Read that title again, because it’s what you’ll be reminded of if you attend G2E this year. There will be hundreds and hundreds of exhibitors displaying new products and technologies that you won’t be able to see anyplace else. The education will be exactly what you need, because we’ve listened to your feedback and responded with new offerings. And the networking will let you connect with your peers and celebrate all the things that we love about this dynamic and exciting industry.
The gaming industry continues to innovate. Analysts are predicting that the end of the downturn is over and we will begin to see a recovery in the travel industry. As gaming and travel can be closely tied, this bodes well for our industry.
There could not be a more perfect time to see what’s new, what’s coming and what will help properties stay competitive in the years to come.
It also couldn’t be a better time to attend G2E, because we are going to help you start the show by putting a huge smile on your face. Rita Rudner will be our opening keynote, and this 2008 Las Vegas Comedian of the Year will be sure to make you laugh and remember why the terrific business of gaming and entertainment is a good place to be.
G2E will introduce many new features this year, and the first change to talk about is timing: We will open the show at 10 a.m. on Day 1, as opposed to noon. This is traditionally the busiest day at the show, and we want exhibitors and attendees to have time to maximize their opportunities to conduct business.
The G2E show floor will feature a New Exhibitor Pavilion featuring dozens of companies that are new to G2E. In addition, we have created a number of special features located in Hall C5 that are designed to get attendees to this part of the show. These features include a Callaway Golf display, where attendees can have their swing checked and try out different clubs. We are also delighted this year to welcome both Sara Lee Food Service and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, which will be serving up delicious sample treats each morning and afternoon. Plus, you will also be greeted by a “sea of seating” in Hall C5. If you are looking for a place to sit for a few minutes, hold a quick meeting or network with industry colleagues, then this is where you should head—Hall C5!
If you step over to the North Hall to visit our F&B and entertainment areas, you will be greeted with a drink by Southern Wine & Spirits, which will be back to sponsor our Fine Wines and Spirits Ultra Lounge. The F&B Demo Stage will host chefs from Encore at Wynn, the Palms and more. Plus, the Ultra Lounge Uniform Fashion Show, sponsored by Cintas, will return once again for a catwalk like you’ve never seen before. In addition to the entertainment stage in the main lobby that showcases musicians and comedians, there will be an all-new second stage in the North Hall dedicated to variety entertainment acts.
Some of the great new things going on at the UNLV-endorsed G2E conference include the G2E Advanced Gaming Institute; the Security & Surveillance Institute; an I-Gaming Track; a Global Markets Forum Track; and a Retail, Dining and Entertainment Track. In addition, G2E is offering a conference keynote exclusively for those who attend the G2E conference. We are excited to feature Michael D. Johnson, dean of hospitality at Cornell University. If you want to benefit from all of this education and get the best return on your investment, you have to register for the G2E All Access Pass, which gives you the convenience and flexibility to get the most out of your G2E education.
Other popular conference programs that will return to G2E this year include the Leadership Academy, Casino Design, the Player’s Clubs Track, the Marketing Track, the Finance Track and much more. The conference features more than 100 sessions dedicated to providing attendees with solutions that they can take back to their business and implement immediately.
There is so much more to talk about, but we end here with two more important pieces of information.
G2E is co-located this year with IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Your G2E badge will also get you into the IAAPA show, right in the South Halls at the convention center.
And if you can’t make it to G2E this year, know that we will miss you—but don’t miss the opportunity to log onto www.globalgamingexpo.com and visit the all-new G2E Gaming Network, where you will see hundreds of vendors and products, view free education at the Online Education Center, or look for a job through Casino Careers. It’s worth the visit and may help you find something you didn’t know about.
Of course, we hope to see you at G2E Nov. 16-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. And, just one more thing: We’ve got a bunch of new discounts and some amazing hotel and travel deals, so check out the site and make your plans today at www.globalgamingexpo.com.