Origins 2006 saw a lot of successes, but it also left a few challenges in its wake. Here’s an overview of how things looked at this year’s show:

* The majority of exhibitors reported significantly stronger sales over last year.

* RPGA event attendance rose tremendously. This year's show saw the largest RPGA turnout in Origins history.

* The first-ever Origins Board Room was a rousing success, selling well over 200 ribbons within the first two days of the show. 

* The show’s attendance numbers were down by about 2,900 people from last year’s record high of 15,000. We're still nailing down the final numbers, and should have them by the end of July. The decrease in attendance is particularly ironic given the marked successes in the exhibit hall and the overflowing events in many areas of the game halls.

* GAMA’s new on-site systems ran smoothly, which kept people moving fast.

* For the first time ever, attendees could purchase badges and event tickets online during the night, and then pick up their purchases the next morning. Many attendees took advantage of this new perk, with plenty of positive comments.

* Response to the first-ever Sunday “Family Day” badge package looks good. The program provided admission for a family of up to four related people for $25 total, including a $5 voucher good at participating vendors in the Expo Hall. The program received promotion on several Columbus radio and TV stations immediately before the show.

* Customer service issues were down tremendously compared to previous years, thanks largely to the new systems.

* In speaking with attendees, we heard that the attendance was affected by the way that the July 4 holiday fell (people taking Monday off instead of Friday), severe weather on the East Coast (which also prevented a number of our volunteers from arriving), and the absence of Wizards of the Coast and Upper Deck.

Thanks to everybody who made Origins 2006 a success. Watch this space for information about Origins 2007, coming soon!