Gift Focus - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 113)

84 Progressive Greetings (PG) Live, renowned for its lively atmosphere and unrivalled buzz, is returning this year with one of the world’s greatest collections of greetings cards. Taking place on 4 th -5 th June, PG Live’s 2019 lineup is as diverse as ever, with more than 230 established publishers, renowned artists and up-and-coming designers from around the world. Adding extra sparkle, the compact show layout attracts a number of exclusive exhibitors. This year, these include UKG, Hallmark, Paperlink, Wendy Jones-Blackett and ICG who won’t be showing anywhere else in 2019. Other leading names include Paper Salad, The Art File, Woodmansterne, Belly Button Designs, Carte Blanche, Five Dollar Shake and Danilo, all presenting fresh product and inspiring portfolios to help retailers stock up for every occasion. The show is well-timed for retailers to choose which festive cards will look best in their product lineup. Brand-new publishers such as Crumble and Core, Purple Tree Designs and Some Ink Nice will make their debut in the Springboard section of the show, an area dedicated to celebrating new and emerging publishers. The two-day show is vibrant and creative, reflecting the greetings card community itself, and gives major buyers, independent retailers and international distributors a wonderful opportunity to bolster their portfolios for the coming year. Last year, the show celebrated its 10 th year, with anniversary celebrations taking place throughout the two-day show. PG Live boasted almost 50 exhibitors who had attended every show for the full decade, many of whom will return for the show’s 11 th year. Warren Lomax, one of the show’s directors, said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s PG Live. The bar has been raised following last year’s incredible show, and we know our exhibitors will rise to the occasion. We love being able to work with so many talented people, and we can’t wait to see their amazing new ranges!” Protecting its reputation as one of the most sociable shows in the business, PG Live also offers free refreshments, a complimentary lunch sponsored by Louise Tiler and Tache, celebrating their fifth anniversaries, and a free drinks party after the show on Tuesday. A host of attention- grabbing highlights, competitions and special offers are set to make this PG Live even more exciting than the last. To find out more, call the PG Live team on +44 (0)1635 297 070 or visit progressivegreetingslive.com