Learn about being a GDC Exhibitor
See answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding exhibiting or sponsoring at GDC.
If you still have a question that you can't find the answer to, please contact GDC Sales Help for assistance.
Event Details
What is GDC?
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the game industry's premier professional event, championing game developers and the advancement of their craft. GDC brings the game development community together to exchange ideas, solve problems, and shape the future of the industry across five days of education, inspiration, and networking.
When and where is GDC 2023?
GDC 2023 is happening March 20-24, 2023, in the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Who comes to GDC?
Attendees to GDC include programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business leaders, and more.
What exhibitor/sponsorship opportunities are available?
GDC offers many ways for sponsors to share their products and services with game professionals seeking new tools and techniques to make great games. Select from a range of exhibit space options in the GDC Expo that give you access to industry leaders and top talent for three days. Define market innovation with a custom Sponsored Session to show how your company can improve the game creation process. Or promote your brand with our portfolio of à la carte sponsorships!
Request more information to learn about sponsorship packages that will connect you to your target audience.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend GDC?
Yes, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend GDC. Masks will not be required but are strongly encouraged while indoors. The event will also feature fixed hand sanitization units throughout the facility, contactless registration, and enhanced cleaning. You can see all our new initiatives designed to keep you safe on the Health & Safety page.
Exhibitor Services
How do I access the Exhibitor Portal?
Log in to Exhibitor Portal to register your booth staff for the event. This section is password protected. Please contact GDC Sales Help with questions regarding access.
What is the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM)?
As your guide to operations and logistics at GDC, the ESM includes order forms for purchasing onsite furniture, utilities, and equipment. If you have an issue regarding show operations guidelines not covered in the ESM, please contact Sponsorship Operations Manager Deanna Marankie for assistance.
How to become a GDC Exhibitor
Who do I contact to book GDC Exhibit space?
Please contact us via our request information form to learn more about GDC exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.
What comes with the purchase of GDC Exhibit space?
Expo passes, staff badges, and discounts on conference and expo passes are based on booth size.
Who do I contact to participate at the GDC Expo as a recruiter?
Please contact us via our request information form and someone will be in touch to assist you.
Is there a deadline for becoming an exhibitor?
To maximize your exposure on the GDC website and marketing materials, we recommend you reserve your space at least three months prior to the event. Exhibit space is also limited to availability. If you are considering exhibiting, contact your account manager today for exhibition opportunities. See the current version of the GDC Expo floorplan here.
Exhibition & Sponsorship Logistics
Who do I contact with service questions about exhibiting and my booth?
For questions on booth or sponsorship purchases, please contact us via our request information form.
If you have already signed a contract and have questions about booth logistics, contact Matt Flemming.
Who do I contact regarding my sponsorship deliverables?
Once a contract is signed, please email GDC Sales Help for any sponsorship questions. Deliverable details including deadlines and shipping instructions will be emailed a few months out from the show.
What are the booth height regulations and sightline restrictions?
There are rules stating the maximum allowable height of various booth sizes. Allowable heights vary according to the size of the booth. The Exhibitors Services Manual will have specific rules and regulations pertaining to your booth size.
What are the hanging sign regulations & restrictions?
Hanging signs are only allowed for island booths 20'x20' or bigger. If your booth fits these parameters and you want to do a hanging sign, there will be a form for you to complete in the Exhibitor Services Manual.
Once it is approved by show management, you will need to order labor from GES to hang it and must use the appropriate shipping label to ship it to GES.
Do I need to order drayage?
Drayage is the movement of show freight from the shipping dock to your booth. No matter how you get your freight to the dock at the Convention Center, you are not allowed to bring your shipment onto the expo floor on your own - it must be done by union labor. Drayage costs are based on the weight and size of your shipment.
You can receive a discount on your drayage and priority treatment by using GES Logistics for your shipping needs.
How do I handle shipping to the Moscone Convention Center?
Separate from drayage, this is the movement of your freight from either another show site to the receiving dock at the Expo site, or from your business to the dock at the Expo site. The Exhibitor Services Manual will have more information, please contact Matt Flemming with any questions.
IMPORTANT: By ordering your shipping needs from GES Logistics, you will save money on your drayage, and you will get priority delivery of your freight onto the floor and off of the floor at the end of the show. Please contact GES Logistics at (888) 454-4437 or www.ges.com/chat for details or to order this service. From overnight to overseas, GES can arrange for all types of shipping and will do all follow up to make sure your freight arrives on time.
How do I order graphics, custom booths, furniture, and carpet from GES?
GES can produce any signage that you need. Whether you want to add a logo to your Booth ID sign or order meter-sized boards, GES can do it. The plus side to that is you don't have to ship your signage (and risk having it arrive damaged) and it is at your booth when you arrive. They can make most types of banners or signage at a competitive price.
The Exhibitors Services Manual will also list forms for custom booths, carpet, furniture rental, lighting orders, and anything you need for a complete presence on the Expo floor.
How do I order audio visual, electrical, internet, food, booth security, or plants for my booth?
Your Exhibitors Services Manual will include all order forms. Be sure and do it early to receive any applicable pre-show discounts!
I need to go on the expo floor to assist in setting up the booth for only a short time, can I bring my baby?
Our insurance policy prohibits anyone under the age of 18 on the expo floor during move-in and move-out.
Exhibiting Deadlines and Deliveries
What are the GDC Expo ordering and delivery deadlines?
Early Bird Deadline for GES services: February 28, 2023.
What are sponsor deliverables for banner ads and pub bins?
Web banner ads will run within three days of receiving them.
Pub bin must arrive at the advanced warehouse by March 16, 2023.
Hotel Reservations
How do I make hotel reservations?
GDC and Convention Housing Partners have secured discounted rates on hotels near the event. Book your room now through the official site for the best availability and lowest rates. For more information, email [email protected] or call (US: 866-561-0540; International: +1-415-813-6088, option 6).
Passes & Staff Registration
How do I obtain Staff badges for my booth staff?
Please contact GDC Sales Help for more information on our exhibitor staff badges.
What is the difference between an Expo Pass, Exhibitor Staff Passes, and Single Session Passes, and what does each pass include?
Each GDC exhibitor will be allotted a number of Expo Passes and Exhibitor Staff Passes based on the size of their exhibit space.
Expo Passes allow access to the GDC Expo, sponsored content, interactive spaces, and Meetings & Networking via the GDC Mobile App. Expo Passes cannot be used to access the expo floor prior to the expo opening or after it closes each afternoon. Expo Passes can be distributed to members of your company who will not need access to the expo floor outside of expo hours and to clients/partners you would like to invite to the GDC to visit your booth and check out the event.
Exhibitor Staff Passes allow access to the expo floor to set up exhibit spaces before the expo opens and to secure it at the end of each day after the expo closes. Exhibitor Staff Passes should NOT be given to clients/partners who are not exhibitors at GDC. Exhibitor Staff Passes also allow access to interactive spaces, Meetings & Networking via the GDC Mobile App, and sponsored content. The Exhibitor Staff Pass has the equivalent pass access as that of an Expo pass.
Single Session Passes can be used for admission to any one conference session which would otherwise not be accessible based on the attendee pass type. Single Session Passes must be used in conjunction with a valid GDC badge. This pass will be handed out onsite.
How many Expo Passes, Exhibitor Staff Passes, and Single Session Passes do I receive for my booth size?
The quantity of Expo, Exhibitor Staff, and Single Session Passes you receive is based on booth size. For details regarding your passes, please contact your account manager.
Press Attending GDC
How do I obtain a list of the pre-registered press attending GDC?
Exhibitors will be provided access to the Press List approximately four weeks prior to the show in the Exhibitor Portal.
How can I maximize press visibility for my company and products during GDC?
To maximize press awareness, you can participate in our specially designed media sponsorship opportunities. Please contact your sales representative for more details.
