FROM THE executive director

Onbehalf of the GAMA team, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and thank you for your membership in the association. The staff and I are very excited about the upcoming year as we have a lot of great plans to increase the value of GAMA for our members.

Among the initiatives you will see in the coming weeks is a new online industry directory. While the directory will be industry facing, we are limiting listings to GAMA members. Each member company will receive a complimentary listing ($500 value) for being part of the association. The software platform is very robust and allows members to customize their listing by uploading files, video, and links to increase networking and B2B connections.

Some of the immediate benefits we envision with the directory include:

• Retail members will be able to save time by having a one-stop location for information such as product sell sheets, organized play information, images or video reviews/playthroughs from multiple publishers rather than having to track down each one individually.

• Designers and other creatives will be able to upload pdfs, images or videos of their work portfolio to help potential employers find them.

• Publishers will be able to search for stores filtered by the type of product that store carries, so they can connect with them easier.

• Media members can search for potential content partners as well as upload samples of their work to make it easier for publishers to find them.

We see a lot of potential for the directory to be a hub to connect industry members to do business together. Other projects the team is working on include more networking opportunities, both online and in person at industry events. We will be expanding our educational programs to include pathways for new companies along with sessions for more experienced industry professionals. We are also working to help members save money with our updated business discount program.

In closing, I want to remind everyone that GAMA EXPO is just a few short weeks away and we are hard at work finalizing the schedule of seminars, game nights and special events. The exhibit hall has nearly 200 exhibitors and will be busting at the seams with the latest and hottest games for 2023. It’s going to be a great week. Member companies receive two complimentary badges to the show. Visit our website (gama.org) for more information on how to sign up for your badge.

See you in Reno April 24-28, 2023!

John Stacy Executive Director Game Manufacturers Association

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OUR contributors

Thank you to the following industry professionals for contributing their time and expertise to Around the Table! Please enjoy their articles throughout this issue. If you would like to contribute to future issues of Around the Table by suggesting a topic or writing your own article, please email media@gama.org.

About John Stacy

John Stacy is the executive director of the Game Manufacturers Association. A lifelong learner and gamer, he has worked in the nonprofit, education, and governmental relations arenas for more than thirty years. He holds a master’s degree in Marketing and Communications and was an adjunct instructor for the University of Phoenix for four years facilitating marketing and business classes.

About Justin Spicer

Justin Spicer is an instructional designer by day and a 15-year veteran of entertainment and hobby based journalism in his free time. When not pursuing the newest trends in learning or covering innovative publishers, designers, and musicians, Justin enjoys family activities such as gardening, making music, and visiting museums.

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