GAMA EXPO 2022 Site Book

The Poker Room is located on the first floor in the Peppermill Casino.

General Info

Executive Director Welcome

Welcome to GAMA EXPO 2022! After two very long years away it feels good to be back in Reno for this year’s trade show. It took a lot of effort to bring EXPO back after our hiatus and I wanted to thank the GAMA Board of Directors, the Retail Membership Officers, sponsors, presenters, and volunteers who worked with the GAMA staff to plan a full and exciting week for you.

Looking at the schedule we have a mix of favorite activities such as Game Nights, dozens of peer-topeer seminars, forty plus premier presentations, and of course, the exhibit hall on Wednesday and Thursday. A couple of new additions to the schedule include our hosted media program with the First Look Room and Media Mixer to connect tabletop reviewers and press with attending publishers, and the Diversity Reception on Tuesday evening where you can come meet this year’s Horizon Fellows and learn about the GAMA Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s efforts to help make our industry open and welcoming to all. We are also holding our kickoff lunch on Monday which will provide the opportunity to hear from GAMA leadership and committees about how we are working to make GAMA the voice of the tabletop games industry!

We are very excited that you can join us at GAMA EXPO 2022 and hope you have a very successful trade show!

Regards,

John Stacy Executive Director

Game Room Essentials

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• 7 Wonders

• 7 Wonders Duel

• Azul

• Carcassonne

• CATAN

• Rivals for CATAN

• Dixit

• Pandemic

• Splendor

• Ticket to Ride

• Ticket to Ride Europe

*Offer valid now through January 1, 2023 while supplies last. Subject to retailer eligibility and qualifying purchases. Product restrictions apply. Offer subject to change, suspension or cancellation without notice.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RETAIL DIVISION

Stephan Brissaud President president@gama.org

Andrew Chesney Vice President andrewchesney@gama.org

Gary Alaka Treasurer gary.alaka@gama.org

Julie Ahern Secretary julie.ahern@gama.org

Sito Sanchez Wholesaler Chair sito.sanchez@gama.org

Jennifer Ward Retailer Chair grdchair@gama.org

Grace Collins Director - Creators grace.collins@gama.org

Eric Price Director - Production eric.price@gama.org

Monica Rasso Director - Media & Events monica.rasso@gama.org

Jeff Pinsker Director-At-Large jeff.pinsker@gama.org

Will Niebling Emeritus willniebling@gama.org

Jennifer Ward Chair grdchair@gama.org

Kylie Prymus Vice Chair grdvicechair@gama.org

Rhonda Becker Secretary rhonda.becker@gama.org

Erik Bigglestone erik.bigglestone@gama.org

John Coviello johncoviello@gama.org

Jay Mason-Grant jaymason.grant@gama.org

Dave Salisbury davidsalisbury@gama.org

ABOUT

With the adoption of new bylaws last year, you can expect some changes to our board going forward. At this year’s expo we will be electing six more directors to serve on the board, for a total of 2 directors per voting membership group (creators/creatives, media & events, production, publishers, retailers, and wholesale).

If you are interested in running for a position on the GAMA Board or the GAMA Retail Division (GRD), please email secretary@GAMA.org. The Bylaws of the association are viewable at www.gama.org.

GAMA expo App

The official convention app for GAMA Expo 2022 is available right now for Android and Apple devices. Download the app to get the most out of your Expo experience!

• See the show schedule to help you plan for a successful show

• Find our exhibitor list

• Navigate and select seminars to attend

• Network and touch base with everyone during the show

• And so much more!

SHOW RULES

Badges Required

Badges are labeled and color-coded by type and are required to be worn visibly for admittance to all show functions. If you misplace your badge, request a reprint and show your ID at On-Site Registration desk in the Tuscany Foyer.

Vaccination Required

In order to receive your badge, you must show that you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. At registration you must show a copy of your vaccine card to receive your wrist band. If you lose your wrist band, you are required to go through the verification process again.

Anti-Harassment

Thank You!

for supporting the health & safety of our members by providing hand sanitizer for GAMA Expo 2022.

GAMA Expo has a zero tolerance policy for harassment of any form. If you ever feel unsafe or unwelcome, find the nearest GAMA staff member (identified by their black badges) to report the incident. GAMA staff retains the right to take action up to and including expulsion from the show with no refund.

Photography/Videography

All attendees are expected to ask before taking photos or video recordings during educational sessions or in the Exhibit Hall, as some information shared at GAMA Expo may be sensitive. By attending, you agree to be photographed or recorded during the event by GAMA staff and official partners (identified by their black badges). Recordings may be distributed, reproduced, displayed or used by GAMA for future communications

RIBBONS

While at GAMA Expo, you will see some attendees with ribbons hanging from their badges. This guide will explain what each ribbon at the show means.

Expo Newbie

First-Time Attendees Press

Media respresentative approved to record in designated areas

academy

Member of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design

Member of the GAMA Board of Directors

Member of the GAMA Retail Division

Sponsor

GAMA Expo sponsors

GRD Member

GAMA Board member

SHOW SCHEDULE - Key

All attendees are invited to participate in these events.

Open Event

Retailer Seminar

Industry Seminar

Premier Presentation

Special Events

Sponsored Event

Peer-to-peer seminars offer insights and advice from retail experts selected by the GRD.

Seminars cover a variety of topics across the hobby game industry. They feature presenters and panels selected by the GAMA Board and staff.

Sponsored presentations from publishers give you an insider look at upcoming releases, new strategies, and more. To be eligible for the Retailer Appreciation Box you must attend seven (7) Premier Presentations.

Featured events hosted by GAMA. These events are usually by invitation only.

Events organized by our event sponsors. These are usually by invitation only.

One of the best-selling gamebook series of all time starring YOU

SHOW

SHOW SCHEDULE - MONDAY

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Google My Business: The Best Free Marketing Tool You’re Not Using

Channels for E-Commerce

Fostering an Inclusive Community Beyond D&D Focusing on Wizards Premium 5:00pm Small Town Survival and Sustainability

The Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know You Need

Diversity Options: Video Games 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

What Makes Sense Now?

Getting Started with Minis 19

SHOW SCHEDULE - MONDAY

9:00am Red Exhibitor Setup 10:00am Marketing with Retailers The Ins and Outs of Fulfillment Networking 11:00am How to Stand Out & Attract more Customers at Conventions

Intellectual Property for Games Organized Play

Expo Kickoff Lunch (Grab & Go) 1:00pm 2:00pm Tik Tok: The Ins & Outs

Antitrust Law for the Hobby Gaming Community

3:00pm Self Publishing Success Stories with Tik Tok Legal Aspects of NFTs What a Store Wants

How to Pick a Hit Game to Publish Media First Look Room Red & Green Exhibitor Setup (Ends at 6:45pm)

Creating an Environment of Well Being 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm Retailer Reception & Power Retailer Awards (7-8:30pm) 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

SHOW SCHEDULE - MONDAY

SHOW SCHEDULE - Tuesday

SHOW SCHEDULE - tuesday

SHOW SCHEDULE - Wednesday

SHOW SCHEDULE - thursday

ATTRACT EVERY KIND OF CUSTOMER WITH WIZKIDS RPG!

2022 is slated to be a huge year for WizKids RPG offerings, with new product launches including sprue miniatures, paints and accessories, and a brand new game system…From role-playing newbies to the most dedicated collectors, we’ve got something for everyone who steps into your store – offer the complete RPG experience with WizKids!

DATE: Tuesday, March 15 TIME: 2:00-3:00pm

ROOM: Naples 4/5

FREE RADICALS: WILDLY ASYMMETRIC GAMEPLAY IN AN IMMERSIVE, TECHNOLOGICALLY EVOLVED WORLD!

MARCH 2022

MSRP: $69.99

SKU: 87525

COME VISIT US IN THE FLORENCE ROOM!

DETECTIVE RUMMY: DETECTIVE RUMMY BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO MIKE FITZGERALD’S CLASSIC MYSTERY RUMMY SERIES, WITH 7 ALL-NEW CASES AND AN INTERCONNECTED CAMPAIGN!

WIZKIDS GAMES OF 2022: HEROCLIX, DICE MASTERS, BOARD GAMES, AND MORE!

Join WizKids to learn all about our game plans and releases for 2022! From the new HeroClix minis game boxes and Summer 2022 OP to the return of Dice Masters to a variety of exciting upcoming board game releases (including licensed titles that build on some of our most popular game platforms), WizKids has what you need to build community and drive sales in your store.

DATE: Tuesday, March 15

TIME: 4:00-5:00pm

ROOM: Naples 4/5

APRIL 2022

MSRP: $19.99

SKU: 87510

DICE CONQUEST: A STRATEGIC AND CHALLENGING CO-OP ADVENTURE, WITH JUST A SET OF DICE AND A DECK OF CARDS!

APRIL 2022

MSRP: $34.99

SKU: 87556

SQUID INC.: HIRE STAFF, POSITION THEM INSIDE THE COMPANY, AND OUTMANEUVER YOUR OPPONENTS AS YOU FLOAT TO THE TOP OF THE CORPORATE LADDER!

APRIL 2022

MSRP: $64.99

SKU: 87513

YOSEMITE: DISCOVER AND DOCUMENT THE WILDLIFE OF SIERRA NEVADA IN THIS 2-PLAYER TILE STRATEGY GAME!

RELEASE: JUNE 2022

MSRP: $29.99 SKU: 87523

SIDEREAL CONFLUENCE: BIFURCATION: NINE NEW ALTERNATE FACTIONS TO EXPAND THE ACCLAIMED NEGOTIATION GAME!

RELEASE: AUGUST 2022

MSRP: $49.99

SKU: 87528

First door on the left at the top of the lobby escalator (across from the pool).

Premier Presentations

Check the GAMA Expo App for descriptions of the amazing Premier Presentations from our incredible sponsors!

retailer appreciation Box

Bring the best of GAMA Expo back to your store by participating in the Retailer Appreciation Box program! This shipment of products worth more than $1,500 MSRP, is complimentary for retailers who engage with exhibitors, and presenters throughout the show.

Who is Eligible?

Retail members are eligible for the box if they complete the actions listed below. For stores with multiple locations, each store must be a registered member and have pre-registered for the show.

To receive the box, retailers must:

• Have pre-registered for GAMA Expo before March 1, 2022.

• Attend seven (7) Premier Presentations during the show.

Attending Premier Presentations

Premier presentations are hosted by the companies contributing product to the box, meaning they are a great way to learn how best to use the incredible products included.

Find more information on the Premier Presentations on the GAMA Expo App.

To track attendance in Premier Presentations, retailers are asked to complete a survey and enter a unique code for that specific presentation. This survey can be found through the official GAMA Expo App.

Analog Alternatives will be available for any retailers without a smartphone. Please visit the Naples Seminar HQ desk for more information on this option.

What is included?

All box contents will be on display in the Exhibit Hall, including the massive Dungeons and Dragons Nulzor’s Marvelous Miniatures Unpainted Gargantuan Tiamat Miniature from Wizkids which stands over 14” tall with a 28” wingspan!

Participating publishers:

Ares Games (415)

Asmodee (303)

Czech Games Edition (101)

Die Hard Dice (623)

Foam Brain (201)

Fort Circle Games (727)

Funko (322)

When Will It Arrive?

Games Workshop (404)

Grim Rabbit Games (715)

Impressions (501)

Japanime Games (601)

Luma Imports (419)

Magpie (706)

Pandasaurus Games (613)

The Pokémon Company (117)

Ravensburger (446)

Renegade Game Studios (207)

Sirius Dice (319)

Steamforged (413)

The Op (102)

WizKids (Florence Lounge)

Boxes will be shipped out to qualifying stores within 30 days following the close of the show. Please allow for additional shipping time if your store is located outside the United States.

Now Available!

Root: the Roleplaying Game is a game of woodland creatures, acting as vagabonds and outcasts, who fight for money, justice, and freedom from powers far greater than them. Based on the Root: A Game of Woodland Might & Right board game and officially licensed by Leder Games, Root: The RPG brings the tales of the Woodland to your RPG table!

Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

Basic Fixture Upgrades

Dawn Studebaker

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 1

Want to change up your store’s look but also keep your budget under control? Learn how to take what you have and make them even better and tackle a small project to prove to yourself you can do it! We’ll focus on using paint or paintn-stick vinyls to make quick, affordable upgrades.

Beyond D&D

Jennifer Ward

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Naples 6

Storytelling games are simply amazing and Jennifer is a fan girl.

Board Game Café Breakdown

Drew Lovell

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 6

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 6

Courtney and Drew, owners of Bonus Round Cafe (Chicago) breakdown the ins and outs of running a board game cafe. Going over what has kept us surviving the pandemic as an establishment that is driven by service, community building, & inclusivity; while keeping an eye towards the future and how you might integrate food & drink service into your business.

Branding

Jamie Mathey

Monday, 10am-11am in Naples 2

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 2

Branding is more than just your logo. We explore all the ways branding can take your business to the next level.

Buying and Selling Used Goods

Kylie Prymus

Monday, 10am-11am in Naples 4 & 5

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 4 & 5

There’s money to be had in buying and selling used games (different than selling on consignment). How do you decide what to buy? What pricing do you offer? How do you prepare for sale to new owners? This will focus on board games and roleplaying games primarily.

Buying Beyond Tabletop

Rhonda & Joe Becker

Monday, 10am-11am in Naples 7

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 6

2020 illustrated the importance of diversity and flexibility. As you refine your business plan consider Buying Beyond Board Games. We will explore product lines that make sense in a hobby game store, focusing on those that have done well for other retailers. We will discuss the difference in approaching these product lines vs traditional sources so you can make the most of your investment. We will then look at the specifics of how to source these items from gift markets, ASTRA and Toy Fair, finding a sales rep and Faire.

Carrying Comics

Jenn Haines

Monday 3pm-4pm in Naples 6

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 6

A balanced approach to the world of carrying comics as well as games. Pros to learn some quick and simple ways to improve your videos and photography without spending thousands on equipment or outside help. Topics such as lighting, angles, wording, editing and camera functions will be included in this workshop.

Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

Creating Winning Videos and Social Media Content

GAMA Media Membership

Monday, 3pm-5pm in Naples 1

Attend this workshop led by board game media pros to learn some quick and simple ways to improve your videos and photography without spending thousands on equipment or outside help. Topics such as lighting, angles, wording, editing and camera functions will be included in this workshop.

Diversity Options: Video Games

Jeremiah Henson

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 7

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 6

New video games sales in 2021 were roughly 47 billion dollars, far surpassing the tabletop industry. While margins on new games are small, used games present a huge opportunity and are an easy add on for many stores.

Embracing the Imposter Syndrome

Lynn Potyen

Monday, 10am-11am in Naples 3

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 3

Success isn’t easily measured. Especially when you have to deal with self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome. Use this time to explore ways to cope and discuss the paths that we have all traveled.

Focusing on Wizards Premium Panel

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Naples 7

Wizards of the Coast offers perks for their Premium approved stores. But what does it take to get their stamp of approval?

Fostering an Inclusive Community Panel

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Naples 4 & 5

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 4 & 5

Physical spaces bring us together and create communities. The panelists will highlight what’s worked for them, what’s not as good, and how they handle the good and bad.

Game Store HR

Jenn Haines

Monday, 11am-12pm in Naples 3

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 3

Over 23 years in business, Jenn Haines has learned a whole lot about how to pick the right team members, train them effectively, and retain them. She will show you some tricks to get through the hiring process and set up your new employees for success right from the start.

Getting Started with Minis

Travis Winter

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 6

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 2

Getting ready to offer minis or already have a bit of a start bt want to do more? Let’s talk about what is a miniature game and how to offer product and grow a community.

Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

Google My Business: The Best Free Marketing Tool You’re Not Using

Danielle Adams

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Naples 3

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 1

Danielle Adams and Bill Hibbler of Gigtime Media will break down the basics of Google My Business and help you move up the Google “map pack” and drive more traffic to your store.

Harnessing the Power of QB POS

Josh Fohrman

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 7

QB POS is a robust powerful tool for managing your sales, inventory, ordering, and more. Learn how to make it work for you to make your life easier.

Hit by a Bus Redux: Letting Your Managers Manage You

Erik Bigglestone

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 3

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 3

Disaster planning? What does that even mean now? The commonly understood definition of “disaster” has obviously changed over the past couple of years. If the situation dictates that you, the owner, must be off-site for extended periods, is everything in place for you to trust and empower your managers in your absence?

Integrating Sales Channels for E-Commerce

John Coviello

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Naples 2

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 3

Thinking about adding e-Commerce to your B&M business? After COVID, who hasn’t? This seminar will help you determine if digital sales channels are right for you, along with taking a look at available platforms, potential pitfalls and necessary infrastructure.

Kickstarter for Retailers

Michael Piacsek

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Naples 4 & 5

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 4 & 5

Crowdfunding is here to stay. The question is how to make it work for you. This seminar will help you understand how crowdfunding works, why it’s important to the industry, how to back crowdfunded games (Kickstarter, Gamefound, etc.) and how to use crowdfunded games to give your store a Unique Value Proposition to attract more customers.

LARP and Your LGS

Kiel Reid

Monday, 11am-12pm in Naples 6

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 6

Here we will present ways your store can earn additional revenue from LARP. This includes selling merchandise, running events, cross promotion and renting space to small groups. Other topics include insurance and how to assess your local market. Attendees will also be provided with a list of resources and key contacts for getting started.

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Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

Loyalty Programs

Jennifer Ward

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Naples 3

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 3

There are many kinds of loyalty programs that stores offer. We’ll discuss a myriad of them, with examples from stores.

Making the Most of Expo and Other Shows

Panel

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 4 & 5

How do you as a retailer get the most out of Expo as well as consumer-forward conventions? We’ll focus on best practices for conducting business, finding new products, as well as enjoying yourself.

Merchandising 101: Make the Most of Your Space

Jay Mason-Grant

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 2

Wednesday, 9am-10am in Naples 3

A great store layout can be one of the most impactful ways to encourage more sales and get customers to return. The feel of the shop and sense of magical discovery is one of the best things.

New Retailer Orientation

Panel – GAMA Retail Division

Monday, 10am-12pm in Naples 1

This two-hour presentation is designed for Introductory retail members who are new to the industry or any retailer who would like a refresher on the partnership opportunities available to GAMA members.

Pay Bills & Track Expenses with QuickBooks Online

Josh Fohrman

Monday, 11am-12pm in Naples 7

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 7

Can’t keep track of all those pesky net 30 EOM payments? Accrual accounting got you down? Wondering just how much money you made last year? Use software such as QuickBooks Online to track your expenses, income, and manage bill payments.

Putting Away the Banhammer

Rebecca Banky

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 7

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 7

Help with de-escalating conflict with our players, our customers, and our staff.

Retail and Media Partnerships... for the win!

Panel

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Naples 1

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 1

Retailers team with our media and events membership group to workshop ideas on bringing customers into your store and making a sale! By teaming with media personalities, you may add interest to games and offer our media the opportunity to reach new potential subscribers. Event coordinators plan conventions that bring gamers together. Discuss advertising, share ideas, special in-store or in-convention events, and more!

Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

Selling More: Overcoming Objections by Flipping the Script

John Stephens

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 2

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 2

We all know product knowledge matters, but once you have all that product knowledge, how do you put it into practice? Join John as he talks to you about hiring a sales staff, training a sales staff, and overcoming objections. We’ll cover the entire sales process, from turning on your open sign to enjoying your new bank balance.

Small Town Survival and Sustainability

Dee Connell

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 1

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 1

Strategies for community engagement, merchandise, sales techniques, and relationship building.

The Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know You Need Panel

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 4 & 5

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Naples 4 & 5

Where the heck do you get the things? Bags, wheelie carts, and the odds and ends that make a store function better day in and day out that you may not have thought of before.

Traversing the Gauntlet of New Releases

Kylie Prymus

Monday, 11am-12pm in Naples 2

Many retailers take a shotgun approach to ordering new products, overbuying in the hopes that something sticks. This seminar will give you strategies to successfully predict what will sell in YOUR store and minimize the misses that end up on your clearance rack.

Vending at Local Conventions

Michael Caffrey

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Naples 2

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 2

An introduction to inventory diversification, logistics, and hard goods to start vending outside your store (mixed shows, not just TCGs)

Vinyl Cutting and More: A Creative Tool for Your Toolbox

Dawn Studebaker

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 1

Vinyl cutters of all kinds are readily available at an affordable price. We’ll talk about how they can be used in your store in ways from sign designs to products you can sell. We’ll have a Cricut brand cutter available and will walk through projects, step by step.

Retailer seminars

The following educational programming is hosted by retailers for retailers. Each seminar was selected by the GAMA Retail Division with the goal of providing the highest quality information and support for our members.

What Makes Sense Now?

Panel

Monday, 5pm-6pm in Naples 3

Wednesday, 11am-12pm in Naples 7

Looking towards the future. Strategies and tactics for the changing tabletop retail climate.

Working with Youth

Kathleen Donahue

Monday, 11am-12pm in Naples 4 & 5

Wednesday, 10am-11am in Naples 4 & 5

Organized play for younger players, working with schools, and connecting with homeschoolers.

What was I Thinking?

Panel

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Naples 7

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Naples 7

So you started a business and now you want to upgrade. That could mean renovating your space, expanding where you’re at, or moving to a new location. The panel has lived through all of that. They’ll present some best practices and some horror stories before they take your questions.

Media ENGAGEMENT

To increase media coverage at GAMA EXPO, we have organized several new engagement initiatives for this year’s trade show.

Hosted Media Program

GAMA has invited 25 game reviewers and media companies to network with industry professionals, learn about the newest games & products and to provide an inside look at our fast-growing industry. A full list of invited media is available in the GAMA Expo APP.

Media First Look Room (Sierra Hospitality Suite)

Monday & Tuesday, 1pm-6pm

With the increased media presence at the show, we wanted to create a special area for GAMA publishers to showcase their latest games and new releases. The room will showcase the latest titles for media to take pictures for reviews and b-roll. Please note that these are displays only and not demos. Some publishers may be on hand to answer questions about their titles, but not all. We recommend following up with publishers either during the exhibit hall hours or online.

Media Speed Networking (Sorrento Ballroom)

Wednesday, 10am-12pm

Publishers and media are invited to our speed networking event to help make new contacts who can help promote your products or provide them for reviews, actual plays, unboxings and more!

GAMA MEDIA BOOTH (Exhibit Hall #647)

Wednesday, 1-6pm & Thursday 9am-6pm

We have created a 20x20 interview lounge in the exhibit hall for media to conduct interviews and record content live from the show floor.

industry seminars

The following educational programming covers valuable topics for members across the industry. From publishing to distribution to media productions, we have designed this years seminars to serve GAMA’s entire member base.

Antitrust Law for the Hobby Gaming Community

Dr. Brian Chellgren

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Sorrento 3

This seminar provides an overview of antitrust law, namely, rules prohibiting anticompetitive business practices. The seminar covers both interactions with customers and suppliers and interactions with competitors.

Creating an Environment of Well Being in the Workplace

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Sorrento 4

Take a look into how you can manage a workplace that encourages employees to be the best they can be while supporting their needs and increasing productivity along the way. Join us as we explore ways to help your team work in a positive and cohesive manner that is easier and more attainable than you would think.

Creative Video Marketing

Maxim Istomin

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Sorrento 1 & 2

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 1 & 2

How to create effective marketing videos. For publishers, who run Kickstarters. For retailers who use videos to market their stores.

Green Gaming

Eric Price

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 4

Learn how you can be more responsible with your planet, making eco-friendly decisions with production, fulfillment, packaging, and all things in between. Join representatives from game factories from around the world as they discuss green choices that publishers can make to leave less of a mark on the environment. We welcome publishers and retailers alike, and anyone that is interested in what steps can be taken to reduce carbon footprint. Tread lightly.

How to Pick a Hit Game to Publish

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Sorrento 4

It’s not just about what you like or even what customers think is fun. Our panel shares insights into how to identify games that are more likely to generate top sales.

How to Stand Out and Attract More Customers at a Convention

Alex Abrate

Tuesday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 3

Conventions are a great way to bring in new customers and make sales, but how does one stand out when there are six vendors all selling similar products? Why would a customer come to you for the sale? How do you generate loyalty for them to come to you next time? Come join us as we take you through the psychology of how to stand out at a convention, and how to be the choice when it comes to “who should I spend my money with”.

industry seminars

The following educational programming covers valuable topics for members across the industry. From publishing to distribution to media productions, we have designed this years seminars to serve GAMA’s entire member base.

ICv2 White Paper: Hobby Games Market

Milton Griepp

Tuesday, 11am-12pm in Sorrento 1 & 2

In this presentation, Milton Griepp, CEO of ICv2, the leading authority on market information for the hobby games business, will share the latest data on the hobby games market in the U.S. and Canada, looking at short and longterm trends. In addition to analysis of the overall market, this presentation will include size and trend information for individual hobby game categories, including Collectible Games, Miniatures, Hobby Board Games, Hobby Card and Dice Games, and Roleplaying Games.

The Ins and Outs of Fulfillment

Allison Chase

Monday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 3

What happens when a product leaves the assembly line? Designed as an introduction to the world of fulfillment, this session maps your journey from factory to doorstep, while also introducing you to the logistics tools and best practices you’ll need to deliver your project successfully.

Intellectual Property for Games: How to Get It, How to Use It

Nick Landau

Monday, 11am-12pm in Sorrento 3

Tuesday, 11am-12pm in Sorrento 3

The market for hobby games (HG) has grown explosively over the past decade, causing the value of HG intellectual property (IP) to increase proportionately. HGs are now common targets for counterfeiters, and the market is awash in

fake games. This seminar explains why reliance on unregistered IP is no longer adequate to protect creative investment in HGs, and explains simple and cost-effective ways to improve IP protection of HGs. No stone will be left unturned, as all forms of IP will be discussed, from the ubiquitous copyright to trademarks, trade dress, and design patents. The seminar will consider cost-effective ways to enforce intellectual property, without recourse to costly lawsuits.

Legal Aspects of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

Dr. Brian Chellgren

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Sorrento 3

Tuesday, 9am-10am in Sorrento 3

This seminar provides an overview of nonfungible tokens: what they are, what they are not, and potential legal risks in using them.

Marketing with Retailers Panel

Monday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 1 & 2

John Stephens moderates this discussion about partnering with retailers to market your products directly to customers. Features industry expert discussion and Q&A.

Marketing with Vision Panel

Monday, 9am-10am in Sorrento 1 & 2

Marketing is nothing if not the effort to spark and inspire interest and desire. Come hear a lively discussion of marketing professionals across the industry on the nature of marketing, inspirational marketing events, creative applications in any environment, and more.

industry seminars

The following educational programming covers valuable topics for members across the industry. From publishing to distribution to media productions, we have designed this years seminars to serve GAMA’s entire member base.

Networking: Not Just What, But Who You Know!

Rachael Blaske

Monday, 10am-11am in Sorrento 4

Relationships are the currency of business, and growing your network can directly correlate to growing your business. Let’s talk tangible tips for networking as well as overall concepts to live by. Bring your business cards and meet someone who can help you achieve that goal you’ve been scratching your head about how to accomplish!

Organized Play: Yes, Every Game Company Should Utilize the Power Panel

Monday, 11am-12pm in Sorrento 4

Join this panel of retailers as they talk about why organized play is beneficial in promoting your brand and increasing your buyers and player base. We will also discuss the simplest and easiest forms of organized play that won’t break the bank. This is a seminar you won’t want to miss.

Self-Publishing Success Stories

Panel

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Sorrento 1 & 2

Come learn how various social media platforms, entertainment platforms and more can help you launch your game. We will have a panel of publishers and creators that have used a wide range of techniques to rise above the noise.

TikTok: The Ins and Outs

Chris Castagnetto

Monday, 2pm-3pm in Sorrento 1 & 2

Learn why so many customers are turning to TikTok and what that means for you.

What a Store Wants: Insiders Look at What Retail Buyers Use as Buying Metrics

Panel

Monday, 3pm-4pm in Sorrento 4

This is a panel made up of retail buyers. The idea is to help publishers and creators understand what makes retailers choose to buy a game. How we measure the number we order and what you can do to help retail see the potential in your game.

The Why, How, and What of Healthcare Coverage

GameManufacturersHealthCare.com

Monday, 4pm-5pm in Sorrento 3

GAMA has partnered with MJM Global Brokerage to enable us to offer the benefit of access to improved healthcare coverage options for our members and families through a GAMA sponsored Private Health Exchange, GameManufacturersHealthCare.com. This seminar will overview the advantages of enrolling in this program and allow for Q & A.

Power retailer awards

@ The GRD Cocktail Reception

Monday, 7pm-8:30pm in Tuscany Ballroom

GAMA takes great pride in honoring the best in retail innovation and creativity with the Power Retail Awards. Each year, these awards recognize the most innovative retailers in a variety of categories.

Each winner will receive a $500 credit memo from one GAMA Distributor Member, be photographed during the awards ceremony, and be officially recognized on the GAMA website and in the Spring issue of Around the Table.

Nominees were submitted by Retailer Members. All stores that had been GAMA members and in operation for at least one year were eligible. The GAMA Retail Division (GRD) reviewed the submissions and selected the winners in the following categories: Outstanding Store, Outstanding Marketing, Outstanding Organized Play, and Outstanding Store Design.

If you would like to be involved in the 2023 Power Retail Awards, please visit: www.gama.org/page/power-retail-awards

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