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Letter from the Executive Director
Dear friends,
Welcome to the Summer 2022 issue of Around the Table. I amazed at how fast this year is flying by with GAMA EXPO in the Spring and Origins Game Fair kicking off the summer convention season. We were delighted that nearly 12,000 people attended the convention and participated in nearly 6,000 games, events and tournaments while shopping the 300+ exhibitors at the show.
We received a lot of positive feedback from attendees and exhibitors and are looking forward to planning for 2023, when the theme will be “Games Around the World”. As GAMA continues to spread internationally, we are excited to tie the theme to highlight our new international members.
Speaking of which we will be hosting a reception at Essen Spiel on Saturday October 8 and another during Spielwarenmesse, Nuremberg Toy Fair, next February. These initiatives are important to build ties with game publishers, manufacturers, distributors, media, and retailers around the world. Look for more details in our weekly member update newsletter, as well as on our Industry Calendar on our website.
In this issue we have two featured articles by GAMA board members Frank West and Matt Fantastic. In the first Frank discussed the basics of value-added taxes for those doing business in Europe, while Matt looks at how creating safe spaces can improve your bottom line.
As always thank you for being a member of GAMA. We welcome suggestions on programs or services you would like to see from your trade association. Please email your thoughts and idea to my attention at: john.stacy@gama.org
Be well and happy gaming!
John Stacy Executive Director Game Manufacturers Association
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the best ways to be engaged with the association and our industry is to volunteer for a committee or workgroup. GAMA is currently looking for members to serve on the following committees:
• Academy, Origins Awards, and Hall of Fame Review and Restructure Committee – Charged with exploring ways to increase the relevancy and representation of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design including the
Origins Awards nominations, review and award ceremony and the Hall of Fame.
• Advocacy Committee – Helps direct association government relations, advocacy, and lobbying efforts to support the hobby games industry. Potential issues the committee is tasked with include tariffs, customs/exportation, product labeling laws, Intellectual Property Rights, counterfeit product sales, etc.
• Market Expansion Committee – Researches the most effective and efficient marketing and outreach methods to (A) promote the play of tabletop games and (B) increase the number of people who regularly play games.
• Diversity Committee – Investigates how best to reach out to underrepresented communities within the game industry and to create pathways of success within the organization.
• Education Advisory Committee – Work with GAMA staff to identify educational topics and opportunities to create a robust training program to assistretail stores, distributors, manufacturers, and designers in effectively operating in the hobby games industry.
For more information on these committees or to volunteer, please email john.stacy@gama.org