The GCA 2000
Addressing/Distribution Spring Conference
April 11-14, 2000
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Clearwater Beach, Florida

Meeting the 2000 Scenario-operational issues,the rate case, media competition, opportunities for growth.

THE 2000 SCENARIO is shaping up to be one of the most complex that the mailer has faced. Of immediate interest is the rate case, but it's just one item to prepare for. Exacting procedural issues like the ink jet reordering challenge, and the coming scrutiny on package integrity, will bring new focus to mailer operations. At the same time, persistent truck and driver shortages will bring new pressure to maximize consolidation of mail and coordination of transportation. All the while, competitive media forces will demand greater efficiencies in postal operations that only better information management, fed and monitored by the mailer, can make possible. On top of it is the decline in First Class Mail volume predicted to begin in 2003. It could have devastating impact on other classes if we don't prepare now.

But it's not all challenge for 2000. In fact, the opportunities in productivity, partnering with the web, and satisfying the customer couldn't be greater. Your understanding of this scenario is GCA's goal for the year 2000 Addressing/Distribution Conference. It's for the mailer, by the mailer, just as it's been for 30-plus years-the best place to know the next steps for you and your company, whether it's a new millennium or just another year. This time it just happens to be both, with technologies making it especially significant. Join us in Clearwater Beach, April 11-14. Don't miss it.

Conference Schedule

Tuesday, April 11
9 am - 5 pm
6 pm - Welcoming Reception

Wednesday, April 12
8 am - 5 pm
6 pm - Reception

Thursday, April 13
8 am - 3:00 pm
7 pm - Reception/Dinner

Friday, April 14
8 am - 12 noon


Pre-Conference Opportunities

Tuesday, April 11

9 am-12 noon Val-Pak Direct Marketing Tour
Here is a truly unique opportunity to visit one of the nation's most successful direct marketing organizations. From design, to print, to lettershop, to mailing, GCA member firm Val-Pak is the leader in community merchant promotion mail. You'll see it all. The schedule is as follows:

9:00 am 
A half-hour review at the Conference Hotel of what you'll see on the Val-Pak Tour in Largo, Florida. 

9:30 am 
Board Bus for Largo for the 1-1/2 Hour Tour

12:00 noon 
Return to Conference Hotel Space will be limited and reservations are a must-first come, first served; $20.00 fee for the bus and light  refreshments. Of course, open to Conference registrants only.

1:00-5:00 pm Tutorials (running concurrently)

Tutorial A. Canada Post Product Simplification is Here!
April 17, 2000 is the scheduled implementation date for new rules and new rates resulting from the product simplification initiative of Canada Post. Here's the full detail, from the experts. Make sure that you're in compliance by attending this most timely event.

Tutorial B. Mail.dat Update and User Group Meeting
Led by Mr. Mail.dat, Daniel J. Minnick, Vice President, Postal & Industry Services, Experian Direct Tech, the session will include an overview of Mail.dat including the revisions underway with Version 2000, followed by a data mining presentation by Peter J. Moore, President, Peter J. Moore and Associates. Then, the users get their say - questions, answers, discussion, in a roundtable format. 

6:00 pm Welcoming Reception 

FULL PROGRAM DETAIL