EC Wisconsin News

The GameBoard, a game store based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has announced that its owner Lynn Potyen and manager J.J. Hameister will speak at the Game Manufacturers Association's GAMA Expo 2025. The event is scheduled for February 23-27 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Lynn Potyen was recognized last year with the Outstanding Contribution to the Games Industry award for her innovative approach to using games to stimulate brain development and critical thinking. At the expo, both Potyen and Hameister will conduct a seminar on February 24 at 11 am. Additionally, Potyen will present on February 24 and 26 and participate in an industry panel discussion.

Potyen emphasized the importance of attending national conferences: “Attending national conferences is a great way to stay abreast of the changes in your industry,” she said. “When we have the opportunity to share what we have learned, what has worked to benefit the customers we serve, we always try to step up and support others in our industry.”

She expressed enthusiasm about discussing board games' positive effects on brain health: “Anyone who knows our story knows that The GameBoard is the direct result of my efforts to help my son and other young people cope with developmental issues that so many young people have,” Potyen stated. “We did not know at the time that our work would also have such an impact on adults of all ages. We’ve learned a lot over the past 18 years and I’m grateful for this opportunity to share some of it with our industry.”

The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting professionals within the hobby games industry by offering educational programs and networking opportunities.

For those interested in visiting The GameBoard, it is located at 621 N. 8th Street in Sheboygan’s historic downtown area.