Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

We’re finally into summer, and GSA has a lot of great things cooking.  We’ve been beating the recession by keeping ourselves busy through the past two months.

In early June, I became a partner in a new theatre project in the Wisconsin Dells.  This new project, however, is NOT a game show project.  It’s a magic and illusion project called “The Illusionairium” and we look forward to seeing you in the Summer of 2010.

The premise behind this experience is “an evening of mystery and mischief.”  From my travels, I have discovered a wonderful group of people who love following magic and the people involved with it.  When you enter The Illusionairium, you will leave the real world behind, and step into the exciting realm of magic and mystery.  Be warned - this isn’t your typical “family magic show.”  Nothing will be as it seems.  It will definitely be a bit left of center, with the word “normal” not a part of our guests’ vocabulary.

From the moment you enter The Parlor, the show has started, with guests being enchanted by one of many “close-up” stations, where you will experience a variety of close-up magic, mentalism, and mischief for the first half of your journey.  A disembodied voice will be your guide and lead you from station to station.  As the close-up comes to its conclusion, you will then be guided into the Illusionairium Theatre, an intimate 100 seat black-box concept theatre, where you will experience the second half of the show.  Lasers, lights, fog, sound effects, and some of the leading Illusionists in the United States will comprise the second act of the show.  As many of the Illusionists performing at the Illusionairium are present for limited engagements or perhaps just passing through, each show promises to be a unique experience.  In fact, you may never see the same show twice.  The entire experience is approximately 75-minutes.

For more information, please visit The Illusionairium website.  If you are interested in performing at The Illusionairium, please go to the website and click on “auditions.”

That’s all for now.  I need to get ready for our trip to Atlanta (leaving Monday morning) to do a game show for Nordstrom.  Once back in Wisconsin, it’s back to the theatre to take care of the finishing touches before our grand opening in July.  Feel free to contact me with any questions - and we’ll see YOU at the show.

Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

It’s almost summer… and that means Outdoor Events for many companies.  An FYI to all of our partner event planners…GSA has a number of game shows that work well in an outdoor environment.  Out team-building game “The Island” is an excellent outdooor game.  We also have a number of physical challenge games that work well for company picnics.

A great place to see some of our outdoor games will be in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin the weekend of July 17 & 18.  GSA is returning to Relay for Life with a complete variety show of interactive games.  The entire event is from noon on July 17 until noon on July 18.  It’s a 24 hour marathon with the ultimate goal of raising as much money as possible for the American Cancer Society.

For more information on our outdoor game shows, please call or email me.  Something to remember though…make sure you have a backup plan in the event the weather doesn’t want to cooperate with your plans.  It’s always good to have an indoor option available “just in case.”

GSA is also working on a new show which will be debuting in the Wisconsin Dells this summer.  I’ll post more information on this new show as our planning progesses.  It will be a show you won’t want to miss!

Until next time…keep on playing!

Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

The past ten days on the road have been an incredible adventure for GSA.  We started in Chicago at a urologist’s convention, heading next to Connecticut to do a show for Guinness, then off to West Virgina for a fun-filled evening with an educational organization, and finishing off the tour in Virginia doing a show for a professional golf association.  It was literally non-stop, with one day to break away and have some fun (Busch Gardens and NASCAR).  I am typing this as we are driving home from my mobile office (it’s OK…I’m not the one driving) because once we stop for the night, I know I’ll be asleep in about 10 minutes.

The urologist’s convention was definitely a sight to behold.  Working alongside our sister company, our job was to attract doctors to our client’s booth to answer some questions on a new drug.  Participants enjoyed playing the game over the three days that we were in the booth.  Our standing joke is…we met a lot of doctors, but when it came to shaking hands…we opted for the fist-bump instead.

Once done in Chicago, we headed to Connecticut to perform for the folks at the Guinness headquarters.  The group included 50 sales representatives from from the company.  This show was an absolute home run!  Everyone enthusiastically participated in our Quest for the Best game show.  The response was incredible!  We are looking forward to returning to Connecticut for our next Guinness performance.

We then drove down to Charleston, West Virginia to do an evening of entertainment for a group called SASBO.   They also requested our Quest for the Best game show.  The group was divided into twelve teams (there were 12 states represented).  It was fierce competition all the way to the end, and a great time was had by all.  Debra and her crew made us feel very welcome and part of the family.  Our thanks go out to Jennifer at the Marriott for referring us to this client (it was our third time at this venue - and we absolutely love it!).  Thanks Jennifer - we’ll see you again soon!

The last stop on our tour was Williamsburg, Virginia working with our sister company to provide the game show set and audience response technology for an interactive game show for a professional golf association.  As a bonus, we got to meet some of the players.  The show was a huge success!  A special thanks to Bryan for including GSA on this production.

On the day before this production, our crew had a day off, so we tried to do as much as we could in a single day.  We started at Busch Gardens and tackled some incredible roller coasters.  My favorite was The Griffon.  There’s nothing like a 200 foot drop straight down hanging over the edge of the track.  This roller coaster is definitely on my list of Top 5 Coasters.  Here is a link to check it out:  Busch Gardens

That same day, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in Richmond.  We made the hour journey to Richmond and got some great seats to the race.  I haven’t been to a race since I was a kid, so I forgot how LOUD these things are.  The race was definitely a lot of fun…and a very cultural experience for me.  Congrats to Kyle Busch on his birthday win!  Another big thanks goes out to Bryan for including us in this unforgettable experience.

And now we’re heading home.  It’s been an incredible tour, and it sure was a lot of fun, but 10 days later, I am looking forward to crawling into my own bed again.  We leave for Dallas on May 15th for our annual Texas Rangers event.  That show is always a lot of fun!  Until then, I’m going to take a bit of time off to relax and enjoy being with my family.

Until next time…keep on playing!

Greetings and Salutations everyone!

A while ago, I started networking with an entertainment company from Ireland via email.  Now a year later, our networking has developed into an exciting new business venture and evolved into an international business partnership.  GSA is proud to announce the launch of Gameshow Ireland (www.gameshow.ie).  Gameshow Ireland is owned and operated by Robert Farmer from Cork, Ireland.  Robert brings over two decades of entertainment experience, loads of talent, and some of the latest game show technology to this new business venture.  Gameshow Ireland has the capability to bring TV-Style game shows to clients of all shapes and sizes.

The official launch date for Gameshow Ireland is March 26, 2009 at the Cork International Airport Hotel.  It is sure to be an event that everyone will be talking about!  We wish Robert and GSI all the best and look forward to collaborating on international game show projects together!

Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

When we created Quest for the Best, we had no idea that it would become our most popular game show production!  QFB has been Game Show America’s signature show for the past three years.  The reason for its popularity comes from its high level of interaction.   The game involves the entire audience throughout the entire game!  To date, the largest audience that has experienced a QFB game show is 1,100 people - and EVERYONE got to play along!

As an encore to Quest for the Best, we have created a brand new all-inclusive game show called ESP.  The tagline for ESP is, “It’s more than just common sense” - and how true this is.

With ESP - The Game Show, the entire audience actually helps create the questions for the game - all while competing against each other.  The entire show can be customized to fit any theme.  For more information about ESP, please call (608) 356-2869 or send us an email (events@gsapro.com).  We’ll have more on this exciting new show in future blogs.

Until next time…game on!

Greetings and Salutations!

When pitching Game Show America for an event, it’s important to make sure our productions are presented to your clients in a way that makes them feel the energy and excitement a game show can bring to their events.

When clients call me directly, I typically do not sell anything.  I first ask a few questions about the event.  Then I explain the type of game shows that I feel would work best for the event.  Then I share with them a story about past events and how excited our clients were about incorporating GSA into their programs.

What I’m selling is me.  My explanation conveys and excitement and enthusiasm that is unmatched.  I truly LOVE what I do, and when a client calls, they hear it in my voice.  I paint a picture for the client.  I give them ideas.  I give them testimonials.  But it’s generally not what I say, it’s how I say it that wins the client over.

GSA works with a number of event planners and production companies all over the United States.  I personally thank each and every one of you for choosing to work with us and promote our services.  Some companies allow me to participate in the sales process (whether it be on the phone or an in-person pitch).  Some companies take our information and make it a part of their presentation or proposal.  Other companies simply offer it in a menu as one of many options for their events.

The success rate varies, depending on a number of factors.  When the client chooses another form of entertainment or chooses not to do a game show altogether, it’s not always apparent as to why.  At times like this I wonder - was the game show element presented in a way that was exciting and enthusiastic?  Was it presented like I would personally present the game show to a client?

The service GSA provides has physical elements, but the intended messages and goals the game show provides are often intangible.  Things like content retention, motivation, employee recognition, and teamwork are in and of themselves mostly intangible.  All of these can be difficult to measure (did they really GET the message?), and clients sometimes don’t fully comprehend that game shows CAN and DO help companies accomplish all of these things.  Occasionally, I have heard a game show presented as “a Jeopardy-like game”, “questions and answers with buzzers and stuff”, and “it’s something like Family Feud”.  The truth is, there is MUCH more to it than that.

If your client is considering a game show, find out as much about their goals as you can.  Then, contact us.  We’ll help you paint that picture for them - and help you convey that excitement and enthusiasm in your presentation.  We’ll even be on the call with you as your “game show expert” which will give your presentation that “something special.”

We truly want to help you present game shows in the best way possible.  Think of GSA as an extension of your company.  With our enthusiasm, we can help turn inquiries and RFP’s into long-standing clients.

I look forward to talking with many of you soon!  Game On!

Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

At one of our recent events, we had a conversation with our client that gave us some insight to a question that we have wondered about for a while.

When our client first looked at our website, they stated, “Wow, their website looks fantastic!  This is a great idea for our event - but can we afford them?”

The simple answer is, “Yes - you CAN afford us!”

For quite some time, we have wondered whether our website has deterred potential clients from booking us because we looked too expensive.  After talking with our client, we believe that the answer just might be “yes.”  Well, we want to put potential clients at ease, because while we pride ourselves on providing outstanding quality productions and exceptional service, we aren’t as expensive as you might think.  It is true that some of our productions do cost a lot of money to produce, but we also offer productions that are very cost conscious.  Most of our productions can be scaled down to fit within specific budgets.

The best advice I can offer is to simply call us and ask.  Tell us what your budget is.  Chances are excellent that we can create a game show that will be a perfect fit.  Feel free to call me directly - (608) 356-2869.

Now more than ever, companies need to show their employees that they are appreciated for the hard work they do.  A game show at your next event may be the perfect thing to show them just how much!

Update from the last post…

On Saturday, January 24th, it was our 13th consecutive year entertaining for Sussek Machine Corporation.  With just over 100 people in attendance, we provided a game show that allowed the entire audience to play along.  Once again, the show was a huge hit for everyone.  Before the show even started, we were told to save the date already for next year.  This year’s show utilized our wireless audience response keypads and a team elimination finale that was one of the most hysterical shows they have ever experienced.  They truly make my job the best in the world.  Thank you Sussek Machine Corporation!!!

So until next time…keep on playing…(and for those of you that voted for GSA, Thanks for Voting!!!).

Greetings and Salutations everyone!  I wanted to start 2009 with a post about what’s new at GSA for 2009.  Well, we had a very busy December, and January has kept me from writing that Blog.  We are thankful that business has been good.  While our numbers are down a bit from January last year, we are keeping busy, and have a number of solid bookings for 2009.

The year did not start off the best however.  We had a terrible experience at the Canadian border (Port Huron) with an Immigration Agent that made Emperor Palpatine look like an altar boy.  Regardless of the paperwork that we had (which was prepared by a Canadian Immigration Attorney and all in order), she simply would not let us cross into Canada.  She had a number of excuses including, “Game Shows are NOT entertainment; You’re no rock band that I’ve ever heard of; I don’t care what the law says - I make the laws in this country.”

She probably failed to take her medication that morning - and as a result, she would not let us cross into Canada to do our job (and yes, we did have all the required paperwork).  My thought is - if this person is the face of Canada - then they really need a new face.  If anyone has any insight, comments, questions, or suggestions - please feel free to email me or comment on this post.

So to start off on dream number one:  I have a dream that Canada rid themselves of this evil Immigration Agent at Port Huron and hire someone who’s actually seen a game show on television.

OK - back to the United States…

The economy is down.  Everyone knows it.  Everyone is feeling it.  I wish I could say that the economy hasn’t affected us, but it has.  Many clients who have always done events in the past are tightening their budgets this year and either doing smaller events or not having them at all.  Surprisingly, we have had a number of inquiries from new clients this year.  Almost all of our holiday events were from new clients.  One client though, has just booked us for their holiday party for the 13th consecutive year!  Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to Sussek Machine for being our very first and longest standing client!!!

One thing that we hope companies realize this year is that they need to do something to energize (or re-energize) their people.  This can take place at meetings, conventions, training seminars, or parties.  The reason I started GSA in the first place was because I realized that companies which continue to energize and motivate their people do much better in the long run, even through tough times.  One of the best ways to do this is by making your meetings interactive - regardless of how big or how small they may be.  We do realize that budget is a concern, and we have a number of audience response and game show options that fit into a variety of budgets.

One thing to keep in mind:  Focus on investing money into what matters most for your events.  There are a number of ways that companies can trim expenses so they can invest in the elements that have the most impact on the goals of the meeting.  Most of what your people should take away from the event is intangible.  The event should motivate, energize, and invigorate attendees to take the intangible that they’ve learned and turn it into tangible results for your company.  Over the past 13 years, Game Show America has helped companies achieve this, even in troubled times.

GSA is a catalyst for creating positive energy that motivates, energizes, and invigorates people.  When your people experience this, they take away with them incredible feelings and positive attitudes that in turn, empower them to do the best job possible for your company.  In today’s economy, many employees are asked to do more with less.   So now more than ever, companies must do things for their people to show them that they are appreciated for their hard work.

For dream number two:  Invest in your people.  They are your front line.  By investing in them and showing them they are appreciated, your front line helps your bottom line.

For now, I’ll bring this post to a close.

Know that there is more to the message, and I will share that with you soon.  Thanks for reading…

Greetings and Salutations Everyone!

I hope that you are all having a great holiday season.  I’m finally back from my Vegas adventure and will have more about that in a future post.  It’s been a busy December for us here at GSA, and we’re thankful for being able to stay busy through these touch economic times.  Our January is also very busy for us, taking our crew to Canada and Nashville.

As we get closer to the new year, we take a look back at 2008, and while it was a rough year for us, we are thankful for being able to do what we love to do and make a living at it.  A big Thank You goes out to all of our clients for choosing Game Show America for their events.  It’s YOU who helps make Game Show America the best game show production company in the nation.

It’s also because of you that GSA has been nominated for Event Solutions Entertainment Company of the Year.  To cast your vote, please visit http://www.event-solutions.com/spotlight/vote/ to cast your vote for Game Show America.  If you have any questions about the voting process, please email or call us (608) 356-2869.  Thank you in advance for your vote!

So, Happy Holidays to all of YOU from all of us at GSA!  We’ll see you all next year!

In the Spirit of the Season,

Matthew King, President & CEO
Game Show America

Greetings and Salutations everyone!  If you watch game shows on television, it’s obvious that the bar is being raised with regards to prizing.  Deal or No Deal has gone from one million dollar case to over a dozen million dollar cases.  Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is giving people a chance every day to win a million dollars.  Even Wheel of Fortune had their first million dollar winner.  The prize levels of other classic game shows are also being raised.  The set design on these shows is also being taken up a notch.  While Price has stayed very close in design to the Barker years, there are still some modern changes being made to the show.  Take a look at Family Feud’s new set.  The stage has got a great new look, while still keeping the Dawson feel of the family stations and face-off position.  Millionaire was one of the first shows to use moving lights that actually became a visible part of the set, and now other shows are following suit.  The Deal or No Deal set goes over the top with high tech video and lighting that helps give the show it’s high energy style.

Where am I going with all of this?  I’m so glad you asked!

Because TV game shows are raising the bar, we at GSA are also raising the bar with our game show sets and technology.  GSA has developed new technology that incorporates wireless lockout buttons, video screen podiums (think Jeopardy), and large screen graphics - that all sync together to create a totally new interactive game show experience.

Recently, GSA designed the technology and set pieces for the Million Dollar Game Show, a new LIVE game show in Las Vegas.  The podiums, large screen graphics, sound effects and lighting all sync together to create a high energy game show environment that you typically only see on TV game shows.  This same technology is also being offered to our corporate and casino clients to give them the best game show experience possible.

This is a picture of the set we designed for the Vegas Game Show.  The contestant podiums contain video monitors that are extremely bright, even under direct stage lighting.  The graphics for the podiums were also designed by our in-house design team.  All of these elements are available for our corporate and casino clients, enabling us to completely customize any type of game show for any type of event.

GSA still offers basic sets and game show podiums which are extremely effective for many different types of game shows.  All of our game show software however, is designed in-house, and only available through Game Show America.

Over the past 12 years, our clients have challenged us to provide them with the most interactive game show experiences possible.  We have also been challenged to create custom game shows for our clients, making their event something that is completely unique to them.  We have welcomed the challenges and have continued to develop interactive and custom games that keep our clients coming back year after year.

If you have never contracted Game Show America for your event, maybe now time to see how GSA can help transform your next event into something extraordinary.  Let GSA help raise the bar for your next event.