ORIGINS ATTENDANCE UP, NEW “FAIR PASS” POSTS SOLID SUCCESS
Despite the dual specters of high gas prices and an uncertain economy, this year’s Origins Game Fair added about 1,500 attendees, pushing the total attendance to 14,190.

“We saw a lot of people having a great time at this year’s show,” said Anthony Gallela, executive director of the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), which presents the Origins Game Fair. “Most exhibitors were happy with the show. Exhibitors with events and new product releases reported especially strong results.”

A total of 14,190 people attended this year’s fair. Here’s how that number breaks down:
* 11,728 full show attendees
* 1,194 one day attendees
* 2,500 Fair Pass wristbands
* 768 exhibitors, 32-hour volunteers, and staff

“The number of hall exhibitors stayed even with 2007, but exhibitors tightened their belts this year and brought about 500 fewer staff members. Even so, this year’s 1,500 new attendees more than made up for the difference, and boosted the show total above 2007’s attendance.”

In 2007, Origins recorded total attendance of 13,107. That was down some from 13,861 in 2006.

The 2007 attendance breaks down like this:
* 11,771 full show attendees
* 2,062 one day attendees
* 1,274 exhibitors, 32-hour volunteers, and staff

“We did a lot of new things to promote the show and broaden the audience this year. Our increased regional advertising and new ‘fair pass’ admission option delivered this year’s attendance increase,” Gallela said. “Our industry often runs opposite to the economic cycle, because games become a greater value during rough economic times. That likely had an impact as well.”

Show total attendance includes four day badges, one day badges, Fair Passes, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff. GAMA reports attendance based on badges, not on turnstile attendance, so a person with a four day badge counts as one attendee.


GTS ATTENDANCE HOLDS STABLE DESPITE ECONOMIC PRESSURE
Retailers and manufacturers from the around the world converged on this year’s GAMA Trade Show in Las Vegas, looking for opportunities to build their business and increase their knowledge.

This year’s total GTS attendance held steady at 1,312, just 36 attendees shy of 2007’s total of 1,348.

“In a down economy like this, keeping your numbers steady really means that your business grew,” said Anthony Gallela, GAMA’s executive director.

Individual retailer and wholesale attendance grew 7% and 18% respectively from 2007. The number of GAMA wholesale members at the show more than doubled. Attending GAMA retail store numbers dropped slightly, indicating that each store increased the number of staff members they brought to the show.

“The smartest retailers hold their edge by non-stop learning, growing, and marketing,” Gallela said. “They strengthen their niche by investing in their people, plus they look for ways to serve related niches.”

Exhibitors at this year’s show met with hundreds of industry retailers, as well as buyers from major national chains including Barnes & Noble and Wal-Mart. GTS welcomed Games Workshop and Reaper back to the show this year. Attendance by large and mid-size companies stayed strong, even as some small companies found themselves unable to attend. The loss of those small companies pulled down the overall exhibitor count by 62 companies, or about 10%.

“The continued success of the GAMA Trade Show, despite the nation's economic doldrums, indicates the strength of the core market, and the ability of superior retailers to weather these difficulties,” Gallela said.

Gallela added, “GTS also continues shifting with the times. Each year, we change the show to better suit the needs of our members and the market. We consistently provide the best, most professional atmosphere and the best opportunity for retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers to share information, wants and desires. Connecting, sharing, and working together at GTS helps keep our industry robust.”


Total badges

    2007: 1348

    2008: 1312

    

GAMA Retail Members

    2007: 250

    2008: 236

    
Individual Retail Staff

    2007: 424

    2008: 454

    
Wholesalers

    2007: 27

    2008: 32

    
Individual Wholesaler Staff

    2007: 62

    2008: 47

    
Wholesale Members

    2007: 5

    2008: 12

    
Individual Exhibitor Attendees

    2007: 682

    2008: 620

    
Individual Attendees

    2007: 42

    2008: 128

    
Press

    2007: 50

    2008: 40

    
Staff and Volunteers

    2007: 41

    2008: 39

 

John Kaufeld
GAMA Communications
pr@gama.org