Early indications are that the 2006 GAMA Trade show, scheduled to begin in Las Vegas on March 13th, will be up considerably from its 2005 size.  According to GAMA Executive Director Anthony Gallela, pre-registrations for the show are up about 25% from the same time a year ago (although he cautioned that there may simply be a greater percentage of attendees pre-registering this year rather than registering on site).  Exhibit space is also up about 25% from a year ago, which required the opening of a second hall for exhibitors. 

The GAMA Trade Show has been growing steadily each year, with attendance up about 10% in 2005 vs. 2004 (see 'GAMA Trade Show Attendance Up 10%').  With the expanded exhibit area, great schwag, and continued strong programming, the GAMA Trade Show looks like it will once again be the best place for game retailers to learn from each other, meet with suppliers, and get previews of summer and fall releases.