With the uncertainty of 2021 still looming GAMA has announced that the 2021 GAMA Expo will be virtual. Originally scheduled for March 15-18 in Reno, Nevada, the physical convention is not being held due to the COVID pandemic.

Instead, GAMA will host a virtual program consisting of four days over two weeks culminating in Friendly Local Game Store Day.

The virtual show will consist of two EXPO days featuring the Exhibit Hall, Premier Presentations, and Game Nights on Tuesday, March 16 and 23 respectively. On Wednesday, March 17, GAMA will hold a Professional Development Day with specific educational tracks for retailers, publisher/manufacturers, and designers, plus a special e-commerce track for everyone.

The program will also feature a speed pitching opportunity for designers with publishers, scheduled meetings with distributors and facilitated group discussions on important topics facing the industry.

GAMA has also announced Friendly Local Game Store Day which will be held on Saturday, March 27. The goal is to drive consumers to GAMA retail stores to purchase products by publishers who are members of GAMA. There is something a bit odd about driving individuals to physical stores when the conference/convention has been canceled due to COVID. Stores could hold their own events online too if needed.

More info is coming and this is something we’ll be keeping our eyes on.