Seminars of the GAMA Trade Show

GTS09 06: Community Partnerships and the Games Industry

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: John Ward, Executive Director, GAMA

Join John Ward as he discusses ideas on how members can partner up with school systems, afterschool programs and other non-traditional community partners. Meet our new Executive Director, and talk to him about the future of GAMA.

GTS09 05: The 12 Selling Steps

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Cheryl Stern, Worldwise Imports

In Specialty Retail, we are empowered to "sell" to our customers. This seminar covers: a review of the 12 selling steps, training employees to "sell", how to train the 12 steps, and how selling enhances your customers' experience in your store.

GTS09 04: Game Industry Accounting 201

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Aaron Witten, Gamestation.net

P/L? Gross Profit? Balance Sheet? What bearing does all of this have on MY business? Come and let CEO/CFO Aaron Witten of Gamestation.net demystify some of the myths in our industry regarding accounting and how using it properly can impact and improve your business. Discussion will be analysis-heavy, with topics to include but not limited to: P/L business management, how to budget, weekly cash flow analysis, cash versus accrual based accounting, and so on. So, break out your No. 2 pencils, bring your calculators, Excel spreadsheets, & company numbers and let Aaron help with bringing your business up to a whole new level of professionalism and profitability with this course. This course is suitable for ALL tiers of our industry, and Q&A time will also be available.

GTS09 03: Don't Worry, Make Money

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Aaron Witten, Gamestation.net

Believe it or not, Profit is not a bad word! In this new analysis seminar by Gamestation.net CEO/CFO Aaron Witten, learn the simple tips and tricks he uses to tweak and fine-tune his company and other in our industry by the numbers to yield maximum results. Attendees are encouraged to submit in advance or bring their real-world business numbers with them and get constructive advice – without revealing your identity -- from Aaron… Q&A Time will be available during the seminar.

GTS09 02: Overview of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Chip Bowles, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC

What you don't know can hurt you! A basic overview of the Consumer Product Safety improvement Act (CPSIA) focusing on important issues concerning product testing, what constitutes a Children's Product, and an overview of how retailers and manufacturers can protect themselves from liability for lead, phthalates, or lawsuits.

GTS09 01: Legalese-Minor Issues

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:17:55 -0400

Speaker: Chip Bowles, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC

Many of us have stores specifically designed to appeal to families with children, and hold events meant to attract young gamers. Some of those younger gamers may play regularly at our stores, spending significant periods of time without their parent or guardian there to supervise them.
In this seminar, we'll talk about the potential problems that supervising younger customers can bring, and how to assure you're doing your best to comply with laws regarding their supervision during both events and regular store hours. We'll discuss the best ways to help parents understand your rules for use of your game space and events, and what you might need to do should any incidents occur. Please come prepared to discuss your local laws and ordinances and how you've dealt with them, as well as your rules and regs for handling kids at events as well as during regular store hours. We'll also be taking questions about specific circumstances and how to legally and safely take care of the kids in your store.

GTS08 21: Lessons Learned - GTS Wrap-up

Game Manufacturer's Association — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:06:41 -0400

Speakers: Anthony Gallela, Executive Director of GAMA; Kell Wallace, GRD Chair; Trey Reilly, Program Director, GAMA Members of the GAMA Board of Directors, the Retail Division Board, and the GAMA Staff are waiting to hear from you about what went well this year and where there is room for improvements.

GTS08 20: Comics in the Game Store

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:06:26 -0400

Speaker: Jim Crocker, Modern Myths
Many game stores sell comics, and many comic shops sell games. This seminar reviews everything you need to know about selling comics, whether you’re starting from scratch, or integrating them into your existing product line, with a special emphasis on graphic novels and the book trade. Stores that already carry comics are encouraged to attend to share their strategies, boost sales, and better integrate other products into a "hybrid" store.

GTS08 19: Manager Awareness

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:11:03 -0400

Speaker: Dave Wallace, Fantasy Shop Comics & Games
This session covers the 'big picture', how good managers integrate the various aspects of their jobs to make sure their stores run smoothly. Learn how to evaluate your performance and your staff's, and how to respond as necessary.

GTS08 18: Demographics

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:53:02 -0400

Speaker: Mel Thompson, Melchior Thompson & Associates
Analyzing demographics is a key part of finding a good location for your store. Learn the things you to look for before ever requesting a lease.

GTS08 17: Retailer Outreach

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Alex Yeager, Mayfair Games
Alex will describe some of the successes that he has had in using games in an educational and Scouting setting, and how some of the lessons learned can be used to help retailers set up outreach opportunities.

GTS08 16: Pre-Release Discussion

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:35:22 -0400

Moderator: Mike Stackpole
In this discussion, we'll take on the contentious topic of pre-release tournaments and events. What effect do they have on the local game economy? How do Tournament Organizers affect local retail sales and game interest? What effect does it have on casual play? As this is a passionate topic for many, this discussion will be strictly moderated to keep it productive.

GTS08 15: Buyer's Training

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:52:06 -0400

Speakers: Dave Wallace, Fantasy Shop Comics & Games; Gordon Lugauer, The Board Game Barrister.

Good stocking is a lot more than just 'order 1 of each, 2 if it's D&D'. Industry veteran Dave Wallace will discuss specific strategies for building your expertise, tracking sales and order data to allow more efficient buying, and more. Learn how a dedicated buyer can free up time for managers to manage and owners to concentrate on long-term strategy, and the systems you'll need to put in place to let one buyer handle multiple product lines and/or stores and get the feedback needed to make smart purchasing decisions.

GTS08 14: The Entertainment Model

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Speaker: Tony Lakas, The Danger Room
By making your store "more" than just a Game Store, you can sell things to people who are not your core customers. We will cover how to buy, sell, display and process merchandise outside of the traditional game channel, including but not limited to: video games, music CD's, movies on DVD and VHS, and other merchandise while remaining a strong game store. Learn how to create a store that appeals to every single person who walks through your door. Please feel free to bring examples of your success or difficulty in moving beyond the traditional game store product lines for comparison and friendly peer review.

GTS08 13: Macro-Managing

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:25:41 -0400

Speaker: John Riley, Grasshopper's Comics
Stop micro-managing and start thinking big. Now that you're up and running, it's time to start looking at the big picture. John will discuss some good ways to get out from under the 'daily grind' and start thinking about your company's future, not just that day's shipment.

GTS08 12: The Bottom Line

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Speakers: Dave & Kelli Wallace, Fantasy Shop Comics & Games
This seminar presents the tools you need to analyze where your money is going and how to keep more of it in your pocket. Please feel free to bring your store’s financial data (profit and loss statement, year-end, etc) for comparison and friendly peer review.

GTS08 11: The Good, the Bad and the Questionable

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56:21 -0400

Speakers: Ken Burnside, Ad Astra Games; Dave Wallace, Fantasy Shop Comics & Games
A discussion about product packaging, from the perspectives of a Graphic Designer and a Retailer. What works, what doesn’t, and why? We’ll talk about simple changes you can make to your design to really make it pop, and popular mistakes to avoid.

GTS08 10: Legalese

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:51:45 -0400

Speaker: Gordon Lugauer, The Board Game Barrister
A discussion of current changes in the law that affect the game and retail industries. Learn what you should know about these changes and what you can do about them.

GTS08 09: The Unrealized Potential of Podcasting

Game Manufacturer's Association — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:50:38 -0400

Speaker: Don Dehm, The Podcast Advantage, Pulp Gamer
The potential of podcasting has yet to be realized in our industry. During this presentation we will evaluate the misuse and misunderstandings that have been standing in your way. You will also learn about incredible training and marketing opportunities few have thought to explore. No technical knowledge is necessary.

GTS08 08: Making Board Games Work for You

Game Manufacturer's Association — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:36:43 -0400

Speakers: Gordon Lugauer, The Board Game Barrister; Tim Peiffer, Games & Gizmos
This seminar reviews everything you need to know about selling board games, whether you’re starting from scratch or integrating them into your existing product lines. Stores that already carry board games, whether board game only or general game stores, are encouraged to attend to share their strategies and boost sales.

GTS08 07: PR for Retailers

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

Speaker: Jay Adan, Greenfield Games

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).