Since 2023, the Tabletop Game Alliance of Washington State (TGA) has been hosting an annual Tabletop Game Summit in Olympia, WA. This year, the TGA has expanded the summit into a full day of seminars, panels, and networking events and titled the event the Future of Games. Another new and exciting feature at the Future of Games this year is an Expo Hall for Washington State retailers, artists, publishers, designers, makers, educators and non-profits to share their wares and industry expertise.
Heading up the effort to coordinate and organize the Expo Hall is Jim Witcher, a game designer and member of the TGA. We had an opportunity to chat with Jim to talk a bit about the details of the Expo Hall.
Q: Jim, could you please take a moment to introduce yourself and how are you involved with the TGA?
A: I’m a freelance writer and game designer based in Olympia. I’m currently on the Creative Professionals board at the TGA, and I’m also helping organize the expo hall for the Future of Games summit. I joined last year after going to a few of the local meetups and really liking the people and the vibe. Since then, I’ve mostly just been trying to help out wherever I can and support the community however I’m useful.
Q: What role are you playing in the FOG Summit?
A: I’m the Expo Hall Manager. I’ve also been asked to be a judge for our new designer showcase.
Q: Can you share details about the Expo Hall: Who should apply? What should vendors know?
A: Pretty much anyone who’s interested in tabletop games and wants to connect with other people in the [expo] space in Washington. That could be someone working on their very first project, or a bigger publisher that happens to be based here. Space is limited since it’s our first year, so getting in early definitely helps. We’ll also have staff around all day to help exhibitors with questions or anything that comes up. It’s meant to be welcoming and low-stress, especially for folks who might be vending for the first time.
Q: From your perspective, what’s a benefit of vending at the FOG Summit?
A: What makes this event different is that it’s really focused on the people who make tabletop games, not just the general public. Instead of trying to sell as much as possible to a huge crowd, it’s more about meeting other creators, publishers, artists, retailers, and freelancers and actually having time to talk. It’s the kind of place where you can sit down and make real connections, trade ideas, or find people you might want to work with later. If you’re trying to build relationships in the industry, that’s where this event really shines.
Q: Excellent! Final question: What’s your current favorite game?
A: Dungeons & Dragons is still my favorite game! Right now, I’m playing in an OSR-style Temple of Elemental Evil game set in Greyhawk using the 2024 rules, and I’m also DMing a 5e campaign I’ve been running for over ten years. It went from level 1 to level 20 and somehow is still going, which is kind of wild, but it’s still a blast!
If you are interested in representing your business or non-profit at the Future of Games, please visit our Future of Games Exhibitor website to register. TGA Members get a 50% discount (applied automatically during checkout). All rates include free admission for booth staff.
