Seminars of the GAMA Trade Show

GTS08 07: PR for Retailers

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:24:29 -0400

Public relations is the managing of outside communication of an organization to create and maintain a positive image. Public relations involves popularizing successes, downplaying failures, announcing changes, and many other activities. Learn to examine how you’re seen by your customers, and how to change that image into what you'd like it to be.

GTS08 06: Customer Service

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:44:00 -0400

Marcelo Figueroa covers all aspects of customer service from the greeting to closing the sale, including the aspects of customer service that happen behind the scenes.

GTS08 05: The Daily Grind/Manager's Toolkit

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Speakers: John Riley, Grasshopper's Comics; Linda Ross-Mansfield, Pendragon Games & Hobbies
Tips and tricks to get you through the daily operations of your store. We’ll talk about scheduling, daily shipments, and other aspects of your store’s day-to-day routine.

GTS08 04: Credit Management and Protection

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:12:54 -0400

Speaker: Ron Solomon of The Credit Collective

A discussion of receivables and credit management. An expert panel will explore issues that are vital to the financial health of publishers and distributors, both large and small. Discussion topics will include how to find reliable credit information on potential retailer debtors, how to determine which accounts will get terms, how to determine how much credit to extend to a particular account, how to set up an effective dunning system for late paying accounts, how to get your Sales and Credit departments to work well together, and how to choose and when to use a collection agency.

GTS08 03: Store Identity

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Dave Wallace, Fantasy Shop Comics & Games

In an effort to reach out to new customers and not just sell to the same old regulars, you need a store that encourages new fans and doesn't just stock the product. We will examine displays, advertising, marketing, and customer interaction methods to make your store more interesting to everyone that comes in.

GTS08 02: Games in the Library

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:59:12 -0400

Speaker: Dale Lipschultz and Jenny Levine of the American Library Association

Libraries across the country are reaching out with games and make great partners in reaching new players. Learn how to work with your local library and what libraries are looking for in this wonderful presentation from the American Library Association.

GTS08 01: Retailer Strategies for Maximizing 4E Sales

Game Manufacturer's Association — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:39:49 -0400

Speaker: Joseph Goodman, Goodman Games, Aldo Ghiozzi from Impressions Advertising
The big news in RPGs this year is D&D Fourth Edition, and it's a big time not just for Wizards of the Coast. Retailers will be able to benefit from other product lines as well, ranging from accessories to sourcebooks. In this one-hour seminar, publishers supporting the 4E launch present their strategies for maximizing 4E sales, including tips on in-store demos, attracting new gamers, and converting those holdout gamers who can't let go of previous editions.

This presentation was recorded at the 2008 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Pitching to the Pros

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:49:48 -0500

Gini Graham Scott tells us how to pitch our game from the prototype to the presentation. Several helpful hints are given for anyone with a game to sell to an established game company and what it takes to get a game ready for show.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

How to Become a Small Publisher without Taking out a Second

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:19:05 -0500

Chris Clark and Aldo Ghiozzi team up to give you some insight on running a publishing company on a small budget. They start with the business plan and carry on through setting your MSRP and when you should expect to start making money.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Career Freelancing

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:20:09 -0500

Matt Forbeck gives us a look at the life of a freelancer in the gaming industry. He answers questions from the audience and really delivers some great advise on topics from getting started to maintaining income. Web sites he referred to include gamingreport.com and icv2.com.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

The Production Process

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:04:48 -0500

Michele Nephew, PhD of Atlas Games does an excellent job narrating the journey a game takes from the introductory solicitation to getting stocked on the shelf. If you are an inspiring game designer, this is a great overview to start yourself with.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Building and Adventure Model Business

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:03:09 -0500

Joseph Goodman and Aldo Ghiozzi give some helpful tips to selling adventure modules in the store and some insight into the consumer's mind. Their experience, care, and attention to detail has rewarded them with great knowledge you can use to your advantage to compliment your role-playing books with these valuable gems.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are available to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Getting Your Game Published

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:57:51 -0500

Matt Forbeck and Aldo Ghiozzi give you the head start you need to know to get your game published. Topics range from prototype development to getting paid. Self publishing is also an option if your interested in the challenges of having your own business. Some links referred to in the presentation include the GPA, ToyDirectory, Indie RPGs, and GameParts.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Unconventional Wisdom

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:25:35 -0500

Ryan Dancey and Luke Peterschmidt start by introducing several circumstances under which games have been published and let us guess their titles. Some were wildly successful, others were not. They then go on to give us some great thoughts on what problems we can steer away from and elements that can contribute to the success of a game.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are available to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Hiring Staff You'll Want to Keep

Game Manufacturer's Association — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:41:11 -0500

A good staff is important to running a quality shop. Jeff Abramson touches on a few HR topics but mostly on finding the right people to do the job. Some tips and tricks covered include setting expectations and asking the right questions in the interview. You'll be sure to take something away from this hour that will help you find the right people to represent your store.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Games, Education, and Youth Groups

Game Manufacturer's Association — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:13:46 -0500

Reaching out to young audiences is a large part of today's industry. Alex Yeager introduces us to ideas and opportunities to get involved and contribute to the community. Board games are educational and healthy fun for growing minds. Program directors are looking for just that kind of thing.

Alex is responsible for the educational outreach for Mayfair Games and frequently works with a number of youth groups to includes the Girl Scouts of America.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are available to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Breaking Into Freelance Writing

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:35:24 -0500

Freelancing is hard, but rewarding work. Michael Stackpole shares his experience and tips ranging from good writing practice to breaking into the career. Mike started his career in the gaming business and has gone on to write several novels and become one of New York Times best selling authors. You can learn more from Mike from The Secrets Podcast.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

How to Get More Customers than You Ever Thought Possible

Game Manufacturer's Association — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:52:06 -0500

Joe Jones (Knucklebones Magazine) returns to discuss the core of our business; the customers. He shares a lot of great ideas that can graduate us from a small store to a hot spot of activity. Like all of Joe's presentations, this one is inspirational and filled with analogies that will stick with you and the way you run your business.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

GAMA's Clubs and Organizations Program

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:37:24 -0400

Sean Patrick Fannon has worked hard to strengthen the role of clubs in the Game Manufacturer's Association. They represent an important part of the hobby; the consumers that love to play. In this presentation, Sean talks about the benefits clubs gain by joining GAMA and the role they play in the industry.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Store Design

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:33:17 -0400

John Riley walks us through his store and shares what he has learned about store design and how it impacts sales. He has taken tips from large successful retailers and grown from his own serendipitous circumstances. Topics include displays, transition areas, and visual impact on new customers. You can't help but to be thinking about how to improve your own store while listening to John's presentation.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Everything Old is New Again

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:03:38 -0400

Marcus King has done extremely well with used games and shares what he has learned with us. After this hour you will be well equipped to make more money from used merchandise. Marcus talks about buying, selling, pricing, liquidating, and settling fears that prevent many retailers from going down that path.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Using Mediation Techniques in Negotiations

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:45:13 -0400

Marcia Clark focuses our attention on a talent that will go a long way in helping our business lives. Negotiation affects us every day and a successful transaction depends on effective communication. Marcia breaks down the elements of that communication and tells us how to put it to effective use. All of us can benefit from her words today.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Hyperworking Your Inventory

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:04:40 -0400

Marcus King and Robert Moses tell us how best to put your inventory to work. They discuss ways to keep your inventory moving and maximize its potential. They touch on all types of games and several other entertainment products. Finding your place in today's world is a challenge that Marcus and Robert tackle well.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Buyer's Training

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:30:41 -0400

Dave Wallace adds a new seminar to the GTS line-up this year. In Buyer's Training Dave goes beyond what you can sell in your store, but how to make decisions on what to carry and how it affects your big picture. The next time you walk through a showroom floor, you are going to be glad you gave a listen to these insightful tips.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Advanced Convention Operations - Marketing

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:30:41 -0400

Trey Reilly and Christine Brucker of the Game Manufacturer's Association tag team this presentation and give some excellent insights into marketing your convention. These tips are valuable for whatever event you are planning. We consistently hear how people wish they would have known these things before they started working on their show.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Surviving Your First Year

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:30:17 -0400

John Riley pays close attention to the lessons learned in the first year so that you may have a head start right out of the gate. You might be surprised at the very basic details you missed such as starting with a mission statement.

Demos that Rock

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:40:46 -0400

Chris Clark teaches us a little about showmanship. Demos are an important part of the business and a necessary excitement building tool. But like any tool, there is an optimal way to use it. This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Chris Clark began his 'professional' gaming career in 1977 running events at Gen Con in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. He formed his first gaming company, Inner City Games Designs, while in college at the University of Illinois in 1981. His first published game, the Inner City RPG was also published in its original format that year. Chris still owns and operates Inner City Games Designs which now has more than 40 titles currently in print. It is one of the oldest small press companies still in existence.

Chris formed Hekaforge Productions with Gary Gygax in 1998 in order to launch Gary's newest role-playing creations, the Lejendary Adventure(TM) and the Lejendary Earth(TM). While still small, Hekaforge currently has 20 titles in print, and shows no signs of slowing its steady growth.

Since 1980, Chris has written more than 100 published role-playing, miniature, card and board games, including Fuzzy Heroes and War PIGs, and is still writing them for both Hekaforge and Inner City Games Designs. He is also an avid member of the Game Publishers Association, and engages in freelance writing for several magazines as well as other game publishers. You can find out more about Chris at www.fuzzyheroes.com.

Demographics and Negotiations

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 01:05:42 -0400

Mel Thompson joins us again for an awesome presentation in demographics and geography. Store placement is a very important part in any retail business. Mel consults in the comics and games industry and shines with knowledge we can all benefit from. More information can be found at his website, comtrac.net.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

The Bottom Line, Part 2 of 2

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:41:10 -0400

Dave Wallace continues his discussion of numbers. Your numbers will show the difference between a healthy store and one on life support.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

The Bottom Line, Part 1 of 2

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:25:31 -0400

Dave Wallace looks at the most important part of the business this week, the numbers. This two-part presentation is a must listen for anyone in retail. It will give you a real good idea where your numbers need to be to have a healthy store. Dave also talks about the effect of discounting, labor costs, and other factors that can have an impact on your bottom line.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Getting the Most for Your Advertising and Marketing Dollar

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:12:25 -0400

Joe Jones is as inspirational as he is informative. In this presentation, he really helps us to focus on where we should be applying our marketing efforts. Joe Jones (Jones Publishing) is the publisher of several magazines to include one of our favorite board game magazines, Knucklebones.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Multiple Stores and Growing a Chain

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:31:48 -0400

Mel Thompson is later joined in this presentation by Dave Wallace. They give some great insight to those considering going beyond your first store and a look at what changes are going to take place in your life if you do. Mel has some additional information that he mentions at comtrac.net.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Selling Your Store, Not Your Stuff - part 2

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:58:06 -0400

John Riley and Dave Wallace continue the discussion with part two of this presentation. This discussion takes us into displays an how to make the most out of them. Be sure to listen first to part 1.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Selling Your Store, Not Your Stuff

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:45:07 -0400

John Riley and Dave Wallace team up to discuss what messages your store is sending to your customers. Do you present the image you intend to? Advise in today’s seminar is about bringing more people into your store and engaging them with proper presentation. This is part one of a two part presentation.

There are a lot of references in the presentation to Paco Underhill’s Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping. This book contains knowledge gained from the study of shopping behavior arming you with the means to maximize your customer’s experience and making a success of your store.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Podcasting

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:33:41 -0400

Michael A. Stackpole and Don A. Dehm team up to discuss podcasting and how you can use it to your advantage in and for your retail store. He is also part of the early crowd that realized how podcasting could support his work. Don has been producing podcasts since the summer of 2005 with Pulp Gamer and welcomes the use of their podcasts in retail stores.

This presentation was recorded at the GAMA Trade Show. The handout is available here.

Building Your First Game Day

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:43:10 -0400

Trey Reilly is as entertaining as she is experienced. This seminar will give you a great deal of insight into the challenges you will face when you run your first convention or game day. You will be glad you took the time to listen. This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

When she was 12, Trey Reilly found a D&D boxed set sitting in her mother's closet. In no time at all, she started adventuring with her friends. When she got to college, her love of role-playing games led Trey to every game convention she could find. In 1994, she discovered a latent interest in organizing game conventions when she volunteered at one of her favorite cons.

The combination of games and conventions led her to co-found Wild Gazebo Productions in 2000. The company ran a series of LARPs and gaming conventions on the East Coast over the last five years.

Using her background in theater and theatrical lighting design, Trey spent the last seven years as a professional meeting planner and convention organizer. She planned trade shows, educational programs, weddings, corporate retreats, exhibits, and product launch parties. Her clients included the New Jersey Apartment Association, the Caroline and Sigmund Schott Foundation, and pharmaceutical companies such as Aventis and Ortho-McNeil. She also occasionally taught SAT and GRE classes for Kaplan Test Prep.

Since August 2005 she's been GAMA's Programs Manager. She oversees events and the Exhibit Hall for both GTS and Origins, as well as administering several of GAMA's member programs. She travels all over the country talking about games, and couldn't be happier to working for the industry she loves.

Manager Awareness

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:44:15 -0400

Dave and Kelly Wallace team for this presentation on Manager Awareness. Do you know what is going on in your store? Do your employees know what is going on in your store?

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Security and Scams

Game Manufacturer's Association — Fri, 25 May 2007 23:38:48 -0400

Dave Wallace has been presenting at this show for years. His experience and knowledge really comes across in this presentation. He will discuss not just security, but how to teach security to your employees. More notes will be provided here soon.

This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).