Exhibitor Manager at Game Manufacturers Association – Columbus, Ohio

Organization: GAMA – The Tabletop Game Association

Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Remote (U.S.-based)

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Events Director

Salary Range: $55,000–$60,000

About GAMA & Origins Game Fair

GAMA – The Tabletop Game Association is the nonprofit trade organization dedicated to advancing the tabletop

gaming industry. We support professionals and businesses through professional development, networking

opportunities, and world-class events including GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair. Our mission is to foster a

vibrant, inclusive gaming community and help our members thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

GAMA Expo is our annual B2B gathering of industry professionals, attracting more than 4,000 attendees. The event

features exhibitors, seminars, keynote presentations, and educational sessions designed to strengthen the

industry and foster meaningful connections among members.

Origins Game Fair, hosted annually in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the premier tabletop gaming conventions in the

industry. With more than 20,000 attendees, thousands of scheduled gaming events, hundreds of exhibitors,

workshops, tournaments, and entertainment offerings, Origins celebrates creativity, community, and the joy of

play.

Position Overview

GAMA seeks a highly organized, proactive, and customer-focused Exhibitor Manager to lead exhibitor

recruitment, sales, and engagement for Origins Game Fair and GAMA Expo. This role is ideal for a

strategic professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, excels at relationship management, and

can translate challenges into growth opportunities.

The Exhibitor Manager plays a critical role in curating a diverse and vibrant exhibitor hall while ensuring an

exceptional experience for partners from initial outreach through post-event follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibitor Recruitment & Sales

• Strategically curate a diverse and engaging exhibitor hall.
• Manage booth pricing, sales, and contract execution.
• Oversee meeting room sales and related offerings.
• Sell sponsorships, marketing opportunities, and upsell booth enhancements.
• Re-engage lapsed exhibitors and analyze retention trends.
• Develop and maintain exhibitor policies, procedures, and exhibit hall guidelines.
• Occasional Travel will be required.

Exhibitor Engagement & Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for exhibitors, ensuring timely communication and support.
• Develop and distribute exhibitor newsletters and informational updates.
• Oversee registration processes to ensure a seamless experience.
• Track exhibitor data and provide insights to inform strategy and continuous improvement.
• Provide best practices and guidance to help exhibitors maximize event ROI.
• Ensure compliance with requirements, including Certificates of Insurance (COIs), payments, and

documentation.

• Manage booth assignments and exhibit hall layout in alignment with strategic goals.

Onsite Event Management

• Oversee exhibitor compliance with event policies and standards.
• Conduct regular exhibit hall walkthroughs to ensure operational excellence.
• Deliver high-touch exhibitor concierge service, supported by volunteers and event staff.
• Address and resolve exhibitor concerns in real time.

Tools & Technology

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Experience with CRM and project management tools (e.g., Monday.com)
• Familiarity with Discord and digital collaboration platforms
• Comfort working in remote and hybrid environments

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience in event planning (gaming industry experience preferred)
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to tailor solutions to diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience with budgeting, sales tracking, and data analysis
• Capacity to work effectively with remote teams
• Passion for tabletop gaming, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making

Adaptability and comfort navigating ambiguity are essential as GAMA continues to build foundational

systems and scale its events.

Benefits

We are committed to supporting our team with meaningful benefits that promote well-being and work-life

balance:

• Two weeks of paid vacation annually (increasing with tenure)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match
• 12 paid holidays per year

How to Apply

Ready to help shape the future of tabletop gaming events? Join a team that is redefining how games bring

people together.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to gregb@gama.org.