus. We, including me, all go for one reason, to attend the annual Ladder Club seminar. If you are after greeting card publishing and do not know where to start, this is the event to attend, preferably before you start the ball rolling.

The seminar is a crush course that runs over two days and is organised by Lynn Tait of the Lynn Tait Gallery. The first day, Getting on the Ladder, is for those who consider such business venture. This year is on 4th November 2014. There is a networking dinner the night before and is valuable as the attendees will get to meet each other and the speakers before the seminars.

The second day, Climbing the Ladder, is for those who have already embarked on some kind of business venture: have attended the first day of the seminar (usually advisable the year before), exhibited at least at one trade show, have turned at least £3000 etc. This year the second day on Wednesday 5th November 2014 with networking dinner the night beofe.

The schedule for the second day is super tight and there will be speakers as follows: Sharon Little – Chief Executive of the Greeting Card Association, Jakki Brown – Editorial Director and Co-Owner of Max Publishing, Progressive Greetings magazine, Claire Williams and Karen Wilson – Co-Founders of Paper Salad, Miles Robinson – Co-Owner of House of Cards, litho printing Simon King of The Sherwood Press, digital printing Bob Short of The Imaging Centre, envelopes Julie Brightley from Enveco, paper board Mark Jessett of GF Smith, Jeremy Corner – Managing Director of Blue Eyed Sun, Chris Houfe – Sales Director of GBCC and Waterwells, Henri Davies – Buyer of the National Trust and consultant.

The cost for each seminar is only £48, including lunch and refreshments. The seminar dates are usually announced in Progressive Greetings magazine, word of mouth, once you join the Greeting Card Association or you can register your interest by contacting Trudi or Pauline on 01702 480180 or email waiteandtaitbakery@hotmail.com. Places are booked quickly; I have missed the Ladder Club for 2 years, so it is strongly advisable to book as soon as you are certain it would be of interest to you. I hear not everybody continues with their originally chosen path and I think it is a great idea to get answered tons of business questions, learn publishing specifics or obtain invaluable industry knowledge for a very small cost price.

So, this is part one of the Ladder Club post and I shall update wih my views on how the seminar has actually been. It may be November and a bit chilly outside but I have packed my sunglasses and I am heading down south to the sea. I can hear the waves now…

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