About Us

GAMA was formed in 1977 to protect the interests of the Origins Game Expo. It incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1982. Since then, it has expanded to become the premier trade association for the hobby games industry. Its mission is to promote the general interest of all persons engaged in the buying, selling, licensing, and manufacturing of hobby game products. To that end, GAMA provides member affinity programs such as handbooks, trade and consumer shows, and education programs.

The core of GAMA's mission is to advance the hobby games industry. We work to make doing business in this industry better and easier for all professionals. We execute this mission in a number of ways.

GAMA runs two shows, the GAMA Trade Show (GTS) in Las Vegas, NV and the Origins Game Expo in Columbus, OH.

GTS brings together publishers, distributors, and retailers, offering them education on how they can run their businesses better and improving communications between each of the three tiers of our industry. GTS is seen by retailers and distributors as the place to find new products for their stores and learn about important new releases from game publishers. Publishers and distributors use the show to find new business customers for their products.

Origins International Games Expo is a consumer show. Here, game players from across the U.S. and beyond come to play their favorite games, meet game designers, and buy the newest releases from publishers. Origins is the ultimate direct-to-consumer marketing experience for game publishers.

The staff of GAMA works year-round to ensure that Origins provides the most entertaining and satisfying events, presented by the best and brightest organizers in the world.  If you have questions, comments or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

Executive Director: Anthony J. Gallela, ed(at)gama.org

Operations Manager: Jodie Panzeri, ops(at)gama.org
Accounting: Susan Sherwood, accounting(at)gama.org
Webmaster: Greg Hacke, webmaster(at)gama.org
Customer Service: custserv(at)gama.org

Communications Manager: John Kaufeld, press(at)gama.org
Marketing & Advertising: Christine Brucker, marketing(at)gama.org

Program Manager: Trey Reilly, programs(at)gama.org
Events Coordinator: Sean Patrick Fannon, events(at)gama.org
Sales and Exhibitor Services: Matthew Ragsdale, sales(at)gama.org