2025 Exhibitor information

The booth application process for Origins Game Fair 2025 is completely online using Map Your Show and online registration platform. 

In addition to applying and paying for your booth on this platform, you will have the opportunity to purchase sponsorship and marketing items (signage, coupon book page, event sponsorships, etc.) when those items are available, through the Sponsorship & Marketing Guide (coming this fall).

QUESTIONS?: Contact Julie Yeager, our Events Director at julie.yeager@gama.org.

Remember - Voting Members of GAMA receive a discount on the Origins Booth Rate!

Why Exhibit?

  • Showcase your products!

  • Make connections with players, retailers, publishers, distributors, artists, designers, influencers, and more!

  • Engage directly with your fans/customers!

  • Test new designs, launch new games, and sell existing products!

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Booth Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

  • Payment Deadline: February 7, 2025

  • Booth Selection/Placement: March 24-28, 2025

  • Marketing Assets Deadline: May 2, 2025

  • Certificates of Insurance Deadline: May 23, 2025

2025 TENTATIVE Exhibit Hall/Gaming Hall Schedule

  • Tuesday, June 17, 2025

    • Sponsor-Only Exhibit Hall Booth Set-Up (includes Trade Day Sponsors) - 8am-8pm

    • Supported Play Exhibitor Booth Set-Up - 8am-8pm

  • Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    • All Exhibitors - Exhibit Hall Booth Set-Up - 8am-8pm

    • Supported Play Booth Set-up - 8-11am

    • Supported Play & Gaming Hall Open: 12pm-1am

  • Thursday, June 19, 2025

    • Exhibit Hall Open: 9am-6pm

      • Premier Badge holders, Media, and GAMA Members enter at 9am, one hour before general attendees.

    • Supported Play & Gaming Hall Open: 8am-1am

  • Friday/Saturday, June 20/21, 2025

    • Exhibit Hall Open: 10am-6pm

    • Supported Play & Gaming Hall Open: 8am-1am

  • Sunday June 22, 2024

    • Exhibit Hall Open: 10am-4pm

    • Supported Play & Gaming Hall Open: 8am-4pm

    • All Show Tear-Down: 4-10pm

Exhibitors can enter the Exhibit Hall one hour before the opening time and must exit the hall no later than one hour after the Exhibit Hall closing time

Artist alleY - SOLD OUT for 2025

Artist Alley booth space for Origins 2025 is sold out! If you’re interested in being put on a waiting list for a booth, please email exhibitors@gama.org.

Origins has always been proud of its artists, showcasing the talents of established professionals and fledgling creatives alike. We would love to see our Artist Alley continue to grow and encourage creative minds to get involved with Origins Game Fair.

Artist booths are for creators who produce handmade, one-of-a-kind artwork. This includes (but is not limited to) items such as paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, game/comic art, etc.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor at Origins Game Fair 2025 with a booth in the Artist Alley section of the Exhibit Hall, please review the exhibitor information above and complete the Booth Application linked below (Space is Limited). 

We are always looking for passionate presenters to hold seminars and workshops for our attendees. If you have questions about seminars and workshops, please email events@gama.org.


Exhibitor Insurance for Origins GAME FAIR 2025

All exhibitors/sponsors (contractors, vendors, or service providers) coming on to the convention premises to do work or provide services are required to have insurance. Insurance is necessary to cover any claims or losses for which the contractor/vendor may be responsible for. Exhibitors should request a Certificate of Insurance prior to the beginning of work and/or start of the contract. A Certificate of Insurance is a standard form issued by an insurance company evidencing the insurance information (including policy limits and types of insurance) of its policyholder.

Exhibitors must carry insurance for their individual booths. Please email your insurance to exhibitors@gama.org with subject. Company Name, Exhibitor Insurance.”

Read the Certificate of Liability Instructions Here

Rainprotection Insurance Program: If you do not have insurance, or you would rather not use your own insurance, (similar to when you rent a car – so that claims would not be filed against your policy), we are working with Rainprotection Insurance to offer Exhibitor Liability Insurance at an affordable rate. The program is set up with Rainprotection Insurance where, you can purchase compliant insurance instantly online for $99.

For more information on the Rainprotection Insurance program, including the application link, please review the linked document.

Certificate of Insurance Deadline: May 23, 2025

NEW! If you have not submitted your Certificate(s) of Insurance (listing GAMA and the GCCC as additionally insured) by Friday, May 23 - you will be billed $105 for insurance coverage through Rainprotection.  This change is happening to ensure the proper insurance coverage is in place for all exhibitors prior to arriving in Columbus. 

Registering for an Ohio Vendor's License or Seller's Use Tax Account

Reminder - if you are selling something in your booth, you need to register with the State of Ohio.  As stated in the Exhibitor Rules & Regulations document... you, as the Exhibitor are solely responsible for paying all applicable city, county, state and federal taxes on sales and promotional activities at Origins.

Person or Business with Physical Presence in Ohio - Ohio law requires any person or business making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services to register for sales tax by obtaining a vendor’s license.

Out-of-State Seller - Ohio law requires any out-of-state person or business making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services into Ohio to register for a seller’s use tax account once substantial nexus is met.

Here is a link to the Ohio Department of Taxation with more details on how to Register for a Vendor's License or Seller's Use Tax Account.


Origins Game Fair 2025 Cancellation Policy 

 All cancellations must be in writing and this policy applies to Booth, Sponsorship, and Marketing Asset Purchases.

  • Exhibit cancellations prior to 100 days (March 10, 2025) from the first official day of Origins shall incur no penalty.

  • Cancellations 99-59 days (March 11, 2025 to April 18, 2025) from the first official day of Origins are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

  • No refunds for cancellations made within 60 days (April 19, 2025) of the first official day of Origins due to committed funds and space.