GCA reveals full 2027 conference programme
The Garden Centre Association has unveiled its 2027 conference programme, featuring leading speakers covering retail, economics, consumer behaviour, data, leadership and business resilience.
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has revealed the full programme for its 2027 annual conference, taking place on January 25 and 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The two-day event will bring together industry leaders, innovators and high-profile speakers, offering practical insights alongside broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing garden centres.
Monday’s programme includes an HTA update, GCA Trust and International Garden Centre Association summaries, inspection best practice and commercial performance insights.
Keynote speakers include Olympic champion Sir Jason Kenny CBE, consumer behaviour expert Kate Hardcastle MBE and former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King CBE, who will explore resilience, changing consumer habits, leadership and retail transformation.
Tuesday will feature Clive Humby OBE, co-founder of dunnhumby and originator of Tesco Clubcard, who will examine how businesses can use customer data to better understand consumers and drive growth.
HSBC experts Chris Hare and James Sawley will return by popular demand to provide an overview of macroeconomic trends, the UK economic outlook and the retail landscape.
Entrepreneur John Vincent MBE, co-founder of LEON, will share lessons on purpose-led leadership, navigating financial pressure and building business resilience, while Reverend Richard Coles will offer a perspective on trust, ethics, community and human connection.
Alongside the speaker programme, delegates can attend the GCA AGM, awards presentations, best practice showcases, networking opportunities, the Associates’ Exhibition, gala dinner and evening entertainment.
GCA CEO Peter Burks said the 2027 conference offers a strong balance of insight, inspiration and networking, with the organisation looking forward to welcoming members from across the UK.
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the members’ section of www.gca.org.uk.