Christian T. Petersen, CEO of Fantasy Flight Publishing, Inc., saw the news of Mark Simmons new show competing directly with the GAMA Trade Show (see 'New Game Trade Show Goes Head to Head with GAMA in 07'), and sees 'no need:'

First let me say that I have had, and will continue to have, the greatest respect for Mark Simmons' efforts in our industry and in his accomplishments of the past.

I do want to note, however, that in FFG's view, we see absolutely no need for a second U.S trade show for the Hobby.  Between GAMA and the various distributor open houses, this need has been *more* than adequately filled.

Opening a second trade show in Vegas during the same month is not only unnecessary, it is downright destructive.  A trade show's value is greater than the sum of its attendees, and any effort, or circumstance, that would reduce attendance at such a show, would seriously jeopardize the utility of the show, and therefore life of any show at all.

Mark notes that many companies have approached him to do a second trade show in the states.  Unless this was done in confidence, I would like Mark to publicly list these companies.  If this was done in confidence, I would like to call on these companies to make their voice heard, and to provide an explanation as to why they think this would have any value.  I am personally doubtful that many, if any, companies in the Games Hobby see this development as positive.

I publicly urge Mark to reconsider the notion of a second U.S trade show entirely, and another trade show in Vegas in March specifically.

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