EXHIBITOR RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Standards are determined by GAMA/Origins staff. These guidelines are designed to maintain a professional show environment and ensure compliance with fire safety codes.
Important rules, policies, and requirements (yes, all of them - we promise they exist for a reason (usually learned the hard way))
By exhibiting at Origins Game Fair, you agree to comply with all Rules & Regulations outlined below.
These policies exist to ensure:
A safe and professional environment
A fair experience for all exhibitors
Compliance with venue, legal, and safety requirements
PAYMENT, ELIGIBILITY & CANCELLATIONS
Booth Eligibility
Booth space is not guaranteed until paid in full
Booth assignments are confirmed only after full payment is received
Failure to pay by the deadline may result in:
Release of booth space
Forfeiture of deposit
Cancellations
(All cancellations must be submitted in writing)
Before March 9, 2026 (100+ days out): No penalty
March 10 – April 17, 2026 (99–60 days): 50% cancellation fee
After April 18, 2026 (within 60 days): No refunds
Failure to Occupy Booth
Exhibitors must occupy their booth at least 30 minutes before show opening
Unoccupied booths may be reassigned without refund
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Exhibitors must carry:
Liability insurance
Worker’s compensation (if applicable)
Must list as Additional Insured:
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
Submit to: exhibitors@gama.org
Subject: “Company Name – Exhibitor Insurance”
Deadline
May 22, 2026
If Not Submitted
You will be billed $125 for insurance coverage
Coverage will be provided through Rainprotection
BOOTH RULES & SETUP
Bare Booth Policy
Booth includes space + pipe & drape between booths only
Does NOT include:
Tables
Chairs
Carpet
Electricity
Aisles are not carpeted
Equipment & Services
Exhibitors may:
Bring their own materials
Rent from the official contractor
All additional services (A/V, utilities, internet):
Must be arranged separately
Are the exhibitor’s responsibility
Shipping & Labor
Exhibitors using custom setups are responsible for:
Transportation
Labor
Storage
Equipment rental
All shipments must be handled through the official decorator
BOOTH SHARING & SELLING RULES
Subletting or sharing booth space is not allowed without written approval
Only products/services from your business may be displayed
Exceptions Require
Written approval at least 30 days prior to show
SALES & TAX REQUIREMENTS
If selling products:
Must register for:
Ohio Vendor’s License OR
Seller’s Use Tax Account
Exhibitor is solely responsible for:
All applicable city, county, state, and federal taxes
More info:
https://tax.ohio.gov/business/ohio-business-taxes/sales-and-use/registration
BOOTH STAFFING & CONDUCT
Staffing Requirements
Booth must be staffed at all times during show hours
No one under 18 allowed during setup/teardown
Presentation Standards
Tables must be fully covered if visible
Products must be properly displayed or covered
Trash must be stored properly
Dress & Conduct
No profanity or lewd content on clothing
BOOTH DISPLAY RULES
Height & Layout
Max height: 12 ft (higher requires approval)
Back half: max 8 ft
Front half: max 4 ft
Visibility & Interference
Displays must not block neighboring inline booths
Back of structures over 8 ft must be blank
Lighting & Sound
Must be pre-approved
Must be adjusted or removed if requested
Safety & Aisles
No encroachment into aisles
All demonstrations must stay within booth space
Crowd lines must remain within booth footprint
Additional Restrictions
No vehicles without approval
No flammable materials
Fire equipment must remain visible
No stickers or decals on venue property
No helium balloons
MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL RULES
Materials may only be distributed within your booth
No posting or distributing materials in:
Aisles
Lobbies
Parking areas
Meeting rooms
Exceptions Require
Written approval at least 5 days prior to show
EXHIBIT OPERATION & ENFORCEMENT
GAMA reserves the right to:
Modify the floor plan
Relocate or remove exhibitors
Close exhibits for non-compliance
No refunds will be issued in these cases
Noise & Disruption
No excessive noise or disruptive equipment
Must comply if asked to adjust or remove
Activities & Safety
No hazardous demonstrations
No blocking aisles or intersections
No unsafe crowd formation
MOVE-OUT POLICY
Tear-down begins Sunday at 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM ONLY
Early dismantling results in:
Fees will be applied and future participation may be impacted.
Potential restriction from future events
SECURITY & LIABILITY
Exhibitors are responsible for:
Their property
Their staff
Any damage or injury caused
GAMA Is NOT Responsible For:
Theft or damage
Personal injury
Loss of materials
Exhibitor Responsibility Includes:
Maintaining insurance
Covering damages caused by booth or staff
Indemnifying GAMA against claims
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE
Exhibitors must:
Follow all federal, state, and local laws
Obtain all required permits/licenses
Immediately correct any violations
Trademark Use
GAMA/Origins branding may NOT be used without written permission
Event Disruption Clause
GAMA may cancel or modify the event due to:
Emergencies
Acts of God
Government action
Venue issues
Liability is limited to booth fees paid (less expenses)
PROHIBITED CONTENT & CONDUCT
(Standards & Practices - Family-Friendly Policy)
Origins is a family-friendly event.
The following are prohibited:
Profanity or vulgar content
Excessive violence or gore
Sexual content or nudity
Discriminatory or offensive material
Religious disrespect (modern religions)
Satanic imagery or rituals
Criminal or unsafe demonstrations
Promotion of addiction
Weapons or unsafe props
Bootleg or unlicensed media
GAMA reserves final judgment on all content
Enforcement
Failure to comply may result in:
Removal of materials
Booth closure
No refunds
FINAL AUTHORITY
All decisions not explicitly covered are subject to GAMA’s discretion
Exhibitors agree to comply with all updates and additional rules