GCA to host first elements of annual conference virtually

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is hosting some of the first elements of its annual conference virtually for members this month.

Its annual general meeting (AGM) will take place on 10 February for full members only. A virtual awards presentation will take place on 15 February, which is open to all GCA garden centre and associate members.

Iain Wylie, GCA chief executive, says: “Although we are currently in the process of confirming alternative dates for our annual conference, we felt we needed to take some of the first elements of it online.

“Our AGM meeting will now take place virtually on Thursday 10 February. Our members should have received an invitation to join, however, if not, they can get in touch with us via info@gca.org.uk in order to receive a link.

“After the AGM, we will be talking about our strategy plan for the year, which is our plan to keep the GCA relevant and fit for the future. We will be discussing the best ways to connect garden centres in the UK, inspire and support them and how they can grow and adapt.

“On 15 February, we will be hosting a day of scheduled presentations streamed live online This will include our inspection round-up highlighting the best of garden centre retailing seen by our team of inspectors in 2021 and we will be announcing the winners of our Christmas and Ruxley Rose competitions.

“We will also be hosting our garden centre awards and announcing all the winners before going ahead with our pre-season inspection presentation to help centres prepare for the spring 2022. Anyone can get in touch with us via info@gca.org.uk in order to receive a link to join the event.

“It’s really important that all members get involved with events like these as they shape our organisation.”