Lisa Michaels
The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) makes a triumphant return to Las Vegas starting from Monday, October 4 to October 7. Gaming industry professionals will once again be able to enjoy face to face interaction as they showcase their newest slots, table games and gaming-connected solutions at The Venetian Expo.
The return to the in-person format is a significant development as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic had limited the event to a virtual experience for the past 2 years. Although some sense of normalcy may be returning, the effects of the pandemic are still clear and present as attendees will have to show proof of vaccination to gain entry.
The American Gaming Association President and CEO, Bill Miller, stated that the event was unlikely to reach the 27 000 visitor mark that it normally achieves, due to international travel restrictions that persist to this day.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review Journal, Miller said,
“Measuring the success of this G2E based on numbers would not be important. What I’ve been encouraged by is that the exhibitors have been excited. It’s been two years since they’ve been able to show off in a live manner new technologies, new platforms and new entertainment.”
The event’s conference portion will take place from Monday through to Wednesday and the trade show will run from Tuesday to Thursday. Tech innovations will be a huge drawcard for attendees, but a significant part of the event will also be dedicated to discussions around trends, surviving the pandemic and the future of the industry.
“There will be conversations about industry growth, including sports betting, digital payments and payment modernization. The gaming industry is also a leader in inclusions, and we’ll have a keynote panel dedicated to that.” Miller added.
On the Tuesday a panel on diversity within the casino industry will take place, featuring speakers from MGM, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Marriott International. Miller’s address on the state of the industry is scheduled to follow shortly thereafter.
On the Wednesday, CEOs from MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts and Hard Rock International will speak on the future of the gaming business and the owner of the Arizona Cardinals, Michael Bidwill, will wrap up the keynote portion by discussing sports betting on the same day.
Miller concluded by stating,
“It’s a great lineup of speakers, and I think it is because there’s a lot going on in the industry and clearly we’ve gone through a pretty tough 18 months.”
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