Behind the Scenes on the G2E Show Floor

By Mike Carlucci, Director of Strategic Accounts

It's Sunday in Vegas and I'm on the show floor with all my big accounts making sure their booths are well underway in the set up process. The vibe in the air is energized and we are going to have an over-the-top event this week. Check out my video blog for a sneak peek at what's happening on the G2E show floor.

See you on the show floor on Tuesday morning!

Vegas, Here We Come! Let’s Get Social & Stay Connected During G2E

By Kimberlie I. Leon, Director of Marketing

What a year we’ve had getting ready for the 2012 edition of G2E—we’ve spoken to so many customers and followed the trends to put together a killer event for you. We’ve got a serious focus on iGaming, a debut of our iGaming Virtual Ticket, more networking than ever before, more celebrities on the show floor, and more new products and show specials.

Yes, we’ve got a lot in store for you next week! Are you ready?

The best way to stay on top of all the buzz and excitement at G2E—whether you’re at the show or at your office—is to connect with us on all our social media platforms. We’ll keep you updated in live time on major happenings from the show to the conference and more. Plus, you’ll see video sound bites from key industry movers and shakers, as well as celebrities!

Here’s how you can stay social with G2E during the show:

Facebook - Pictures and posts from the show floor.

Twitter - Conference programming & show happenings (hashtag #g2e12).

G2E Blog - Daily video blogs from G2E.

G2E Storify – Round up of all stories coming out of G2E before, during & after the show.

And one more thing…if you haven’t downloaded G2E Mobile, take two minutes to do so now. I have it on my iPhone and it’s pretty amazing—you can search and plan your day, navigate the exhibit hall, evaluate conference sessions, and follow all the G2E social media channels. It’s packed with everything you need to survive the show. Go to www.G2EMobile.com or find it in the app store under G2E Mobile.

I’ll see you in Vegas…

The Countdown Has Begun!

By Judy Patterson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director, American Gaming Association (AGA)

Like most of you reading this, we’ve been busy for the past few months getting ready for Global Gaming Expo 2012. And like all of you, we’re excited that the preparations are almost complete and that the show floor will open in less than a week!

So much hard work and so many people go into making a trade show happen—here at the AGA, we work with meeting planners, booth fabricators, caterers, graphic designers, editors, printers, travel professionals and others in preparation for the main event. And that’s not even counting the countless individuals our partners at Reed Exhibitions and the great people at the Sands Expo and Convention Center have been working with since last October to ensure G2E 2012 is the best business event yet for the global gaming entertainment industry.

When you factor in the thousands of man hours required to develop and construct the exhibits that populate the show floor and the time speakers take to prepare informative education sessions for our conference program, it’s easy to see it doesn’t take a village to pull off a trade show of this size – it takes an army!

This year’s show will be our largest since 2008, which is a testament to the success of our move to the Sands last year, as well as to a renewed confidence in the global gaming industry. It’s no secret that our industry has struggled in the face of a broad decline in consumer spending during the recession and prolonged economic downturn. But our industry is resilient, and we are in the midst of a slow but steady recovery. There are challenges ahead to be sure, but development, growth and – as always – innovation  are the buzzwords now defining our business.

You’ll see a lot of the AGA at G2E, from the opening remarks at the IGaming Congress to our Global Gaming Women events to our annual communications awards luncheon and so much more.  We hope you’ll stop by to see us at our booth in the main registration area, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for in-depth updates on all the latest news from the show.

We wish everyone the best of luck with your final preparations for G2E. We know you’ve worked hard to prepare for this week, and it’s our goal to make this the most productive, informative and exciting week of your business year. Look forward to seeing you soon!

Related links:  Register for G2E

The iGaming Virtual Ticket

If you can’t attend G2E 2012, you can watch it online with the iGaming Virtual Ticket—Sponsored by GCA! Access all iGaming Congress and iGaming Conference Track content online via your Web-enabled phone or computer. Only $199! 

View Details and Register Here: http://bit.ly/QIKkwN

Celebrities at G2E!

By Mike Carlucci, Director of Strategic Accounts

As promised in my first video blog back in August, I’m excited to announce a few of the celebrities my customers have told me will be at G2E in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping to get a few photos with some of these folks—I’ll let you guess who’s at the top of my list!

Check out my latest video below to hear first hand who will be there. And then follow us on G2E’s Facebook and Twitter and access the G2E Mobile app at www.G2EMobile.com to stay up to date on any other celeb announcements.

See you on the Strip.

Related links:  Register for G2E

A Glimpse into the Future of Online Gambling

By Holly Wetzel, VP of Communications American Gaming Association (AGA)

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) has always showcased the best and brightest in the gaming industry today. But G2E is about more than the here and now; it’s also about the cutting-edge nature of our business. The G2E Future Watch Series, an original research series released in conjunction with G2E each year, serves as a tool to help highlight and examine some of the most significant industry trends.

Our 2012 Future Watch research focuses on online gambling, one of the fastest growing and most hotly debated sectors within the broader gaming industry. To inform our research, we surveyed leading bricks-and-mortar and Internet gambling executives, regulators and analysts and asked them to give us their thoughts on what the future holds for this burgeoning sector. This year’s research not only touches on the growth prospects for various international online gambling markets, but on regulatory hurdles, responsible gaming in an online environment and what the U.S. market in particular might look like in the years ahead.

Full results of the survey won’t be released until the show next month, but a sneak peak at the findings reveals that industry experts are extremely bullish when it comes to the future growth of online gambling both in the U.S. and around the world. In fact, a solid majority of survey takers expect worldwide online gambling revenue – estimated to be roughly $30 billion in 2011 – to grow by at least 50 percent over the next five years. And regardless of whether Congress passes federal legislation to legalize some forms of online gambling in the, two-thirds of our surveyed experts say bettors will spend between $8 billion and $11 billion on online gambling five years from now – more than double the estimated figures from 2011.

There’s more interesting data to come, and it’s our hope that this year’s Future Watch provides some truly unique insights into where this exciting sector of our industry is headed in the years to come.

The 2012 Future Watch survey also will be the centerpiece of a panel discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd Moderated by Andrew Smith, Director of Research at American Gaming Association, the session will allow audience members to hear first-hand accounts of how some of the foremost leaders in I-Gaming are tackling the challenges of today with an eye toward the opportunities of tomorrow. Don’t miss it, and be on the lookout for the release of the survey at G2E!

Related links:  Register for G2E Las Vegas Oct 1-4th. 

The Entertainment Area at G2E

By Brett DeWeese, Director of International Sales (and Music Lover)

As we all know people go to casinos for many different reasons besides gambling. They go to shop, dine, enjoy the spa, take in a show, etc. This is why more than 60% of casino revenues at commercial casinos are driven from non-gaming sources. 

For me, one of the main reasons to go to a casino is the music. I love live music and have had the opportunity to see many great acts in casinos throughout the country. 

Some of the artists Brett has seen in casinos.

And I am just one of many. Out of the 59.7 million visitors to US commercial casinos, 62% of them saw a concert or other form of live entertainment... that's 37 million people!

With that many people it's easy to understand why casino entertainment is extremely important to our industry and why G2E is proud to present, once again, The Entertainment Arena at G2E.  The Entertainment Arena will give you a unique opportunity to see a broad range of talent, technologies, products, and services that help create the truly magical live performances now associated with America's casino industry. You'll meet face to face with manufacturers of the latest in professional audio and lighting, staging and projection/video products as well as entertainment agents, promoters, independent producers, production companies, touring artists and attractions.

I'm excited to share this year's line up of showcasing artists on our stage, go to: www.globalgamingexpo.com/Show-Info/Entertainment-Showcase-Stage/

So, if you're involved in booking or purchasing entertainment for your casino, please stop by the stage and have a drink on us and check out these performances.  

Brett DeWeese

Related links:

G2E Entertainment Arena

FB & H at G2E

Register for G2E

Don't miss the excitement that is G2E!

G2E Las Vegas Oct 1-4 - Register Here !!!

Q&A with G2E Conference Keynoter Jim Ryan, co-CEO, bwin.party digital entertainment, plc

As this year’s exclusive Conference Keynote, Jim Ryan will address G2E conference attendees with a talk on the growth in the global Internet gaming sector and its future potential. Mr. Ryan, took a few moments to share his insights regarding iGaming and his presentation on October 3rd.

As head of one of the world’s largest online gaming companies, what do you see as the biggest growth opportunity for the industry in years to come? 

The opening of the US market for online poker.  We see this as a $4 to $5 billion opportunity.

What are the key challenges we’ll face along the way? 

The main challenge will be securing legislation to open the market.

You have been named this year’s G2E Conference Keynote. Can you give us a sneak peak at what your presentation will cover?

We are going to talk about US regulation and play a little online poker!

Related links:

G2E Conference

iGaming at G2E

Register for G2E

AGA Communications Awards

By Brian Lehman, Communications Manager, American Gaming Association (AGA)

The gaming industry is one that runs on its customers. Casino operators can build the most beautiful properties with the most enjoyable games and exciting amenities, staffed by the friendliest and most attentive employees, but if no one is there to enjoy it, it’s all for naught. Casino entertainment is something best experienced in the first person, and the best marketing and communications efforts are able to translate into ads, campaigns and marketing pieces the feelings and excitement that make our industry unique. This is why marketing, communications and advertising are so important to the gaming industry.

Every day gaming communicators are charged with the daunting task of making their property or company stand out in a crowded marketplace. If you don’t believe it is hard, take a moment and think about all of the different messages competing for your attention – ads on the sides of buses and websites, newspaper articles, TV ads, promotional emails and the list goes on. A good gaming marketing effort has to cut through the clutter and connects with consumers. It is an extremely tough job. The best in our industry make it look easy, which is why the American Gaming Association (AGA) is always so excited and proud to honor them through the AGA Communications Awards.

Each year, for the past 15 years, the AGA has been giving the Gaming Voice Award to the most creative, innovative and effective advertising, public relations, marketing and corporate communications in the gaming industry. This year saw the total number of entries grow to 233 in 15 categories, which is the second largest number in the history of the program. An expert panel of 27 judges narrowed down that list to 47 finalists, with the winners to be announced at the AGA Communications Awards Luncheon at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) on Oct. 3. 

So if you’re going to be at G2E in a few weeks, come out to the Communications Awards Luncheon and meet the creative folks who are such an important part of making our industry tick.

Related links: Register for G2E

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas!

By Courtney Muller, Senior Vice President

When I started working on G2E more than nine years ago I had only been to Vegas ONE TIME.  Years before I had gone to the NAB show—probably April of 1996. I stayed at Caesars Palace and I remember it well because I had a mirror over my bed and a hot tub IN the room. WOW. I met some people for drinks at Treasure Island (now TI) and remember looking at all the boats and pirates inside and thinking—huh—I’m here doing business??!!

I have loved Vegas from the moment I set foot on its sandy ground (or should I say hotel carpet) 16 years ago. I never feel more excited before a trip or more exhilarated when I land anywhere else. When I go to Vegas I know that everyone I see will be in a good mood. I know that when I walk through the casino to my room I will hear laughter and fun from vacationers and business people alike. I will see people getting married and celebrating all sorts of important events in their lives.  I know I will eat at the best restaurants in the world and have the opportunity to shop in any store I can think of! I can see shows that are better than anything on Broadway and I can meet colleagues in a CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE! Who WOULDN’T want to go to Vegas?

I have had the privilege of working with the creative and energetic people that make up the gaming industry for almost ten years now. Whether it’s a slot manufacturer or a casino property or an industry association, all of the people I have worked with in this industry are smart and decent and fair. Getting to know people in the industry has only made me love Vegas more and made me want to work harder than ever to make G2E the most educational, valuable and engaging event in the industry.

This year at G2E you will see ALL that Vegas has to offer. We are in the best possible back-drop for a gaming industry!  Once you’re inside the walls of the Sands/Venetian you will have the opportunity to see all of the newest games and be amazed by our 400+ exhibitors. You will see iGaming throughout the event and as a major focus of the conference. You will also have multiple networking opportunities starting with our opening night welcome reception at the Venetian Pool.

If you’re travelling into the event I hope you get that same exhilaration I do when I step off the plane. Coming to G2E is about finding out what you don’t know and meeting that person that could change your business or your career. There’s no show like G2E that offers as many opportunities for you to succeed. And there’s no place like Vegas in the world!  I can’t wait until I’m past 100 visits and still counting!  (My estimate now is around 50 trips J)

Related links:  Register for G2E

Advancing Women in Gaming

By Keli Elkins, Vice President of Industry Relations, American Gaming Association (AGA)

A development program of the American Gaming Association, Global Gaming Women (GGW) launched last year at G2E with a vision to create opportunities for women across the international gaming industry to share ideas, discuss best practices and take advantage of mentorship opportunities.  On the heels of launching its new website this week at www.globalgamingwomen.org, GGW will partner with G2E to host its first webinar on Tuesday, September 18. Learn more about “Making their Mark: Female Leaders of the Gaming Industry” and register for this free, online event at www.globalgamingwomen.org.

GGW also will return to G2E this year with a variety of exciting opportunities for women of the industry.  On Tuesday, Oct. 2, G2E’s opening day keynote speaker, BBC Journalist Katty Kay, will join GGW for a luncheon and discussion centered on her book Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success. Get a jump on your day the following morning, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, with the GGW Breakfast Roundtable to be moderated by Virginia McDowell, president and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. and co-chair of the GGW initiative. McDowell will lead a panel of female gaming executives in an audience-driven discussion about their approaches to communication and networking, work-life balance and getting ahead in a male-dominated industry. These networking events do require advanced registration and a nominal fee – register through G2E to secure your spot today.

The GGW education committee has collaborated with the G2E Conference this year to develop a short program of sessions on Wednesday, Oct. 3, that will cover issues relative to career development, leadership, workplace communication and inclusion. While these topics were developed with female gaming executives in mind, GGW at G2E session are open to all G2E conference attendees and are of relevance to men and women alike. Review the GGW at G2E track here to learn more about these topics.  Click here to register for the G2E Conference.

Finally, don’t forget to visit GGW’s dynamic new website at www.globalgamingwomen.org, where you’ll find a number of tools designed to help women in the gaming industry connect and advance their careers. One especially exciting element of the site is “Coffee Break: Gaming Leadership Strategies in 1 Minute or Less,” a video series showcasing female industry leaders offering insight and advice on career and business. Check it out today!

Introducing G2E's iGaming Virtual Ticket

By Mike Johnson, Director of Sales & Industry Development

One of the key themes at G2E this year is convergence. Traditional land based and online gaming operations are coming together in a very exciting time for the industry. As the world becomes a more digital place, access to information and entertainment is becoming easier and more common. With that in mind, our business is adapting just like yours and I’m excited to talk a bit about that today. 

In my last video blog I mentioned a lot about our iGaming programming featuring our popular iGaming Congress, comprehensive iGaming track, and dedicated keynote featuring Jim Ryan. Thus attending G2E in October will truly provide unmatched access to the latest information on the industry’s most critical topic, as well as the ability to network with those leading the charge, and those in your same boat. That being said, we realize that some folks simply can’t be with us in Las Vegas for the show so we’re debuting an all new iGaming Virtual Ticket to ensure they don’t miss out entirely. Check out our website for more information on how you can be a part of iGaming at G2E from your desk, home, or mobile device. Until then, get ready for the industry’s biggest 3 days of the year, and feel free to contact me if I can assist in any way. Cheers.

Related links:

Register for G2E's iGaming Virtual Ticket