http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-april-29 Newsbriefs for April 29, 2008 NOMINEES FOR 34TH ANNUAL ORIGINS AWARDS ANNOUNCED The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design (AAGAD) and the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) proudly announce the nominees in all categories for the 34th Origins Awards. Game retailer attendees at last week’s GAMA Trade Show in Las Vegas reviewed the list and selected the finalists in each award category. From those finalists, attendees at the Origins Game Fair and members of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design will select the ultimate winners of the 34th Origins Awards. This year’s winners will be announced during the Origins Awards ceremony at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. Submissions for 35th Origins Awards will open soon. Watch http://www.originsgamefair.com/aagad/submission for updates and submission forms. The final submission deadline for the 35th Origins Awards is January 15, 2009. No extensions will be given past this date! It is perfectly acceptable to submit games as they are released throughout the year. For more information about the Origins Game Fair, visit http://www.originsgamefair.com. To learn more about the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design, please visit http://www.originsgamefair.com/aagad. MINIATURE OR MINIATURES LINE Skarrd Raze #2 by Dark Age Games George R.R. Martin Masterworks - Premium Miniature Line by Dark Sword Miniatures, Inc. Titanius Fury by Dragonfire Laser Crafts Inc. Bronzeback Titan, HORDES: Evolution Miniatures Line by Privateer Press Dark Heaven Legends Fantasy Miniatures by Reaper Miniatures MINIATURES RULES Classic Battletech Published by Catalyst Game Labs Created by Jordan Weisman Edited by Michelle Lyons, Diane Piron-Gelman Saganami Island Tactical Simulator, Second Edition Published by Ad Astra Games Created by Ken Burnside and Thomas Pope Forces of WARMACHINE: Pirates of the Broken Coast Published by Privateer Press Created by Brian Snoddy and Matt Wilson AT-43 Published by Rackham Created by Arnaud Cuidet, Jean-Baptiste Lullien, Nicolas Raoult, and Jerome Rigal Song of Blades and Heroes Published by Andrea Sfiligoi Created by Andrea Sfiligoi PUBLICATION, FICTION Astounding Hero Tales Published by Hero Games Edited by James Lowder Dragons of the Highlord Skies Published by Wizards of the Coast Written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman Frontier Cthulhu Published by Chaosium Edited by William Jones The Orc King Published by Wizards of the Coast Written by R.A. Salvatore The Time Curse Published by Margaret Weis Productions Written by James M. Ward PUBLICATION, NON-FICTION 40 Years of Gen Con Published by Atlas Games Written by Robin D. Laws Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress: A Girl’s Guide to the Dungeons & Dragons Game Published by Wizards of the Coast Written by Shelly Mazzanoble Grand History of the Realms Published by Wizards of the Coast Written by Brian R. James and Ed Greenwood Hobby Games: The 100 Best Published by Green Ronin Edited by James Lowder No Quarter Magazine Published by Privateer Press Nathan Letsinger, editor-in-chief; Eric Cagle, editor; Josh Manderville, art director ROLEPLAYING GAME Grimm Published by Fantasy Flight Games Written by Robert Vaughn and Christian T. Petersen The Savage World of Solomon Kane Published by Great White Games/Pinnacle Entertainment Group Written by Paul "Wiggy" Wade-Williams (with Shane Lacy Hensley) CthulhuTech Published by Mongoose Publishing Written by Matthew Grau and Fraser McKay Battlestar Galactica Published by Margaret Weis Productions Written by Jamie Chambers Faery’s Tale Deluxe Published by Firefly Games Written by Patrick Sweeney, Sandy Antunes, Christina Stiles, and Robin D. Laws Aces & Eights Published by Kenzer & Co. Written by Jolly R. Blackburn, Brian Jelke, Steve Johansson, Dave Kenzer, Jennifer Kenzer and Mark Plemmons ROLEPLAYING GAME SUPPLEMENT Legend of the Five Rings: Emerald Empire Published by Alderac Entertainment Group Written by Shawn Carman, Richard Farrese, Douglas Sun and Brian Yoon Pirate’s Guide to Freeport Published by Green Ronin Written by Chris Pramas, Robert J. Schwalb, and Patrick O’Duffy Delta Green: Eyes Only Published by Pagan Publishing Written by Dennis Detwiller, Adam Scott Glancy and Shane Ivey Pathfinder: Rise of the Runelords Published by Paizo Publishing Edited by James Jacobs, Art by Wayne Reynolds Ruins of the Wild: Dungeon Tiles 4 Published by Wizards of the Coast Written by Bruce R. Cordell Codex Arcanis Published by Paradigm Concepts Written by Team Paradigm GAME SUPPORT Dungeon Life: Bendy Walls Published by by Z-Man Publishing Gamemastery Flip Mat: Tavern Published by Paizo Publishing Crystalline Counters Published by Three Sages Games Hollow Earth Expedition GM Screen Published by Exile Game Studio Dr. Wizard’s Patented Elevation Indicator Published by Stratus Artworks Call Of Cthulhu Dice Set Published by Q-Workshop COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME Bleach Published by Score Entertainment Aik Tongtharadol (lead designer), William Harper (rules editor) Legend of the Five Rings Published by Alderac Entertainment Group Mark Wootton (lead designer), Charles Urbach (cover artist) The Spoils by Tenacious Games, Inc. Josh Lytle (lead designer), Patrick Meehan (lead artist) BOARD GAME OR EXPANSION Pillars of the Earth Published by Mayfair Games Created by Michael Rieneck and Stefan Stadler Kingsburg Published by Elfin Werks Created by Andrea Chiarvesio and Luca Iennaco StarCraft: The Board Game Published by Fantasy Flight Games Created by Corey Konieczka and Christian Petersen Last Night on Earth, The Zombie Game Published by Flying Frog Productions Created by Jason Hill Battue: Storm of the Horse Lords Published by Red Juggernaut Created by Jim Long TRADITIONAL CARD GAME Lifeboat Published by Gorilla Games Created by Jeff Siadek Cutthroat Caverns Published by Smirk and Dagger Games Created by Curt Covert and Justin Brunetto Bankruptcy Published by Tangent Games Created by Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee Zombie Fluxx Published by Looney Labs Created by Andrew Looney Infernal Contraption Published by Privateer Press Created by Matt Wilson, Jason Soles, Kevin Clark, Erik Breidenstein Race for the Galaxy Published by Rio Grande Games Created by Thomas Lehmann ------------------------------- SPECIAL GTS WRAP-UP COMING THIS WEEK! Last week’s GAMA Trade Show (GTS) in Las Vegas featured hundreds of attendees, lots of new products, seminars galore, and much, much more. Watch for the official show wrap-up, plus reports on the GTS Charity Auction, Games to Troops shipment, and more coming later this week! ------------------------------- MANUFACTURERS -- BUILD BUYER BUZZ AND GRAB EXTRA PUBLICITY FOR YOUR NEW GAME WITH AN ORIGINS RELEASE Again this year, Origins attendees will select one lucky game for the “Released At Origins” award. Sponsored by the Academy of Adventure Gaming, Arts, and Design (AAGAD) and GAMA, the award recognizes the game that Origins attendees select as the top new release at the show. Get your new releases ready and watch for more details soon! ------------------------------- SEE ORIGINS WITH GAMA’S RETAIL EXPERTS Are you a retailer, who just hasn’t had time to get to the GAMA Trade Show? Interested in becoming a retailer some day? Join our GAMA Retail Division Board Members and expert retailers as they show you how it’s done, in our third GAMA Retailer Summit. You’ll walk the exhibit hall with other retailers, hear great speakers in our seminars, and chat with other retailers in the GRD Lounge. Nothing can replace the experience of GTS, but the GAMA Retailer Summit is the next best thing! ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS ON THE PULP GAMER NETWORK Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-seminars/. ------------------------------- GET YOUR PRODUCTS REVIEWED BY GAMING REPORT Marc Shayed from Gaming Report (www.gamingreport.com) sends along this invitation to get your games reviewed: ------ Greetings Game & Toy Industry Professionals!! Recently after the International Toy Fair a few weeks ago, I began to be asked the question by many manufactures and game producers concerning reviews (especially the new companies). It began to happen so much I decided to send out an email.... The question I got a lot was: "How much do we (the GamingReport) charge for a game, toy or product review?" I have never heard of anyone charging for reviews, and I believe no one should. We have never charged for any game, toy or product review, and never will. While several members of my staff have been hired for short term work on product development, testing,... (including myself) if the game is ready for a review, all we expect is a few copies (1 - 3) to send out to my reviews staff and we play-test the games and write the reviews. As the game convention season is beginning, I would like to send reviews materials out to my staff over the next few weeks, if you have a game, toy or related product you would like reviewed, please just let us know. As always, these materials can be sent to the below shipping address and a review will be written and posted online. Once posted, you will receive an email from me saying it is up. The Gaming Report Attention: Marc Shayed Reviews 6 Old County Way Portland, CT 06480 We are always looking for your latest releases, and even your older ones that we have missed the first time around. Good Luck and Good Gaming; Marc Shayed Review Editor http://www.gamingreport.com/ MShayed@GamingReport.com ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). --- John Kaufeld GAMA Communications pr@gama.org http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-april-29 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:15:12 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-awards-semi-finalists-correction In the "Publication, Non-Fiction" category, the entry for Polymancer Magazine from Polymancer Studios should have credited "Staff Editors" instead of one person. Our apologies for this error! John Kaufeld GAMA Communications pr@gama.org http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-awards-semi-finalists-correction Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:00:24 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-awards-semi-finalists-announced SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 34TH ANNUAL ORIGINS AWARDS Retailers at the GAMA Trade Show will select finalists this week Las Vegas -- April 21, 2008 -- The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design (AAGAD) and the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) proudly announce the semi-finalists in all categories for the 34th Origins Awards. “It was a good year for the Origins awards,” said Phil Lacefield Jr., chairman of the AAGAD. “We had plenty of contenders across the board. The jury members did a great job.” “The Origins Awards give our industry a chance to reward excellence in all facets of gaming,” said Anthony Gallela, GAMA’s executive director. “The award categories recognize games of all types, as well as fiction, non-fiction, magazines, comics, and more.” Juries of subject matter experts in each award category selected the semifinalists from all submitted products. They narrowed the field for their category to the top 10 selections (or fewer, depending on the number of total submissions). Starting with the semifinalist list, game retailer attendees at this week’s GAMA Trade Show in Las Vegas will select up to five finalists in each award category. From those finalists, attendees at the Origins Game Fair and members of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design will select the ultimate winners of the 34th Origins Awards. This year’s winners will be announced during the Origins Awards ceremony at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. Submissions for 35th Origins Awards will open soon. Watch www.originsgamefair.com/aagad/submission for updates and submission forms. The final submission deadline for the 35th Origins Awards is January 15, 2009. No extensions will be given past this date! It is perfectly acceptable to submit games as they are released throughout the year. For more information about the Origins Game Fair, visit www.originsgamefair.com. To learn more about the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design, please visit www.originsgamefair.com/aagad. MEDIA CONTACT John Kaufeld GAMA Communications 260-312-0562 pr@gama.org 2007 ORIGINS AWARD SEMIFINALIST LIST MINATURE OR MINIATURES LINE Alien Invasion Brigade Games DAG1039 Forsaken Deathstryke, Banger Dark Age Games DAG1033 Forsaken Lucky Dark Age Games DAG3025 Skarrd Raze #2 Dark Age Games DAG4010 Brood Mandible Dark Age Games DAG1032 Forsaken Hephzibah Dark Age Games George R.R. Martin Masterworks - Premium Miniature Line Dark Sword Miniatures, Inc. Titanius Fury Dragonfire Laser Crafts Inc. Bronzeback Titan, HORDES: Evolution Miniatures Line Privateer Press Dark Heaven Legends Fantasy Miniatures Reaper Miniatures MINIATURES RULES Classic Battletech Catalyst Game Labs Dark Age: Essence Dark Age Games Saganami Island Tactical Simulator Ad Astra Games Forces of WARMACHINE: Pirates of the Broken Coast Privateer Press AT-43 Rackham AE-WWII Core Rule Book Darkson Designs Song of Blades and Heroes Andrea Sfiligoi Frontiers Asmodee Babylon 5: A Call to Arms Second Edition Mongoose Publishing Rezolution: Outbreak Aberrant Games PUBLICATION, FICTION Astounding Hero Tales Hero Games Edited by James Lowder Dragons of the Highlord Skies Wizards of the Coast Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman Duty Calls Games Workshop Sandy Mitchell Fire at Will Roc Blaine Lee Pardoe Flight From the Dark Mongoose Publishing Joe Dever Frontier Cthulhu Chaosium Edited by William Jones The Orc King Wizards of the Coast R.A. Salvatore Ravenor Rogue Games Workshop Dan Abnett “The Shae Mutiny,” (from No Quarter #11) Privateer Press Doug Seacat The Time Curse Margaret Weis Productions James M. Ward PUBLICATION, NON-FICTION 40 Years of Gen Con Atlas Games Robin D. Laws The Art of Warhammer Games Workshop Edited by Marc Gascoigne and Nick Kyme Battlegames Magazine Battlegames, Ltd. Edited by Henry Hyde Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress: A Girl's Guide to the Dungeons & Dragons Game Wizards of the Coast Shelly Mazzanoble Grand History of the Realms Wizards of the Coast Brian R. James and Ed Greenwood Hobby Games: The 100 Best Green Ronin Edited by James Lowder Kobold Quarterly magazine Open Design Edited by Wolfgang Baur No Quarter Magazine Privateer Press Nathan Letsinger, editor-in-chief; Eric Cagle, editor; Josh Manderville, art director Polymancer Magazine Polymancer Studios Edited by Andrew Bernstein Second Person: Role-Playing and Story in Games and Playable Media MIT Press Edited by Pat Harrigan and Noah Waldrip-Fruin ROLEPLAYING GAME Grimm Fantasy Flight Games The Savage World of Solomon Kane Great White Games/Pinnacle Entertainment Group CthulhuTech Mongoose Publishing Matthew Grau and Fraser McKay Star Wars Saga Edition Wizards of the Coast Owen K.C. Stephens and Rodney Thompson Witch Hunter: The Invisible World Paradigm Concepts Henry Lopez and Erik Weiner Battlestar Galactica Margaret Weis Productions Jamie Chambers Suzerain Talisman Studios Miles M. Kantir and Zach Welhouse Faery’s Tale Deluxe Firefly Games Patrick Sweeney, Sandy Antunes, Christina Stiles, and Robin D. Laws Colonial Gothic Rogue Games Richard Iorio II and Monica Valentinelli Comix the RPG Shiny Red Button Games ROLEPLAYING GAME SUPPLEMENT Legend of the Five Rings: Emerald Empire Alderac Entertainment Group Shawn Carman, Richard Farrese, Douglas Sun and Brian Yoon Pirate’s Guide to Freeport Green Ronin Chris Pramas, Robert J. Schwalb, and Patrick O'Duffy Shaintar: Immortal Legends Talisman Studios Sean Patrick Fannon, Aaron Rosenberg, and Chrystyne Novack Castlemourn Margaret Weis Productions Ed Greenwood Delta Green: Eyes Only Pagan Publishing Dennis Detwiller, Adam Scott Glancy and Shane Ivey Pathfinder: Rise of the Runelords Paizo Publishing James Jacobs and Wayne Reynolds Ruins of the Wild: Dungeon Tiles 4 Wizards of the Coast Bruce R. Cordell Autumn Arbor Campaign Setting Arbor Productions Lee F. Szczepanik Jr, Erin Szczepanik, Anna Lunsford, Mordechai Luchinsky and Michael Kuhn Codex Arcanis Paradigm Concepts Team Paradigm Ars Magica: Societates: House of Hermes Atlas Games Erik Dahl, Timothy Ferguson, Andrew Gronsky, John Post, Mark Shirley, and Nick Simmonds GAME SUPPORT Dungeon Life: Bendy Walls Z-Man Publishing Gamemastery Flip Mat: Tavern Paizo Publishing Crystalline Counters Three Sages Games Hollow Earth Expedition GM Screen Exile Game Studio Dr. Wizard's Patented Elevation Indicator Stratus Artworks Call Of Cthulhu Dice Set Q-Workshop Check Your Six! Flight Stands Noble Miniatures The Chronicles of Ramlar - Originsl Soundtrack Bailey Records Bleach Trading Card Game Metal Deck Box Score Entertainment COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME Bleach Score Entertainment Aik Tongtharadol (lead designer), William Harper (rules editor) Legend of the Five Rings Alderac Entertainment Group Mark Wootton (lead designer), Charles Urbach (cover artist) The Spoils Tenacious Games, Inc. Josh Lytle (lead designer), Patrick Meehan (lead artist) Stargate TCG Online - Base Set Comic Images Evan Lorentz, Paul Dennen, Chuck Kallenbach, Scott Martins, Chris Woods (game design); Steve Thoma, Colton Hoerner (graphic designers) BOARD GAME OR EXPANSION Pillars of the Earth Mayfair Games Michael Rieneck and Stefan Stadler Kingsburg Elfin Werks Andrea Chiarvesio and Luca Iennaco Qwirkle Mindware Susan McKiney Ross StarCraft: The Board Game Fantasy Flight Games Corey Konieczka and Christian Petersen Last Night on Earth, The Zombie Game Flying Frog Productions Jason Hill Chang Cheng Teknigames Walter Obert AmuseAmaze HL Games USA Limited Ethan Goffman Battue: Storm of the Horse Lords Red Juggernaut Jim Long HeroCard Orc Wars TableStar Games Nico Carroll THUGS! Tiny Mantis Entertainment Nik Mikros and T. W. Cooney TRADITIONAL CARD GAME OR EXPANSION Walk the Plank Green Ronin Publishing Brian Hess and Evan Sass Before the Wind Mayfair Games Torsten Lansbogt Escalation Z-Man Games Reiner Knitzia Lifeboat Gorilla Games Jeff Siadek Cutthroat Caverns Smirk and Dagger Games Curt Covert Bankruptcy Tangent Games Geoff Habiger and Coy Kaissee You Don't Have More Cows Fuller Flippers Dane Fuller Zombie Fluxx Looney Labs Andrew Looney Infernal Contraption Privateer Press Matt Wilson, Jason Soles, Kevin Clark, Erik Breidenstein Minions Cloud Kingdom Games Rick Smith ### John Kaufeld GAMA Communications pr@gama.org http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-awards-semi-finalists-announced Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:49:49 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-2008-event-score-entertainment-bleach-tcg-retailer-challenge Join Score Entertainment for the Bleach Trading Card Game Retailer Challenge. To celebrate the fourth release of the Bleach TCG, retailers attending this event will learn to play the game and receive product for use in this sealed tournament event. Attendees will have a chance to win a complete parallel foil set of Bankai, a complete set of voice actor autograph inserts or a Nintendo Wii. All players will receive free product for the event and participation promos., and players who make the Top Cut will be awarded additional prizes. Don’t miss out! Join us for the Bleach TCG Retailer Challenge! The first 100 retailers who stop by the Score Entertainment Booth #315 will receive a complimentary drink ticket for the event. (Skyview 4) http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-2008-event-score-entertainment-bleach-tcg-retailer-challenge Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:47:28 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/reminder---badges-and-documentation-for-gts-2008 Just some quick reminders to you all as you prepare to travel out to GAMA Trade Show. 1. Retail and Wholesale members - Badges are NOT automatically processed when you send in a membership form. Your memberships do include badges but you must pre-register for them to have them ready for you in the Pre-Registration line. If you processed your membership/GTS badges online, they will be at Pre-Registration. If you mailed or faxed in a GTS Pre-Registration form, they will be ready for you at Pre-Registration. If you have sent in a membership application only, you will need to be at the onsite registration line to have your badges processed. 2. Exhibitors - You must have requested your badges on the exhibitor badge request form. Each 10x10 booth comes with two comp badges. Additional exhibitor badges may be purchased onsite (we cannot accept requests via email now) at the $75 rate. ----- Remember to bring a copy of your receipt! This will make it much easier to locate your badges/membership. Retailers - you must bring a copy of your most recent distributor order to verify that you are an active retail location. (Introductory members are exempt from this requirement during their first year of membership as they are beginning to open a store.) ----- Exhibitors & Retailers: Watch out for "Demo Bingo" at GTS! The GAMA Trade Show has a brand new program designed to drive retailer traffic to your game booth! We'll give out bingo cards with squares like "A miniatures game" or "A game that contains 8 or more dice." Retailers will be swarming the show looking for games that fit the squares they've got, hoping to win prizes. Please have your demoers ready to write the names of the games they demo into the appropriate boxes--just one per card, please! Of course, manufacturers can play too! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/reminder---badges-and-documentation-for-gts-2008 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:51:30 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gama-board-meeting-at-gts-2008 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gama-board-meeting-at-gts-2008 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:45:53 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-27 Newsbriefs for March 27, 2008 ONLY AT GTS! GET THE FIRST PEEK AT AN AMAZING HUGE FIGURE FROM UPPER DECK'S WORLD OF WARCRAFT MINIS GAME, PLUS TAKE HOME A FREE PROMO FIGURE FOR YOUR STORE!! There's plenty of excitement around Upper Deck's impending World of Warcraft Miniatures Game -- and GTS attendees get the hottest info to explode their WoW miniatures sales! Come to GTS and see how the Upper Deck artists brought your customers' favorite World of Warcraft characters to life as miniatures with amazingly accurate scale and gorgeous details. Want a promo figure that's sure to make your customers drool? Just send one of your store's Buyer badge attendees to Upper Deck's presentation on Monday at 4 p.m. during the show. Since this figure is sure to be the hottest promo of 2008, supplies are limited to one figure per store. (To qualify for the special promotional figure, one of your store's Buyer badge attendees must pick up a promo certificate during the product presentation on Monday, and then take the certificate to the Upper Deck booth in the exhibit hall on Tuesday.) Better yet, Upper Deck will treat all show attendees to a special sneak peek at… well, we can't tell you the figure's name, but we can tell you this -- it's one very big dragon! Upper Deck will unveil this amazing huge figure -- and show off many others -- at their booth on Tuesday during GTS. Bring all of the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game excitement home to your store! Register for GTS today at www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For the best available room rates at Bally's, check the Bally's reservation system at https://www.harrahs.com/. To learn more about the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game before the show, visit www.WoWMinis.com. ------------------------------- GTS HOSTS SILENT CHARITY AUCTION IN HONOR OF GARY GYGAX On Monday at GTS, GAMA will hold a Silent Charity Auction in honor of Gary Gygax. His family has said that his favored charity is the Christian Children's Fund, which benefits impoverished children around the world. 100% of the proceeds of this auction will be donated to the CCF in Gary Gygax's name. To find out more about the Christian Children's Fund, please see their website: http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/ We are currently looking for donations to the auction. If you'd like to donate, please contact Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org) with the details of your donation. Please bring the items with you to GTS. If you're unable to attend GTS this year but still wish to donate an item to the auction, please contact Trey to make arrangements for shipping. Thank you in advance to everyone who donates, and thank you to everyone who participates! ------------------------------- ORIGINS ON-SITE BOOK EVENT DEADLINE APRIL 4 For those of you who haven’t submitted yet, don’t forget that the final deadline for Origins Event Submission is April 4. Events that are submitted after that deadline cannot be guaranteed to be in the Onsite Book if accepted. To submit your events go to www.originsgamefair.com/2007/events/eventsubmissions. Check out the Origins event policies at www.originsgamefair.com/2008/plan/gms. To look over our GM Benefits and Event Hours calculations, visit www.originsgamefair.com/2008/plan/gms/benefits/event-hours-calculations. ------------------------------- WELCOME THE RETURN OF REAPER, GAMES WORKSHOP -- PLUS LOTS OF NEW EXHIBITORS AT GTS 2008 It’s official! GAMA proudly welcomes Games Workshop and Reaper back to the 2008 GAMA Trade Show!! GAMA also extends a warm welcome to these first-time GTS exhibitors: * 7th Circle Games * APBA Games * Bucepahlus Games * Catalyst Games Labs * Core 7 Games * Devir * Do Gooder Press * Duckfeet Entertainment * Duncan Toys (Known for yo-yos, they just produced a new game) * Dundjinni Enterprises * Gozer games * McNeill Designs LLC * Nabar Games * Ninja Magic Studios * Rubbing Hands Games Among the first-time exhibitors, Devir will show “España 1936” and other titles. McNeill Designs LLC will show “You’ve Been Sentenced,” along with the game’s new expansion packs. Register for GTS today at www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For the best rates at Bally’s, check the Bally’s reservation system at https://www.harrahs.com/. ------------------------------- MANUFACTURERS/EXHIBITORS: PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS FOR FREE AT GTS PLAY WITH A CREATOR NIGHT As you make your plans for GTS, don't forget one of the *free* opportunities that are open to you: Play with a Creator Night! GAMA ported this event to GTS from Origins, where it's always very popular. This year we have two PwaC events - our Play with a Creator - Origins Awards Edition on Monday night and a general Play with a Creator Night on Wednesday evening. Both are in Skyview 3. Monday’s event starts at 8pm, and the one on Wednesday starts at 9pm after the GRD meeting. If your game has ever been submitted, nominated for, or won an Origins Award, you qualify to be part of the Monday evening event – it’s a great way to start educating retailers about your OA submission before voting later in the week! Wednesday’s event is open to all games being run by their creator. We all know that one of the best ways to get retailers to sell your games is for the retailer to play the game themselves and catch the excitement, so why not sit down with a group and play? If you haven't reserved a table for your game yet, please do soon. Email programs@gama.org with the name of the game, the name of the creator who will be present, which night you're reserving table space for, and the size table that would be best for you. Some table space is still available for each night, but space is limited, so please reserve quickly! ------------------------------- MEDICAL FOOD ALLERGIES? GET SPECIAL MEALS AT GTS If you plan to attend the meals at GTS and have a food allergy that may prevent you from eating the meals safely, please contact Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org) to let her know the nature of your allergy. We’ll do our best, but some wide-spread and severe allergies may not be able to be accommodated. Please limit correspondence to medical requests only – we regret that we cannot accommodate requests based on taste preference. ------------------------------- SEE ORIGINS WITH GAMA’S RETAIL EXPERTS Are you a retailer, who just hasn’t had time to get to the GAMA Trade Show? Interested in becoming a retailer some day? Join our GAMA Retail Division Board Members and expert retailers as they show you how it’s done, in our third GAMA Retailer Summit. You’ll walk the exhibit hall with other retailers, hear great speakers in our seminars, and chat with other retailers in the GRD Lounge. Nothing can replace the experience of GTS, but the GAMA Retailer Summit is the next best thing! ------------------------------- GTS EXHIBITORS: PROMOTE AND CONTROL YOUR GIVEAWAYS WITH THE FREE GTS RETAILER PASSPORT Giving away product samples at this year's GTS? Let the GTS Retailer Passport program help you easily promote and monitor your giveaway program. Here's how it works: Every attending store location gets one passport. Someone from that location presents the passport at your booth. You tell them about your product, stamp the passport, and give them your sample. It's an easy way to make sure that the right people get the right amount of your goodies! To participate in the GTS Retailer Passport program, contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org, 614-255-4500). Register by April 11, 2008 to get into this year’s program! ------------------------------- INCLUDE YOUR PRODUCTS IN THE NEXT GAMES TO TROOPS SHIPMENT, DEPARTING FROM GTS 2008! Marketing to an appreciative and receptive clientele while doing a good thing? That sounds great! GAMA’s Games to Troops program puts your products into 168 Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) stations on the front lines of action around the world -- straight into the hands of men and women who will play them, enjoy them, and remember them when they return from active duty! Over 50 companies donated to the first Games to Troops shipment in 2006. Those games went to Southwest Asia (Kuwait, Iraq, Djibouti, Bahrain, and Afghanistan), serving an estimated force of over 100,000 people. The Navy’s newspaper wrote about the program, thanking our sponsors for their generosity. Most importantly, we received many letters from individual troops thanking us for tangibly supporting them and lifting their spirits. * What does this cost? Along with donating 168 copies of your product, we’re asking for a $100 fee to cover re-packaging materials and shipping. * How do companies sign up? Send an email to Trey Reilly at programs@gama.org. In your email, please list the following: 1. Your name 2. Phone number 3. Company you represent 4. The name of the items you are sending 5. A description of the items (board game, RPG book, etc) 6. A 300 dpi logo image of your logo for us to use in promotional materials 7. The number of items you are sending (we prefer groups of 168, but will accept less) 8. The retail value of each item * How many items should companies send? Can they send more than that? Less? 168 copies is what we’re looking for, the same as last time. That’ll give one copy to every MWR station on the front lines. If you send us fewer than 168 copies, we’ll put one in as many boxes as we can. If you send us more, some of the shipments will get two copies. To be fair to everyone, though, we really do like 168. * What products can be included? Board Games, Card Games, Books, CDs/DVDs. Complete miniatures games are fine, as are rulebooks, but individual minis are not. We are not accepting catalogues, posters, calendars, or magazines at this time. Normal shipping restrictions to our troops apply – nothing profane, political, or pornographic. * Can donations ship after the deadline? Unfortunately, no -- we can’t accept late donations. Everything is shipping directly from GTS, and once the pallets are packed there’s no way to add to them. * Is this tax-deductible? We’re sorry, but it isn’t. The arrangement with MWR is that we’re sponsoring them, rather than donating to a charitable cause. However, check with your accountant to see if this qualifies as a marketing or advertising expense. * To ship games to the GTS warehouse -- must arrive by April 16, 2008 Your company name Your GTS booth number YELLOW FREIGHT/ N’AWLINS/CDS 5049 West Post Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 REMEMBER: Warehouse shipments must be *received* by April 16, 2008 * To ship games for onsite delivery -- must arrive on April 21, 2008 (no deliveries before this date) Your company name Your GTS booth number GTS 2008 Booth No.: N’Awlins/CDS Service Desk Bally’s Event Center 3645 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV, 89109 REMEMBER: On-site shipments must arrive on April 21, not before! Thanks for helping us to support the troops! ------------------------------- THREE SHOWS FOR ONE PRICE AT THE MEGA WEEK OF TRADE SHOWS! The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA), and the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) are pleased to announce a "Mega Week of Trade Shows" in Las Vegas, from April 20-26, 2008. All three associations will be having their respective shows autonomously, yet registration and badges for any individual show will be accepted for entry into the other two. Please check with the individual show websites for times and locations. Entry to exhibit halls does not guarantee entry to all seminar and special membership programs in each show. The shows are being held at the Las Vegas Hilton and Bally’s Las Vegas. ------------------------------- OFFICIAL POLICY: CHILDREN AT GTS Like most other trade shows in our related industries--WITRA, ASTRA, Toy Fair, Etc.--GTS does not allow children (under age 18) on the exhibit hall floor. Most professionals love children, but with the limited time at a trade show, they find that children are a distraction to business. Unlike most shows however, GTS does allow children in other areas of the convention. That said, if they are in convention areas, then they must be with you at all times and you must take them out of the area if they are disruptive. Children do not need a badge at GTS. ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS ON THE PULP GAMER NETWORK Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-seminars/. ------------------------------- GET YOUR PRODUCTS REVIEWED BY GAMING REPORT Marc Shayed from Gaming Report (www.gamingreport.com) sends along this invitation to get your games reviewed: ------ Greetings Game & Toy Industry Professionals!! Recently after the International Toy Fair a few weeks ago, I began to be asked the question by many manufactures and game producers concerning reviews (especially the new companies). It began to happen so much I decided to send out an email.... The question I got a lot was: "How much do we (the GamingReport) charge for a game, toy or product review?" I have never heard of anyone charging for reviews, and I believe no one should. We have never charged for any game, toy or product review, and never will. While several members of my staff have been hired for short term work on product development, testing,... (including myself) if the game is ready for a review, all we expect is a few copies (1 - 3) to send out to my reviews staff and we play-test the games and write the reviews. As the game convention season is beginning, I would like to send reviews materials out to my staff over the next few weeks, if you have a game, toy or related product you would like reviewed, please just let us know. As always, these materials can be sent to the below shipping address and a review will be written and posted online. Once posted, you will receive an email from me saying it is up. The Gaming Report Attention: Marc Shayed Reviews 6 Old County Way Portland, CT 06480 We are always looking for your latest releases, and even your older ones that we have missed the first time around. Good Luck and Good Gaming; Marc Shayed Review Editor http://www.gamingreport.com/ MShayed@GamingReport.com ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). John Kaufeld GAMA Communications pr@gama.org http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-27 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:18:47 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-20 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-20 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:15:33 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-13 Newsbriefs for March 13, 2008 ------------------------------- THREE SHOWS FOR ONE PRICE AT THE MEGA WEEK OF TRADE SHOWS! The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA), and the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) are pleased to announce a "Mega Week of Trade Shows" in Las Vegas, from April 20-26, 2008. All three associations will be having their respective shows autonomously, yet registration and badges for any individual show will be accepted for entry into the other two. Please check with the individual show websites for times and locations. Entry to exhibit halls does not guarantee entry to all seminar and special membership programs in each show. The shows are being held at the Las Vegas Hilton and Bally’s Las Vegas. ------------------------------- BALLY’S ROOM BLOCK CLOSES MARCH 19! The room block for GTS at Bally’s closes March 19th -- just days from now! Book your rooms before the cutoff to get the best rate! To reserve your room for GTS 2008 online, you can go to our custom Bally’s reservation site at https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=BLV&groupCode=SBGMA8 Staying longer than 7 nights? Book your reservation through the Bally’s Las Vegas call center at +1 800-634-3434 (or +1 702-967-4111). Ask the reservation specialist for the “Game Manufacturers Association 2008 Trade Show” rate, convention code SBGMA8. Very important - We have had two calls from people who are saying the reservation agents can’t find our code or event name in the reservations system. As there are 200 reservation agents, we are trying to track down WHO is making this error. Our contacts have verified – again – that our info is in there correctly so this is very, very disturbing. If are having this problem, we need the name of the reservation agent you spoke with, approximate time of call, and number called from. This will enable our Bally’s contacts to pull the recording of the call and figure out what the problem is. Reservation deadline is Friday March 19, 2008. Bally's accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. Questions? Contact Jodie Panzeri at Ops(at)gama.org or +1 614 255 4500. ------------------------------- OFFICIAL POLICY: CHILDREN AT GTS Like most other trade shows in our related industries--WITRA, ASTRA, Toy Fair, Etc.--GTS does not allow children (under age 18) on the exhibit hall floor. Most professionals love children, but with the limited time at a trade show, they find that children are a distraction to business. Unlike most shows however, GTS does allow children in other areas of the convention. That said, if they are in convention areas, then they must be with you at all times and you must take them out of the area if they are disruptive. Children do not need a badge at GTS. ------------------------------- GTS EXHIBITORS: PROMOTE AND CONTROL YOUR GIVEAWAYS WITH THE FREE GTS RETAILER PASSPORT Giving away product samples at this year's GTS? Let the GTS Retailer Passport program help you easily promote and monitor your giveaway program. Here's how it works: Every attending store location gets one passport. Someone from that location presents the passport at your booth. You tell them about your product, stamp the passport, and give them your sample. It's an easy way to make sure that the right people get the right amount of your goodies! To participate in the GTS Retailer Passport program, contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org, 614-255-4500). Register by April 11, 2008 to get into this year’s program! ------------------------------- REGISTER FOR GTS TODAY (AND SAVE ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM!) Beat the March 19 deadline hotel deadline by getting your GTS badge and making your 2008 hotel reservations now! Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Thursday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For show registration, visit www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For hotel information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. To make hotel reservations, visit the special GTS reservation page at https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=BLV&groupCode=SBGMA8. ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS AT PULP GAMER Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-seminars/. ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). John Kaufeld GAMA Communications pr@gama.org http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-march-13 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:05:32 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-29-and-march-6 Newsbriefs for February 29 and March 6, 2008 ------------------------------- BALLY’S ROOM BLOCK CLOSES MARCH 19! The room block for GTS at Bally’s closes March 19th -- just days from now! Book your rooms before the cutoff to get the best rate! To reserve your room for GTS 2008 online, you can go to our personal reservation site through Bally's by clicking the link. Stays longer than 7 nights must be booked through the call center below. Stays less than 7 nights are available to book online. You can scroll down the dates on the default page or you can choose from the calendar that is located on the right hand side of the default page of the website. Or call Bally’s Las Vegas at +1 800-634-3434 (or +1 702-967-4111). Ask the reservation specialist for the “Game Manufacturers Association 2008 Trade Show” rate, convention code SBGMA8. Very important - We have had two calls from people who are saying the reservation agents can’t find our code or event name in the reservations system. As there are 200 reservation agents, we are trying to track down WHO is making this error. Our contacts have verified – again – that our info is in there correctly so this is very, very disturbing. If are having this problem, we need the name of the reservation agent you spoke with, approximate time of call, and number called from. This will enable our Bally’s contacts to pull the recording of the call and figure out what the problem is. Reservation deadline is Friday March 19, 2008. Bally's accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. Questions? Contact Jodie Panzeri at Ops(at)gama.org or +1 614 255 4500. https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=BLV&groupCode=SBGMA8 ------------------------------- PREZCON 2008: WINTER NATIONALS Convention report from Steve Verdoliva, Events & Programs Coordinator The 15th annual Prezcon took place February 19-24 at the Double Tree Hotel in Charlottesville, Va. This six day event boasted over 600 attendees and over 80 board game tournaments, including the Settlers of Catan 2008 Mid-Atlantic World Championship Qualifier Tournament. A number of game companies, including Columbia Games, Lock and Load Games, GMT Games, Worthington Games, Z-Man Games, Troll and Toad, and others, showed off new products and promoted their games to the crowd. This year’s attendees also enjoyed Revcon II, a mini-convention within the convention that featured board games of the American Revolution. Next year’s Prezcon takes place February 25-March 1. For information on the 2009 show, visit www.prezcon.com. ------------------------------- A FEW ROOMS AT THE DRURY FOR ORIGINS Always wanted to stay “in the middle of the action” at the Drury Hotel during Origins? This could be your lucky year! We just opened up more attendee rooms in the hotel, so make your reservations fast. Reserve your room online at http://www.druryhotels.com/reservations.cfm?id=DR0107. To get the Origins discount, use Group #546796. For general information about the hotel and its amenities, visit http://www.druryhotels.com/properties/columbuscvc.cfm. ------------------------------- THREE SHOWS FOR ONE PRICE AT THE MEGA WEEK OF TRADE SHOWS! The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA), and the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) are pleased to announce a "Mega Week of Trade Shows" in Las Vegas, from April 20-26, 2008. All three associations will be having their respective shows autonomously, yet registration and badges for any individual show will be accepted for entry into the other two. Please check with the individual show websites for times and locations. Entry to exhibit halls does not guarantee entry to all seminar and special membership programs in each show. The shows are being held at the Las Vegas Hilton and Bally’s Las Vegas. ------------------------------- MANUFACTURERS: MENSA MIND GAMES DEADLINE MARCH 15! (From the Mensa website) -- Started in 1990, the Mensa Mind Games competition provides an opportunity for game manufacturers and inventors to compete in one of the nation’s most respected and recognized game competitions. Games are played, rated, and reviewed by Mensa members throughout a three-day event. The top five games receive Mensa Select® recognition and may use the Mensa Select seal in perpetuity on their packaging and in their advertising. * Game Eligibility: Entries must have entered U.S. national distribution between February 1, 2007 and March 28, 2008. Board games, card games, and other types of table and party games for any number of players are eligible. The competition is not open to games that are incomplete or not yet in production. We cannot accommodate video, electronic, or computer games, or any games with an average playing time of more than 1.5 hours. Complete entry requirements may be found on our Web site, http://www.mindgames.us.mensa.org http://mindgames.us.mensa.org/manufacturer/enter.php * Judging: Games are judged by members of Mensa based on originality, game play, play value, aesthetics, and instructions. Participants complete comment cards for each game. The comment cards will be forwarded to the manufacturer and will include category scores and player demographic information. * Winning: The five games receiving the highest scores are declared the winners and receive the Mensa Select distinction. * Deadlines and Cost: The entry fee per game is $200 until March 14, 2008. The entry fee for entries received between March 15, 2008 and March 28, 2008 is $300. Entries received after March 28, 2008 will not be accepted. ------------------------------- REGISTER FOR GTS TODAY (AND SAVE ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM!) Beat the annual rush by getting your GTS badge and making your 2008 hotel reservations now! Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Thursday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For show registration, visit www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For hotel information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. ------------------------------- GTS EXHIBITORS: PROMOTE AND CONTROL YOUR GIVEAWAYS WITH THE FREE GTS RETAILER PASSPORT Giving away product samples at this year's GTS? Let the GTS Retailer Passport program help you easily promote and monitor your giveaway program. Here's how it works: Every attending store location gets one passport. Someone from that location presents the passport at your booth. You tell them about your product, stamp the passport, and give them your sample. It's an easy way to make sure that the right people get the right amount of your goodies! To participate in the GTS Retailer Passport program, contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org, 614-255-4500). Register by April 11, 2008 to get into this year’s program! ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS AT PULP GAMER Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at these links: Retailer seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-retail-seminars/ Publisher seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-publisher-seminars/ ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-29-and-march-6 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:17:38 -0500 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-october-22 WEEKLY UPDATES There’s plenty happening here at GAMA Central, so watch for weekly updates appearing in your mailbox and in GAMA’s other online news outlets. GTS EARLY BOOTH DEADLINE OCTOBER 26!!! Booth applications and placement requests keep rolling in for the game industry’s annual trade show. Contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org or 614-255-4500) to reserve your space and SAVE MONEY! PRODUCT SALES OPPORTUNITY: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHIDREN (NAGC) SHOW Put your games, graphic novels, and other social game products in front of 3,000 gifted educators at the National Association for Gifted Children convention, November 7-11, 2007. With GAMA’s Show and Sell program, both members and non-members can display, demonstrate, and sell games at North America’s largest gifted education event. Only 50 products get the chance, and 21 slots are already gone. For all of the information, visit www.gama.org/nagc2007 or email John Kaufeld at pr@gama.org. SOFTWARE TRAINING Most of the GAMA team headed to Wisconsin for training on WebGUI, GAMA’s web platform. Everyone came back with plenty of ideas, so look for cool new things happening on the web sites during the coming months. GREAT CONNECTIONS AT THE ALLIANCE RETAILER SUMMIT Anthony and John talked to hundreds of retailers at this year’s Alliance Retailer Summit in Fort Wayne, IN. Our congratulations go to Alliance on a really valuable event! LOTS OF CONTACTS AT THE iHOBBY EXPO As part of GAMA’s outreach to hobby stores, Trey headed for Chicago for the iHobby Expo. She told store owners about the opportunities that games offer their stores and connected with existing GAMA members. SUCCESSFUL CALIFORNIA COMMUNICATIONS TRIP Just before , Anthony traveled throughout California and Washington. He met with Upper Deck, Wizards of the Coast, WizKids, AEG, and other companies, talking about industry issues, program support, and convention support for the 2008 cycle. FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE Jodie continues supporting the treasurer with information for the next budget, as well as working on GAMA’s receivables. NEW 401(k) PROGRAM COMING SOON! Watch for news about GAMA’s new 401(k) retirement savings program. We’re signing the contracts right now. It’s really cool! GAMA ON THE ROAD Look for GAMA at these national and international events: * National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 2007 convention (Minneapolis, MN) * UCON (Ann Arbor, MI) * Lucca 2007 (Lucca, Italy) … and more! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-october-22 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:01 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-october-30 WEEKLY UPDATES There’s plenty happening here at GAMA Central, so watch for weekly updates appearing in your mailbox and in GAMA’s other online news outlets. PRODUCT SALES OPPORTUNITY: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHIDREN (NAGC) SHOW Put your games, graphic novels, and other social game products in front of 3,000 gifted educators at the National Association for Gifted Children convention, November 7-11, 2007. With GAMA’s Show and Sell program, both members and non-members can display, demonstrate, and sell games at North America’s largest gifted education event. Only 50 products get the chance, and 38 slots are already gone. For all of the information, visit www.gama.org/nagc2007 or email John Kaufeld at pr@gama.org. GTS EXHIBITORS FLOCK FOR PRIORITY DEADLINE Booth applications and placement requests rolled in like crazy this week, just in time to make the priority rate deadline. If you missed the deadline, don’t worry too much -- there’s still space available, but it’s going fast. Contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org or 614-255-4500) to reserve your booth! NEW ONLINE PRESENCE ALMOST HERE! It’s almost done! Within the coming few days, you can get all of the GAMA and Origins news you could ever want through the new GAMA and Origins blogs. Watch for the big rollout soon! NEW 401(k) PROGRAM COMING SOON! Watch for news about GAMA’s new 401(k) retirement savings program. We’re signing the contracts right now. It’s really cool! GAMA ON THE ROAD Look for GAMA at these national and international events: * National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 2007 convention (Minneapolis, MN) * UCON (Ann Arbor, MI) * Lucca 2007 (Lucca, Italy) … and more! WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE STAFF THIS WEEK… Anthony Gallela, Executive Director - traveling between Essen and Lucca - preparing for the Lucca show Jodie Panzeri, Operations Manager - Processing incoming booth applications for the GTS priority rate deadline - processing incoming membership applications - updating and maintaining QuickBooks file Trey Reilly, Programs Manager - working on GTS seminars and structure - passing the word through the industry and the player community about the Origins name change - doing a bunch of organizational and administrative stuff that keeps GAMA moving forward Matt, Sales - settling exhibitors into GTS booths - updating GTS hall maps Joby, Programs - working on the Origins online registration system - developing new registration and event reports John, Communications - finalizing exhibitors for the Show and Sell program at the National Association for Gifted Children show - implementing new blogs for both GAMA and Origins - attending PentaCon (Fort Wayne, IN) Friday-Sunday http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-october-30 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:01 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/wizkids-gama-trade-show-preview WizKids will be at the GAMA Trade Show in sunny Las Vegas, from April 23 to 26! If you have taken our online survey to receive a Fin Fang Foom, your confirmation e-mail has been sent! If you did not receive your confirmation e-mail, please contact Brandon Gribin at Brandon@wizkidsgames.com. Our dinner will be from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, April 24, in the Platinum Room. Check-in begins at 5:00pm. We will be serving a delicious dinner as well as giving a presentation discussing new and upcoming releases and events. Afterward, if you have your verified confirmation e-mail with you, you will receive a Fin Fang Foom to take back with you to your store! There will be so much more to do at GTS than just our dinner, however! The Exhibit Hall is open from noon to 6:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Thursday. Come visit us at booth #109 to see some great new items on display and talk with WizKids staff about our products and programs. Register ahead of time for ³The Coming of Galactus² world event, and preorder the forthcoming Star Wars PocketModel TCG. If that¹s not enough, you can sign up for a demonstration of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG and receive a FREE X-wing POP for your store! Demo reservations are in half-hour blocks, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, e-mail Brandon Gribin at Brandon@wizkidsgames.com and he will be happy to schedule a time for you. All demonstrations will be held in the Bronze III room just around the corner from our booth. There are some more exciting announcements coming, so stay tuned. We look forward to seeing you at the GAMA Trade Show! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/wizkids-gama-trade-show-preview Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/pre-registration-deadline-extended Hey http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/pre-registration-deadline-extended Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/two-seminars-to-focus-on-international-issues The GRD is proud of and excited about all of its seminars this year, but they are looking to highlight one in particular that you may have overlooked on the schedule. Selling products in a global environment offers unique opportunities and challenges. GAMA Trade Show is offering the chance to meet with others industry professionals to discuss the international marketplace. At 9 a.m. Thursday, the International Round Table will discuss topics including import/export costs, shipping, outsourcing and regulation and taxation issues. Retailing Around the World, at 10 a.m. Thursday, will discuss topics such as customs, international shipping and payment options. Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions. We'll see you there! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/two-seminars-to-focus-on-international-issues Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gamer-survey---please-help Ohio State University's School of Communication, in http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gamer-survey---please-help Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-exhibit-hall-sells-out The GAMA Trade Show 2007 at Bally’s http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-exhibit-hall-sells-out Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gen-con-trade-dayprograms-floor-access-more http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gen-con-trade-dayprograms-floor-access-more Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-2007-reminders GTS 2007 is right around the corner! Here's a short list of http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-2007-reminders Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/coming-soon-online-event-registration http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/coming-soon-online-event-registration Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/score-entertainment-to-announce-new-product-at-gts Score Entertainment is http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/score-entertainment-to-announce-new-product-at-gts Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-event-purchase-system-to-go-live http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-event-purchase-system-to-go-live Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/while-at-gts-join-the-grd Every year, the hobby game industry's suppliers (publishers, manufacturers, service providers, and distributors of all sizes and product lines) invite retailers to join them at various events through the course of the week to hear what they have to say and take suggestions for how they can help grow the industry together. This year, retailers, in the person of the GAMA Retail Division Board and Membership, would like to return the favor. Wednesday evening at 8 p.m., following the GRD's Annual Meeting, the GRD, its newly-chosen Board of Directors and Member retailers, invite the industry to join us instead, in Bronze Room 1 for an evening of introductions and industry-related conversation. Meet our new Board of Directors and member retailers of all shapes and sizes. We'll go over what we've got planned for the coming year, talk about what we accomplished in 2006-2007 and listen to your ideas about how we can help everyone enjoy a more prosperous hobby game industry. Retailers, if you're a member of the GRD, we hope you'll plan to join us. If you're not, we cordially invite you to come and hear what we've got planned (and what we can offer your business) as well as get a chance to meet and greet many of our vendor hosts in a less-formal setting. ALL vendors are invited, whether GAMA member companies or not, so please stop on by and join us. Thanks, and we look forward to seeing everyone Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in Bronze Room 1. -Kelli Wallace, GRD Chair, on behalf of the mebership of the GRD. http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/while-at-gts-join-the-grd Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/pre-registration-closes-sunday Sunday, June 17, is the last day you can pre-register http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/pre-registration-closes-sunday Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/wizards-of-the-coast-inc_-is-excited-to-be-attending-gts-2007 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/wizards-of-the-coast-inc_-is-excited-to-be-attending-gts-2007 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-hotel-rooms-going-fast We're now less than http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/origins-hotel-rooms-going-fast Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:00 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gama--posts-new-survey As part of http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gama--posts-new-survey Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:06:59 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gamer-high-presents-the-prom http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gamer-high-presents-the-prom Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:06:59 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/reminder-gts-hotel-deadline-is-today Just a quick reminder... If you haven't made your hotel reservations for GAMA Trade Show 2007, please do so NOW! The hotel block deadline is today! Make your hotel reservations for GTS 2007 now and lock in the GTS rate of just $119/night. http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/reminder-gts-hotel-deadline-is-today Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:06:59 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-deadline-approaches Spring is here and with that comes the deadline to http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-deadline-approaches Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:06:59 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-pre-regsitration-deadline-is-tomorrow http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-pre-regsitration-deadline-is-tomorrow Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:06:59 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-15-and-23 Here's all of the latest news from your trade association! ------------------------------- LAST CHANCE TO SAVE ON YOUR GTS 2008 BOOTH ENDS FEBRUARY 29! The booths are going fast, and the attendee registrations are going up! Your final opportunity to save money on your GTS booth ends on February 29. Finalize your booth paperwork today – promote your products at GTS 2008! To get your GTS 2008 booth, contact Matt Ragsdale at 614-255-4500 or sales@gama.org. Remember: your last chance to save money ends this Friday, February 29! ------------------------------- THREE SHOWS FOR ONE PRICE AT THE MEGA WEEK OF TRADE SHOWS! The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA), and the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) are pleased to announce a "Mega Week of Trade Shows" in Las Vegas, from April 20-26, 2008. All three associations will be having their respective shows autonomously, yet registration and badges for any individual show will be accepted for entry into the other two. Please check with the individual show websites for times and locations. Entry to exhibit halls does not guarantee entry to all seminar and special membership programs in each show. The shows are being held at the Las Vegas Hilton and Bally’s Las Vegas. ------------------------------- BIG SUCCESS AT TOY FAIR 2008 Thirty companies took part in GAMA’s Show and Sell program at Toy Fair 2008 in New York City. GAMA staff members Trey Reilly and Matt Ragsdale talked to hundreds of retailers throughout the four day show, telling them about our industry’s products and possibilities for their stores. Our thanks go out to these companies who participated in the Toy Fair Show and Sell: 4Kids Entertainment, AAA Anime, Ad Astra Games, Amarillo Design Bureau, Anthony Innovations, Inc., APBA International, Inc., Asmodee, Blood and Cardstock, Cactus Game Design, Catalyst Game Labs, Duckfeet Entertainment, Elephant Chess Club, Enginuity Games, Final Sword Productions, Flying Rabbit Enterprises, Fun At Home Games, LLC, Gozer Games, Green Ronin Publishing, Gut Bustin' Games, ICV2, Looney Labs, Noble Miniatures/Regal Distributers, Playroom Entertainment, Pokemon USA, Polymancer Studios, Randolph Rose Group, Red Juggernaut Games, Score Entertainment, Synelix Games, and Tangent Games. ------------------------------- MANUFACTURERS: ORIGINS AWARDS SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 1, 2008 It's that time of the year again! We're busily collecting submissions for the 34th Annual Origins Awards, to be presented in Columbus, Ohio this June28th at the Origins Game Fair. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we've extended the submission deadline out to March 1, in order to guarantee that all qualified products can have a fair chance to be submitted and considered. If you've already sent us products, don't worry! We have them, and will be distributing them in short order. If you haven't, please go to this link: http://www.originsgamefair.com/aagad/submission/form and follow the instructions for submission there. This link also contains a full list of categories, so you can easily find out what products we're looking for. Items must be RECEIVED by midnight, March 1 2008, in order to qualify! Boxes will be shipped out to jurors for consideration the next day, so don't delay! For those curious about categories, rules and the like, you'll be happy to know that this year, we are making no changes. That's right, none. Nothing. Zero. Not a single change to the rules or categories or voting process, period. Last year's OAs worked so seamlessly and were so well received by the recipients and the public alike that the Academy has decided to leave well enough alone and run with them again, just as they were last year. We believe that this, in time, will help shore up the OAs as the premier hobby/game industry award for excellence. If you have any questions about the process, just ask! Please feel free to distribute this announcement wherever you like, to any forums, discussion groups, email lists or manufacturers you feel would benefit from submission. Even if you think a manufacturer might have already submitted a product, send it anyway - you never know what may have fallen through the cracks! The OAs cannot succeed without the support of the manufacturers and the help of everyone in the industry, so please do what you can to help make the awards a symbol of pride and recognition for everyone. And of course, if you haven't already done so, please make plans to join us on June 28 in Columbus for the awards ceremony - we'd love to see you there! Yours, Phil Lacefield Jr. Academy Chair academychair@gama.org ------------------------------- MANUFACTURERS: MENSA MIND GAMES DEADLINE MARCH 15! Put your games to the test (From the Mensa website) -- Started in 1990, the Mensa Mind Games competition provides an opportunity for game manufacturers and inventors to compete in one of the nation’s most respected and recognized game competitions. Games are played, rated, and reviewed by Mensa members throughout a three-day event. The top five games receive Mensa Select® recognition and may use the Mensa Select seal in perpetuity on their packaging and in their advertising. * Game Eligibility: Entries must have entered U.S. national distribution between February 1, 2007 and March 28, 2008. Board games, card games, and other types of table and party games for any number of players are eligible. The competition is not open to games that are incomplete or not yet in production. We cannot accommodate video, electronic, or computer games, or any games with an average playing time of more than 1.5 hours. Complete entry requirements may be found on our Web sites: --- http://www.mindgames.us.mensa.org --- http://mindgames.us.mensa.org/manufacturer/enter.php * Judging: Games are judged by members of Mensa based on originality, game play, play value, aesthetics, and instructions. Participants complete comment cards for each game. The comment cards will be forwarded to the manufacturer and will include category scores and player demographic information. * Winning: The five games receiving the highest scores are declared the winners and receive the Mensa Select distinction. * Deadlines and Cost: The entry fee per game is $200 until March 14, 2008. The entry fee for entries received between March 15, 2008 and March 28, 2008 is $300. Entries received after March 28, 2008 will not be accepted. ------------------------------- GET A SWEET HOTEL DEAL FOR GTS Looking for an amazing hotel room at GTS? Then get your room at Bally’s through the GTS room block! Right now, the GTS room rate beats the Bally’s web “hot deal” rate by $60 for April 17-19 -- and it’s the same as their best rate for the rest of the show! Arrive early, play hard, then enjoy GTS -- make the trip part business, part pleasure! Make your GTS hotel reservations today with this handy link: https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=BLV&groupCode=SBGMA8 ------------------------------- GAMA ON THE ROAD Your GAMA staff hits the road quite a lot in the coming couple of months, promoting the industry products, supporting our members, and connecting with game players everywhere! Watch for GAMA at these events around the country: Feb 28- Mar 2 - The D&D Experience (Arlington, VA) Feb 29-Mar 2 – Intercon H (Chelmsford, MA) Mar 7-9 – Cold Wars (Lancaster, PA) Mar 8-11 - Western States Toy & Hobby Show (Pomona, CA) Mar 14-17 – Wizard World West (Los Angeles, CA) ------------------------------- REGISTER FOR GTS TODAY (AND SAVE ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM!) Beat the annual rush by getting your GTS badge and making your 2008 hotel reservations now! Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Thursday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For show registration, visit www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For hotel information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. ------------------------------- GTS EXHIBITORS: PROMOTE AND CONTROL YOUR GIVEAWAYS WITH THE FREE GTS RETAILER PASSPORT Giving away product samples at this year's GTS? Let the GTS Retailer Passport program help you easily promote and monitor your giveaway program. Here's how it works: Every attending store location gets one passport. Someone from that location presents the passport at your booth. You tell them about your product, stamp the passport, and give them your sample. It's an easy way to make sure that the right people get the right amount of your goodies! To participate in the GTS Retailer Passport program, contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org, 614-255-4500). Register by April 11, 2008 to get into this year’s program! ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS AT PULP GAMER Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at these links: Retailer seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-retail-seminars/ Publisher seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-publisher-seminars/ ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-15-and-23 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:03 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-8 Newsbriefs for February 8, 2008 ------------------------------- GET A SWEET HOTEL DEAL FOR GTS Looking for an amazing hotel room at GTS? Then get your room at Bally’s through the GTS room block! Right now, the GTS room rate beats the Bally’s web “hot deal” rate by $60 for April 17-19 -- and it’s the same as their best rate for the rest of the show! Arrive early, play hard, then enjoy GTS -- make the trip part business, part pleasure! Make your GTS hotel reservations today with this handy link: https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=BLV&groupCode=SBGMA8 ------------------------------- SHOW YOUR GAME TO BUYERS AND MEDIA AT TOY FAIR, FEB. 17-20! Promote your games to the 20,000+ retailers, media, and industry professionals who attend Toy Fair through GAMA’s Show and Sell program! GAMA’s Show and Sell program puts your products in front of motivated experts who buy, sell, and recommend games. Through the program, you can put your games and literature in the GAMA booth at Toy Fair. Our booth staff works with buyers and media to tell them about our industry’s products. Make sure they see your games there! ** Q&A ** Q: How much does this cost? A: It’s free for GAMA members. Non-members pay $50 per game. You also need to provide one copy of each game you want to display, plus 250 copies of the literature you want to distribute. Q: How many games can each company put into the booth? A: As many as they want! For each game that you put into the booth, you must supply two things: a demonstration copy of the game and 250 pieces of supporting literature. Non-members must also pay a $50 display fee per game. Q: What’s the deadline to get games into the booth? A: Your games and literature must arrive in the GAMA office by February 15, 2008. Non-members must also pay their participation fee by that date. ** Putting your product in GAMA’s Show and Sell booth ** 1. Reserve your space by contacting Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org or 614-255-4500 x103)! Due to space considerations, participation is limited. 2. After Trey confirms your space in the booth, gather your games and literature (one demonstration copy of each game and 250 copies of your literature) and send them to the GAMA office. Games and literature (and non-member payments) must ARRIVE in the GAMA office by Friday, February 15. GAMA c/o Trey Reilly 280 N. High Street Suite 230 Columbus, OH 43215 Non-GAMA members: Please include your $50 per game payment with the product and literature shipment. Non-member shipments MUST INCLUDE payment to be displayed at the show. ------------------------------- ORIGINS EVENT SUBMISSIONS UP 50% IN 2008 It’s going to be a hot year for events at Origins! As of February 1, Origins game masters submitted more than 1,500 events for the schedule. That’s up from 920 at the same point during 2007. Register for Origins 2008 today at https://www.originsgamefair.com/2008/register! ------------------------------- GAMA ON THE ROAD Your GAMA staff hits the road quite a lot in the coming couple of months, promoting the industry products, supporting our members, and connecting with game players everywhere! Watch for GAMA at these events around the country: Feb 17-20 – ToyFair (New York, NY) Feb 18-22 – Game Developers Conference (San Francisco, CA) Feb 28- Mar 2 - The D&D Experience (Arlington, VA) Feb 29-Mar 2 – Intercon H (Chelmsford, MA) Mar 7-9 – Cold Wars (Lancaster, PA) Mar 8-11 - Western States Toy & Hobby Show (Pomona, CA) Mar 14-17 – Wizard World West (Los Angeles, CA) ------------------------------- REGISTER FOR GTS TODAY (AND SAVE ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM!) Beat the annual rush by getting your GTS badge and making your 2008 hotel reservations now! Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Thursday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For show registration, visit www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For hotel information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. ------------------------------- RETAILERS: DID YOUR INVITATION TO THE GTS BANDAI BREAKFAST ARRIVE IN THE MAIL? Check your postal mail -- did you get a Bandai Breakfast postcard? If you didn’t, then you need to update your mailing address in the GAMA database! To update your store’s information, send your store name, contact name, and mailing address to Jodie Ramsey (ops@gama.org). Don’t miss anything else!! ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS AT PULP GAMER Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at these links: Retailer seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-retail-seminars/ Publisher seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-publisher-seminars/ ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-8 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:03 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-1 GAMA Newsbriefs for February 1, 2008 SHOW AND SELL SUCCESS AT THE NAGC! GAMA’s Show and Sell booth at the National Association for Gifted Children made a big impact on educators. Teachers and resource specialists bought more than $1,800 worth of products at the show, and picked up hundreds of brochures for our participating publishers. Almost 20 companies signed up to sell their games or display their literature at the show. ------------------------------- SHOW YOUR GAME TO BUYERS AND MEDIA AT TOY FAIR, FEB. 17-20! Promote your games to the 20,000+ retailers, media, and industry professionals who attend Toy Fair through GAMA’s Show and Sell program! GAMA’s Show and Sell program puts your products in front of motivated experts who buy, sell, and recommend games. Through the program, you can put your games and literature in the GAMA booth at Toy Fair. Our booth staff works with buyers and media to tell them about our industry’s products. Make sure they see your games there! ** Q&A ** Q: How much does this cost? A: It’s free for GAMA members. Non-members pay $50 per game. You also need to provide one copy of each game you want to display, plus 250 copies of the literature you want to distribute. Q: How many games can each company put into the booth? A: As many as they want! For each game that you put into the booth, you must supply two things: a demonstration copy of the game and 250 pieces of supporting literature. Non-members must also pay a $50 display fee per game. Q: What’s the deadline to get games into the booth? A: Your games and literature must arrive in the GAMA office by February 15, 2008. Non-members must also pay their participation fee by that date. ** Putting your product in GAMA’s Show and Sell booth ** 1. Reserve your space by contacting Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org or 614-255-4500 x103)! Due to space considerations, participation is limited. 2. After Trey confirms your space in the booth, gather your games and literature (one demonstration copy of each game and 250 copies of your literature) and send them to the GAMA office. Games and literature (and non-member payments) must ARRIVE in the GAMA office by Friday, February 15. GAMA c/o Trey Reilly 280 N. High Street Suite 230 Columbus, OH 43215 Non-GAMA members: Please include your $50 per game payment with the product and literature shipment. Non-member shipments MUST INCLUDE payment to be displayed at the show. ------------------------------- REGISTER FOR GTS TODAY (AND SAVE ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM!) Beat the annual rush by getting your GTS badge and making your 2008 hotel reservations now! Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Thursday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For show registration, visit www.gama.org/gts/shop-online. For hotel information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. ------------------------------- HEAR THE BEST OF GTS 2007 SEMINARS AT PULP GAMER Relive the best of both the retailer and publisher seminar track from GTS 2007 thanks to the folks at the Pulp Gamer podcast. Hear the seminars for free at these links: Retailer seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-retail-seminars/ Publisher seminars: http://www.pulpgamer.com/category/gama-trade-show-publisher-seminars/ ------------------------------- BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS! Expand your network of professional retailers and game industry experts through GAMA’s forums: the Game Industry Network and the GAMA Retail Division forum, both on Delphi Forums. * The GAME INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) hosts an industry-only discussion on all aspects of games, from creation through sales. Game professionals use the forum to discuss issues, make announcements, look for and give advice, and more. To join the conversation, send your request to Anthony Gallela (ed@gama.org). Please include the following: * your first and last name * preferred email address * for retailers: name, location, and your title of your store * for other industry pros: name of your company and your title * The GAMA RETAIL DIVISION FORUM gives GRD members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. To join the GRD forum, please send your contact information to Trey Reilly (programs@gama.org). http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-february-1 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:03 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-january-24 GAMA Newsbriefs for January 24, 2008 GTS STANDARD RATE DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25!! Put your product in front of hundreds of retailers -- and save money at the same time! Booth prices go up next week, so send in your applications NOW!! For available booth locations and information, contact Matt Ragsdale (sales@gama.org or by phone at 614-255-4500) GTS Q&A: HOW BUYER RIBBONS AND MEAL TICKETS WORK Your GAMA Retail Membership includes two GTS show badges, two tickets to each GTS meal, and one buyer ribbon. (Of course, you get lots more benefits beyond GTS badges with your GAMA membership. Check out www.gama.org for all of the details!) If your company has more than one location, then each retail location may have its own membership in GAMA. If you plan to bring more than two people from your store to GTS, then you need to purchase extra badges for them. Those regular attendee badges get your people into the seminars and onto the show floor, but they don’t include “buyer” recognition or meal tickets. So, what if you need more buyer ribbons or meal tickets for your people? That’s no problem -- just buy them! * Buyer ribbons: You can have as many buyer ribbons per retail location as you care to purchase. If you want additional people treated as buyers during the show, then you need to buy more buyer ribbons. * Meal tickets: If you want everyone from your store to attend the meals, then you need to purchase additional meal ribbons for your additional retailer badges. (And yes, that's how much it costs to feed you. We don’t mark up meal tickets at all!) NEW GRD FORUM ON DELPHI GROWS TO OVER 40 MEMBERS! More than 40 retailers already signed up for GAMA’s new discussion and information forum for GAMA Retail Division (GRD) members. Did you? This forum gives GAMA Retail Division members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. We wholeheartedly encourage GAMA Retail Division members to also participate in the industry-wide discussions at the Game Industry Network (GIN). If you aren’t familiar with the GIN, visit http://forums.delphiforums.com/titangamesinsid/start to learn more about this valuable industry resource. To join the new GRD forum, simply follow the instructions in your invitation. All of the information you need is there, including both the forum link and the member password. If you need a new invitation or run into any problems joining the forum, please contact Trey Reilly at programs@gama.org. If you never used Delphi Forums before, you'll need to register for a free Delphi account. It only takes a minute and the basic level of membership is free. ORIGINS SPECIAL EVENT PROMOTIONAL DEADLINE JANUARY 31 Do you want to be considered for feature text and special mentions about your Origins 2008 events in the Pre-Registration book? Then send us your information by January 31! Yes, we know that it’s really early, but by now you know at least something about your Origins event plans. This is your chance to share them with the world! To get in the running for special promotion in the Pre-Registration book, send us *at least* a general description of your event by the deadline. We don’t need every last detail – just enough to get people excited about your plans! Just like we did last year, this year’s Pre-Registration Book will focus on promotional descriptions of particularly cool or special events, as well as events that support the various show themes. The full event grids will be available directly from the web site. You can submit events for the final on-site book through April 4, 2008. The January 31 deadline only applies to extra promotional mentions in the Origins Pre-Registration book. 2008 ORIGINS THEME TRACKS ANNOUNCED Every year we change the themes we celebrate at Origins. Games that are in theme get given special feature text in our pre-registration materials, in the Onsite Book, and on our website. If a game or seminar that you’re submitting fits one of our themes, and you’d like to be involved, just indicate that when you submit the event. There’s no special invitation involved. Braaaains – Our celebration of all things zomberiffic, this theme track looks at our favorite unquiet dead. From the mummies of Egypt to the voodoo creations of Louisiana to modern-day apocalyptic horror, we’ll track our brain-eating friends as they shamble through the ages. Pack some salt and your shotgun as you play in this programming track featuring games, tournaments, special events, Guests, screenings, and seminars. Women in Games and Gaming – Whether it’s Helen of Troy or Queen Elizabeth, Wonder Woman or Lois Lane, or Joan of Arc or Rosa Parks, stories and events featuring women are intriguing and powerful. This track looks to call out and celebrate female heroes, villains, and game players of all shapes, sizes, and professions; with games, tournaments, special events, Guests, screenings, seminars and discussion groups. Heroes – A celebration of the individual hero – changing the course of history and story by their own actions. From all up and down the timeline (and some alternate timelines too), we’ll take a look at what it means to be a hero and why only some beings make the grade. This is also the StrategiCorps 2008 Theme for heroes in historical and war game settings. We’ll examine the hero’s journey with games, tournaments, special events, Guests, screenings, and seminars. The Final Frontier – Space. We love space ships, Star Trek, Star Wars, and anything that’s got aliens or a plasma cannon in it. Come join us as we celebrate mankind’s dearest dream – to find out what’s really out there and either conquer it, trade with it, or ally with it. Check out our space-themed games, tournaments, special events, Guests, screenings, and seminars. NEW RESTAURANT FOR ORIGINS MEETINGS There's a new breakfast/lunch place near the office -- Rise and Dine (http://www.risedine.com/). It's straight down Nationwide, on the opposite side of the Nationwide Arena. The food looks solid and the prices seem right. It should make a great place for those early morning meetings during the show! ORIGINS AWARDS ROAD SHOW AT U-CON - Report from Will Niebling We recently concluded the U-Con game convention in Ann Arbor, MI. We believe that the “Origins Awards Road Show” was a definite success! Since this was the first appearance of the “Road Show,” turnout was small, but still higher than our original estimates had expected. With proper advance marketing by the Academy and the host convention, we believe that those numbers can grow very rapidly and the “Road Show” can become a valuable draw for small conventions, and a fabulous tool for marketing the Origins Awards. First, we were very pleased with the response from publishers. We were able to display nearly 50 games representing over 25 different publishers. This included both small and large publishers, and made the “Road Show” a true all-industry event. Having this support enabled us to expose visitors to a very broad range of game types and styles, often including types of games that those visitors had never experienced before! Thanks to these publishers, the “Road Show” served to educate the public not only about new games released this year, but also about the rich variety of games available. Nearly every game submitted was played during the three-day event. We had groups and individuals throughout the weekend, all of whom were excited by the variety and quality of games we had to present. The few games that we were unable to play were still on display during the entire show, and many visitors were delighted to examine them and discuss them with us and other attendees at the show. During the whole weekend, we had many visitors. Some stayed on hand for much of the show, and some visited only once as their other activities at the convention allowed. Those visitors were delighted that we presented them with a casual “pick-up” atmosphere where they could learn to play and enjoy new games that they had not been exposed to before. Many of them marveled at the variety and quality of the games we were showing. This was not only a benefit to small publishers who do not have large marketing budgets, as even some games from larger, better-known companies were unfamiliar to the majority of attendees. Since we were not selling any product at the show, there was no “pressure” on visitors as is often the case during a convention when a publisher “demos” games at their booth. Because of this more relaxed atmosphere, the visitors who played games at the “Road Show” were more relaxed and receptive to making honest judgments of the games they were playing. I am pleased to say that the vast majority of responses to all of the games were overwhelmingly positive. In short, the results of the “Road Show” were very positive. A number of publishers were able to place their products before the game-buying public in a very accessible way. Game players were able to experience first hand many of the best games published this year. Everyone who participated had a wonderful time. Both the game industry and the Origins Awards both enjoyed some very positive exposure. Without doubt, now that word has gotten out, the next appearance of the “Road Show” will be an even greater success! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-january-24 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:03 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/save-bucks-on-your-gts-booth----only-10-days-left Hundreds of retailers look for new products at the GAMA Trade Show. They want to see your products. You want to sell your products. You need to show your product at GTS! Make your booth reservations today! The “Timely Rate” for GTS exhibitor booths only lasts another 10 days, until Friday, January 25. Get a better location and price than the folks who wait until the last-minute — your product deserves it! Contact Matt Ragsdale (614-255-4500 or sales@gama.org) to get your booth today. Put your product in front of the game industry’s buyers at GTS 2008! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/save-bucks-on-your-gts-booth----only-10-days-left Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:02 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/promote-your-game-at-gameed-2008 Promote and demonstrate your games to middle school students and teachers at the first-ever Games in Education Day. Promotional flyers will go to all middle students and teachers in Fort Wayne -- that's about 6000 kids and adults! Hosted in the Northwood Middle School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this event gives middle school students and teachers a day of hands-on experience with our industry's best social games. The day will include hands-on game demonstrations for the students, plus seminars and demonstrations especially for the teachers. To make this day a success, we need: * Manufacturers willing to send product and people to demo their games * Industry veterans willing to speak at seminars * Educators willing to speak at seminars Contact the event organizer, Rob Stone R.Stone@shuttleworth.com, for more information Games in Education Day March 8, 2008 9am to 5pm Northwood Middle School Fort Wayne, IN http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/promote-your-game-at-gameed-2008 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:02 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-december-12 WEEKLY UPDATE -- December 12, 2007 Happy Holidays! The GAMA staff hope you and yours enjoy a very happy, healthy, and game-filled holiday! (Goodness knows we are.) NEW GRD FORUM ON DELPHI GAMA created a new discussion and information forum for GAMA Retail Division (GRD) members. You may have already received an invitation to join through the Delphi system. This forum gives GAMA Retail Division members a place to discuss GAMA-related topics (the organization itself, things that members want GAMA to do, and such) with fellow members and GAMA staff. We wholeheartedly encourage GAMA Retail Division members to also participate in the industry-wide discussions at the Game Industry Network (GIN). If you aren’t familiar with the GIN, visit http://forums.delphiforums.com/titangamesinsid/start to learn more about this valuable industry resource. To join the new GRD forum, simply follow the instructions in your invitation. All of the information you need is there, including both the forum link and the member password. If you need a new invitation or run into any problems joining the forum, please contact Trey Reilly at programs@gama.org. If you never used Delphi Forums before, you'll need to register for a free Delphi account. It only takes a minute and the basic level of membership is free. HELP A NEW STORE -- BECOME A MENTOR! - from the GAMA Retail Division Several new stores want to join the GAMA Mentorship Program, but to make that happen we need your help. If you’re a seasoned retailer, would you take a little time to help someone new get into the business? GAMA is happy to announce the rollout of their newly revised Mentorship Program. The Mentorship Program was created in the Spring of 2000 to assist individuals interested in opening a gaming store navigate the start up process. While the newly revised program does an even better job of this, the core for GAMA members remains the ability to match existing retailers with experienced retailers either for general business mentorship, or to assist with a problem or question in a specific business area. Are you an established retailer? We need your help in Mentoring other retailers and thereby helping to strengthen the industry as a whole. Are you a new retailer? Or one with questions? Sign up for the program and get the Mentoring that you need and want. The key to making this program happen is our new profile questionnaire, which allows us to quickly match new retailers with experienced retailers outside their local market. The questionnaire allows for a much more comprehensive matching process than was available before. Importantly, the new survey does not require providing financial data, either when acting as a Mentor or when seeking assistance as a Mentee. GAMA understands that retailers are naturally hesitant about providing financial data to anyone. There’s really no need to be discussing these things if all you have is a question about POS systems. Of course, those retailers who have issues involving the financial aspects of their business will be able to discuss them confidentially with their Mentors but that information will never be in a database. This has enormous potential to improve the quality of the retail landscape. Every year we see retailers helping each other at GTS, for many, that’s what the show is really about. But retailers want and need a mechanism by which they could do that outside of the show. While the GIN (on Delphi Forums) is a phenomenal tool, it is still a public forum. The new Mentorship Program allows retailers to seek assistance in complete confidentiality, be matched with a Mentor outside their local market, and receive advice from people who are experienced in that subject area. If you’re interested in receiving mentorship, or volunteering as a Mentor, please register by filling out the Mentorship Questionnaire on GAMA’s Web site at http://www.gama.org/grd/mentorship. The Questionnaire is very concise and only takes a few minutes to complete. As an association, GAMA is dedicated to helping its members sell more games; and through the GAMA Mentorship Program we’ve established the infrastructure through which our members can help each other. We hope you’ll participate and help as we work to strengthen the retail tier.- GTS 2008 ATTENDEE AND HOTEL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Beat the lines and the annual rush by registering early and reserving your room! Get your badge for the 2008 GAMA Trade Show by visiting https://www.gama.org/gts/shop-online today. Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Tuesday). For more information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. GTS DEADLINES Contact Matt Ragsdale (614-255-4500 or sales@gama.org) for more information about these dates: - December 21, 2008: Program Book advertising deadline - January 25, 2008: “Timely Rate” booth deadline - February 29, 2008: “Late Rate” booth deadline GTS PROGRAM BOOK ADS PRODUCE TWICE FOR THE PRICE It’s like two ads in one! Your ad in the GAMA Trade Show Program Book goes to every retailer who receives the program book in the mail before GTS. Then, your ad reaches all of the retailers who attend the show. It’s like getting two ads for the price of one! Your GTS Program Book ad directly reaches more than 1,500 of the industry’s top retailers -- the people you want to reach. You need a GTS Program book ad! Reserve your space and submit your advertising by December 21 to get one of the last remaining ad spaces. Call Matt Ragsdale today at 614-255-4500 or sales@gama.org to get your space. Full page, full-color ads are $1000; half-page ads are $600. Remember to include your booth number in your ad design. Ask Matt for the details! NEW SCHEDULE FOR GTS 2008 More education, more business! It's TWO PLUS TWO at this year's GTS! Enjoy TWO great days of training PLUS TWO awesome days of expo hall shopping with the show's new 2008 schedule. Get more of what you need to build your business with TWO days of seminars and manufacturer-sponsored events on Monday and Thursday, at the beginning and end of the show. Sandwiched in the middle, enjoy TWO days of expo hall browsing time on Tuesday and Wednesday. The pre-show festivities start on Sunday evening as they always do, with the traditional GAMA Retail Division "Meet and Greet" networking time, so come to Las Vegas on Sunday and stay until Thursday night! (For once, those famous Las Vegas red-eye flights make sense!) Make your reservations now! Visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel for all of the travel details! EXHIBITORS -- The next GTS booth deadline looms close. Get your booth today! Download the electronic exhibitor package from www.gama.org/gts/forms. TWO WAYS TO SAVE ON ORIGINS GAME FAIR 2008 BADGES Register online today at http://www.originsgamefair.com/2008/register to take advantage of these two money-saving specials!! ** Early Bird savings starting now!!** Save $20 off the normal on-site badge fee with an Early Bird badge. Act fast -- the Early Bird discount only lasts from now through January 11, 2008. ** Pay for one badge, get two! ** Get two badges for the price of one by bringing a first-time attendee to Origins in 2008 with the Expose-a-Friend program! To qualify, this needs to be your friend’s first-ever visit to Origins. You can buy one Expose-a-Friend badge for every $50 Early Bird Full Show Badge purchased. Gather your Origins buddies, then bring your whole game group! GAMA’S CREDIT CARD PROGRAM SAVES MONEY FOR MEMBERS! The savings just keep growing! Over 70 GAMA-member stores and manufacturers already save money every month with GAMA’s special credit card processing program through Cynergy Data. Isn’t it time to bring home more profit from your store? Keep more of your hard-earned profits by joining GAMA’s credit card processing system. Get the details today at www.gama.org/programs/credit-card-program. GAMA on the road * American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, January 11-16, 2008 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-december-12 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:02 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-registration-now-open Get your GTS 2008 badge today! Go to www.gama.org/gts/shop-online, sign into the GAMA website, and start shopping. It's that easy! Don't wait -- sign up today!! http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/gts-registration-now-open Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:02 -0600 http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-november-5-19 WEEKLY UPDATE -- November 19, 2007 There’s plenty happening here at GAMA Central, so watch for weekly updates appearing in your mailbox and in GAMA’s other online news outlets. FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS IN LUCCA GAMA ran a booth with some selected products at the Lucca Comic and Game Fest in Lucca, Italy. LC&G is the oldest comic convention in the world, and started featuring games about 10 years ago. GAMA created a small presence this year to “test the water”, but the booth sold over $1,200 of product, selling out of many of the things we brought. GAMA also assisted in getting, securing, and finalizing licensing arrangements for several products to be released in Italian. GAMA will attend the show with a larger presence next year. Watch for details on pricing and product recommendations. STRONG SALES AT THE NAGC SHOW This year’s Show and Sell booth at the National Association for Gifted Children Show in Minneapolis. Twelve companies displayed products at the show, and two more GAMA-member companies sent literature for display. Teachers and gifted resource people bought more than $1,800 worth of products at the show! Your next opportunity to reach the lucrative gifted education audience for information happens at next year’s Show and Sell booth. Watch for details on pricing and product recommendations. GTS 2008 HOTEL RESERVATIONS OPEN Beat the annual rush by making your GTS 2008 hotel reservations now. Lock in the special GTS rate of just $127/night, good from April 17 (Thursday) through April 24 (Tuesday). Make the trip part business, part pleasure! For more information, visit www.gama.org/shows-and-events/gts/travel. UPCOMING GTS DEADLINES - December 6, 2007: Ad copy deadline for GTS Program Book - January 25, 2008: “Timely Rate” booth deadline - February 29, 2008: “Late Rate” booth deadline NEW OFFICE HOURS The GAMA office will be open Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. A couple of years ago, the staff started working 10 hours each day, four days each week. Rather than stagger the “odd” day as we did in the past, we moved everyone to the same schedule for better operations. BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE GRD “RECOMMENDED READING” LIST Chart your way to personal and business success through the GAMA Retail Division’s recommended reading list. Covering everything from customer service to organization to effectively leading your staff, these books help you take your business to the next level! See the list at www.gama.org/communications/suggested. NEW ONLINE PRESENCE ALMOST (REALLY!) HERE! Yes, it’s almost, *almost* done, but it got delayed by the recent show schedule. By the end of November, you can get all of the GAMA and Origins news you could ever want through the new GAMA and Origins blogs. Watch for the rollout announcements soon! NEW 401(k) PROGRAM COMING SOON! Watch for news about GAMA’s new 401(k) retirement savings program. We’re signing contracts and working on announcement materials right now. You’ll love it! GAMA’S CREDIT CARD PROGRAM SAVES MONEY FOR MEMBERS! The savings just keep growing! Over 70 GAMA-member stores and manufacturers already save money every month with GAMA’s special credit card processing program through Cynergy Data. Isn’t it time to bring home more profit from your store? Keep more of your hard-earned profits by joining GAMA’s credit card processing system. Get the details today at www.gama.org/programs/credit-card-program. GAMA on the road * Book Expo, May 29-June 1, 2008 * American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, January 11-16, 2008 WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE STAFF THIS WEEK… Anthony Gallela (Executive Director) - returned from Essen and Lucca trips - on vacation Jodie Ramsey (Operations Director) - Processing incoming booth applications for the GTS priority rate deadline - updating and maintaining QuickBooks file - processing incoming membership applications Trey Reilly (Programs Director) - began work on the GAMA FAQ document - working on promotion and development partnerships with other non-profit organizations - continued planning for GTS 2008 - continued Origins 2008 development and organization - supported the GAMA Retail Division - monitored and responded to questions on various industry communications lists Matt Ragsdale (Sales) - out of the office Wednesday-Friday of Thanksgiving week - working on manufacturer proposals for Origins and GTS - putting together partnerships with several industry companies - finished preliminary GTS 2008 map, sending it to exhibitors this week - created PDF versions of the GTS exhibitor packet that people can complete on-screen using Acrobat Reader (no more writing by hand!) - working on PDF versions of the Origins exhibitor packet Joby Miller (Programs) - continued readying the GTS and Origins web sites for pre-registration - added mentorship dataform to the website - setting up staff teleconferencing system - monitoring and responding to registration e-mail John Kaufeld (Communications) - ran the Show and Sell program booth at the National Association for Gifted Children show - processing orders from NAGC Show and Sell booth - implementing new blogs for both GAMA and Origins - responding to press inquiries http://test.gama.org/root/home/resources/news--newsletters/announcements-mailing-list/newsbriefs-for-november-5-19 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:07:01 -0600