Game Manufacturers Partner with Wizard World

Columbus, OH (July 27, 2011) – The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is pleased to announce its partnership with Wizard World, Inc. (symbol: WIZD), producer of North America’s largest pop-culture tour. GAMA is supporting the two shows to include a trade day and gaming events at Wizard World Shows. The first, Chicago Comic Con, will take place at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., August 11-14, and the second, Mid-Ohio Comic Con at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on October 22-23.

“GAMA is thrilled to be partnering with Wizard World,” said John Ward, Executive Director. “GAMA and Wizard World are totally dedicated to making this a success. I think this program provides a great crossover between the two entities.”

“We are excited about teaming with GAMA to highlight tabletop gaming, which has been an important part of Wizard World events,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “We are also pleased that Chicago Comic Con will serve as a venue to showcase the prestigious Origin Awards.”

The Trade Day will be a one day event on August 11 which will be free to all retailers. This will include professional seminars by the GAMA staff and products demonstrated by Wiz Kids.

GAMA is also pleased to announce demonstrations in its gaming area in the exhibit hall. The demonstrations will include its 2011 Origins Awards winners as well as the 2012 submissions. The Origins Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Gaming Arts and Designs to recognize outstanding achievement in design and production of games and game related products.

If you would like more information about the Origins Awards and how to submit, please contact academychair@gama.org.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide. The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

About GAMA:

The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is the non-profit trade association dedicated to serving the tabletop game industry. Led by publishers and manufacturers, GAMA promotes the interests of all persons involved in the commerce of games and game-related products. GAMA strengthens and supports all industry professionals by advancing their interests, providing educational programs and opportunities and promoting our unique form of quality social entertainment.

Origins Traveling Show

The Origins Traveling Road Show provides support to other large events to support GAMA's business practices and programs.

Specifically, this program allows us to interface with other events for Trade functions and Gaming events to increase awareness of the Social Games Industry.

Trade Day

Trade Days are localized events where GAMA reaches out to retail stores in partnership with our membership. The GAMA Retail Division (GRD) provides seminars for professional development and peer interaction. Manufacturers provide product presentations and education, while GAMA provides updates on programs and membership benefits.

For a Trade Day schedule click here.

Gaming Area

When GAMA provides gaming events, we offer the newest and more innovative games of the current year, The Origins Awards. The Origins Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Gaming Arts and Design to recognize outstanding achievement in design and production of games and game related products.

The winners of each category will have their product on display and will be conducting game demonstrations for the general public to enjoy free of charge. In addition, the current submissions to the Academy for consideration will also be available to people to enjoy. If you want to know more about the origins Awards, visit us at www.gama.org/OriginsAwards.