Prepare for busy times as the first three major toy and game industry trade shows in the U.S. have fallen in line for next year.
Earlier this evening, John Stacy, Executive Director of the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), issued an open letter revealing plans to shift dates for GAMA Expo 2025 to February 23-27. By moving the event forward one week, GAMA Expo avoids overlap with The Toy Association’s Toy Fair in New York, which takes place March 1-5, 2025 at The Javits Center.
Read the letter from Stacy in its entirety, below:
Dear GAMA Members –
I want to share with you some important information regarding GAMA EXPO 2025. After serious consideration, we are moving the dates one week earlier to February 23-27, 2025.
This decision was made based on several factors. The primary one being the growth we had this year over the previous show in Reno. 2024 was our largest show to date with 2,736 people in attendance and 300 exhibitors. This represents an overall growth of 34% from last year in attendees and nearly a 50% growth in the number of exhibitors. This growth made us reevaluate the space we had under contract at both the hotel and convention center for both 2025 and 2026.
Please remember that we entered into original agreements with Louisville in 2019-2020 and reserved space based on the projected growth that we experienced in Reno. This year we were able to add additional space in the exhibit hall and ballroom a few months before the show as we saw the need develop. The space was available, and we added it to the contract. Next year, however, these two areas are booked by other groups and therefore unavailable. To step backward from what we delivered this year is unacceptable.
Secondly, we have consistently heard concerns from members (from all membership groups) regarding the decision by The New York Toy Fair to schedule their show to overlap with GAMA EXPO 2025. We had a similar issue this year when ToyFest also changed their date to coincide with our show in March making it difficult for many members to attend both shows. This also played into our decision to seek a solution to these pain points.
We reached out to our partners in Louisville to look for solutions. Both the KICC and The Galt House worked with us to adjust other groups to make the space we need to have a successful show. This effort has taken most of the past two months to shift around groups to accommodate us. There are a lot of moving parts to a change like this. Of course, the benefit of the date change is that it also eliminates the overlap with the New York Toy Fair.
Due to our date change the three main industry trade shows will now be held in consecutive weeks. The dates for 2025 will be:
- ToyFest — February 19-21, 2025
- GAMA EXPO — February 23-27, 2025
- New York Toy Fair — March 1-4, 2025
We understand this change affects everyone’s schedule, but please know, this decision was not made lightly. It was made with the best interest of our members and the overall success of the show in mind.
The date change does alter the show schedule as we will have a phased move-in of the Exhibit Hall based on when we gain access to the various spaces at the convention center. To help with planning, below is the schedule for GAMA EXPO 2025. This schedule maintains the 12 hours of hall time along with a robust seminar schedule.
GAMA Expo Schedule – February 23-27, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
- 10am – 6pm: Registration South Pre-function area.
- 1pm – 6pm: Seminars & Presentations
- 8pm – 10pm: Membership Group Receptions
Monday, February 24, 2025
- 8am – 6pm: Registration South Pre-function area.
- 9am – 6pm: Seminars & Presentations
- 9pm – 12am: GAME NIGHTS & Special Events
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- 8am – 6pm: Registration South Pre-function area.
- 9am – 6pm: Seminars & Presentations
- 9pm – 12am: GAME NIGHTS & Special Events
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- 8am – 6pm: Registration South Pre-function area.
- 9am – 2pm: Seminars & Presentations
- 2pm – 6pm: Exhibit Hall Open
- 9pm – 12am: GAME NIGHTS & Special Events
Thursday, February 27, 2025
- 10am – 5pm: Registration South Pre-function area.
- 9am – 5pm: Exhibit Hall Open
- 9pm – 12am: GAME NIGHTS & Special Events
Friday, February 28, 2025
- 8am – 2pm: Final Exhibitor Move-Out
Also, as this date change took much effort on behalf of the KICC and GALT House to move the groups they already contracted, they asked that we extend our contract by an additional year. As partnerships go both ways, we agreed and will be holding the 2027 show there as well. The dates will be announced once the hotel blocks are finalized. We are working to expand the number of rooms to include several properties close to the KICC.
For some, I know that this extension will be disappointing and frustrating. For that I am sorry for any extra stress or issues this decision may cause you.
We appreciate your understanding!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the email below.
Thanks,
John Stacy
Executive Director
john.stacy@gama.org
For the latest dates on the toy industry trade shows and events you should know about, visit The Toy Book’s live event calendar.
