GAMA Expo's attendance this year is more than double its pre-pandemic record of 1,800 set in 2019, and up more than 87.5% compared to the event's final Reno show in 2023.
North America’s biggest board games industry trade show, GAMA Expo, is moving to Baltimore after surging attendance numbers left the event straining at the seams again - just two years after the show shifted to Kentucky to handle growing interest.
Another record attendance at North America's biggest board games industry trade show, GAMA Expo, has left the event pressed for space once again - just a year after the show was transported to Louisville in an attempt to handle surging interest.
A record number of people descended on tabletop gaming trade show GAMA Expo last week, although the number of retailers attending the event is still below pre-Covid levels, ICV2 reports.
The Game Manufacturer's Association has shifted next year's GAMA Expo trade show a week earlier than usual due to a huge growth in attendance this year - and has agreed to keep the event in Kentucky for an extra year despite its own reservations over remaining in the state.
Hobby games trade body GAMA has looked into scrapping the planned move of its annual trade show to Kentucky in the wake of anti-LGBTQ laws passed by the state - but said the $1.8m cancellation cost would have a "lethal impact" on the organisation.
Brady, who spent two years as president of GAMA, had been a key driver of a plan for the organisation to become the "epicentre" of global tabletop gaming, underpinned by the unveiling of its first-ever 10-year plan last October.
President Nicole Brady, who runs review site SAHM Reviews, was re-elected to the board by GAMA's media and events member group, while treasurer Tiffany Reid from Southern Hobby Distribution won re-election from the wholesale group.
Multiple members of the organisation expressed their disgust during the AGM that board members had suggested people only attended because free food was provided, while others were upset at the way they were shouted at and talked over during a fiery discussion on changes to the non-profit's bylaws.
Arizona-based Silver Dragon Games scooped Retailer of the Year at this year's awards, adding to the Innovation In Games (Retail) and Outstanding Store Design titles it won at the same awards in 2024.
