GAMA reported record attendance at the recently completed GAMA Expo, up over 20% from 2019, the last year unaffected by the Covid pandemic. Attendance for the 2023 show was 2,041, compared to 1,680 in 2019. Attendance was up 50% over the 1,360 attendees last year (see "GAMA Reports Expo Attendance").
Retailer attendance is growing, but has not returned to pre-Covid levels. GAMA reported that 356 stores were represented at GAMA Expo (by roughly 1.5 people per store), up 31% from the 271 stores at GAMA Expo last year, but still down from the 480 stores in 2019 (see "GAMA Trade Show Sets Attendance Records").
While some companies that formerly had large booths have not returned to the show (as exhibitors), the exhibit floor was sold out, with another 16 exhibitors in a First-Time Exhibitor area in a separate hall.
GAMA Expo next year will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, which will make it closer (if not more convenient) for attendees in the eastern half of the country, but present a longer trip for west coast companies. Regardless of the numbers, the move will definitely produce some turnover in attendees, with some new faces that haven’t previously attended the show.
![](https://icv2.com/images/article_thumbs/650x650_da76e327934914116e384f474cb80b795b7fa99b68ad9ca2414e33bd.jpg)
Up Over 20% from 2019
Posted by Milton Griepp on May 2, 2023 @ 2:46 am CT
![](https://icv2.com/imgs/icon_print.jpg)
MORE GAMES
In 'War of Kings' and 'Inhuman Royal Court' Sets
January 14, 2025
Atomic Mass Games has announced the War of Kings and Inhuman Royal Court packs for Marvel: Crisis Protocol.
Bandai, NECA the Next Two
January 14, 2025
The bankruptcy petition filed by Diamond Comic Distributors lists 30 unsecured creditors, with Penguin Random House the largest creditor and Bandai and NECA the next two.
MORE NEWS
Universal Bids for Alliance, Will Acquire Diamond UK
January 14, 2025
Diamond Comic Distributors has filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy; Universal Distribution has agreed to acquire Diamond UK and has submitted a stalking horse bid for Alliance Game Distributors.
Also: Mad Cave to Produce Fund-Raiser Anthology to Aid Displaced Creators
January 14, 2025
Mad Cave Studios has announced a benefit anthology to assist creator displaced by the fires.