Darin R. Batten of All Star Comics and Games in Mishawaka, Indiana was at the recently completed GAMA Trade Show (see 'GAMA Trade Show Up 50-100%') and here are his impressions:

 

I was one of those retailers that attended the GTS earlier this week.  I can tell you that it was a very exciting time for all of us.  The most pleasing development during the show was the number of retailers that participated in the 'classroom' events offered by the GAMA Retailer Division.  From GRD reports, those sessions usually had 15 to 25 retailers attending.  This year, most, if not all, the classroom sessions were standing room only!  My hat is off to Mr. Chris Watson, last year's GRD Chair, and his Board for making this a wonderful experience for me and my fellow retailers.

On another note:  I had initially believed that most retailers would grab their drop-ship on Monday and leave the show after an hour or two after the exhibit halls opened on Tuesday.  I was gladly mistaken.  Attendance was strong all the way through Thursday morning and the D&D 3.5 brunch sponsored by Wizards of the Coast.

This was a great show!  I was able to network with other dealers and generally have a great time.  Thanks GAMA!