GCA unveils full programme for its 2027 conference

The Garden Centre Association

The GCA has unveiled a major speaker line-up for its 2027 conference, with leading voices from retail, economics, data, leadership and consumer behaviour set to share insights with garden centre operators

Horticulture

8 September 2026

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has unveiled the full programme for its 2027 conference, with a high-profile line-up of speakers covering retail, consumer behaviour, economics, data, leadership and business performance.

The two-day conference will take place on 25 and 26 January 2027, at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon, bringing together GCA members, industry leaders and business experts from across the garden centre sector.

“We’ve brought together a fantastic mix of speakers, each bringing a different perspective and area of expertise, and covering everything from retail strategy and consumer behaviour to data, economics and leadership,” GCA chairman, operations director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, said.

The conference will open with an HTA update, GCA Trust and International Garden Centre Association summaries, as well as sessions focused on inspection best practice and commercial performance.

Consumer behaviour expert Kate Hardcastle MBE will examine the psychological changes influencing modern shopping habits and consider what they mean for the future of retail.

Second days’s programme will turn its attention to data, the economy, business resilience and leadership.

Clive Humby OBE, co-founder of dunnhumby and the data scientist behind Tesco Clubcard, will explore how retailers can make better use of customer data to understand shoppers and drive growth.

Entrepreneur John Vincent MBE, co-founder of restaurant brand LEON, will share lessons from building and transforming a purpose-led business.

His session will focus on people-first leadership, financial pressure and building resilience during challenging trading conditions.

Networking and awards

Alongside the speaker programme, delegates will have the opportunity to attend the GCA AGM, awards presentations and best-practice showcases.

The conference will also include networking opportunities, the Associates’ Exhibition, gala dinner and evening entertainment.

“Our annual conference is always a highlight of the year for our members and the 2027 programme is shaping up to be one of our strongest yet,” Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said.

He added: “it offers a great balance of insight, inspiration and networking opportunities.”

The GCA’s annual conference attracts hundreds of members from across the UK and provides an opportunity for garden centre operators to share experiences, learn from industry experts and network with colleagues.

The organisation represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and operates an inspection programme designed to help members maintain high standards across areas including customer service and plant quality.

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