Attendees will fill the aisles of the expo floor at the San Diego Convention Center when NIGA’s Indian Gaming 2015 show opens on April 1. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
Attendees will fill the aisles of the expo floor at the San Diego Convention Center when NIGA’s Indian Gaming 2015 show opens on April 1. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
Now entering its 30th year, Indian Gaming, the National Indian Gaming Association’s (NIGA) annual trade show and convention is bigger than ever before. Scheduled from March 30 to April 2 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Indian Gaming will have the newest products, latest trends, workshops and networking events, all while celebrating Native American culture.
“The only constant is change, so we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary edition with some changes and enhancements that signal the beginning of a brand new era for our show,” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said in a press release. “From show floor admission procedures to education and networking opportunities, we’re fine-tuning and enhancing every element of the show to make sure it exceeds the needs of tribal gaming community members, as well as the many other businesses that serve and support Indian gaming.”
Exhibitors can provide free trade show floor passes to customers through a web link that can be shared via email and web banners. The conference sessions have been revamped with commissioner certification trainings and new speakers in 15 educational tracks, among others.
With the goal of promoting tribal sovereignty and self-reliance, Indian Gaming draws tribal leaders, gaming regulators and industry professionals to the largest gathering of more than 400 suppliers and businesses. Using feedback from previous years’ trade shows, there are plenty of opportunities for pleasure as well as business with a full schedule of networking, receptions and gatherings.
As in previous years, three golf tournaments will kick off Indian Gaming 2015 events, with this year’s tournaments on Monday, March 30. The Sovereignty Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at the Barona Creek Golf Club, the Vice Chairman’s and Chairman’s Tournaments both start at 10 a.m. at the Willow Glen Golf Course at Sycuan and Oak Glen Golf Course at Sycuan, respectively. Pre-conference tracks begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m., including “Leadership Development,” “What’s Hot in Indian Gaming” and “Slot Academy Presented by Clarion Events.” The Chairman’s Welcome Reception will follow from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Events on Tuesday, March 31, start off bright and early with an Associate Member Meeting at 7:30 a.m. and the NIGA Membership Meeting following from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Workshop sessions run throughout the day, with the Chairman’s Leadership Awards Luncheon from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The Native American arts and crafts booths are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 2. These booths are always well worth a look. The presentation of the Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award will be during Tuesday evening’s Cultural Reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
Multiplatinum-selling rock band Foreigner will perform at the 17th annual Wendell Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet.
Multiplatinum-selling rock band Foreigner will perform at the 17th annual Wendell Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet.
The Indian Gaming Trade Show officially opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, following the 9:45 a.m. ribbon cutting with more workshops continuing throughout the day. The NIGA Annual Membership Meeting and Officer Elections runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and an AGEM VIP Cocktail Reception starts at 4 p.m. The trade show floor closes at 5 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. attendees will be treated to a special concert by multiplatinum-selling rock band Foreigner at the 17th annual Wendell Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet.
“The Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award is NIGA’s most prestigious event honoring the legacy of longtime President Wendell Chino of the Mescalero Apache Nation who spent his life protecting tribal sovereignty and advancing Indian self-governance,” said Stevens in a press release. “This award is our way of recognizing Indian leaders for their commitment to the protection of sovereignty and their leadership in Indian Country.”
The final day of the trade show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 2, and includes an opportunity for exhibitors to sign up for the 2016 Indian Gaming Trade Show. Commissioner Certification Trainings run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the keynote address “The Future of Indian Gaming” starts at 9 a.m.
With more than 5,000 people expected to descend on San Diego for this trade show, it is gearing up to be bigger and better than any year before. Registration begins at 8 each morning, but don’t wait until the final day to get registered. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this!