G
lobal Gaming Expo (G2E) is returning to Las Vegas starting today, Oct. 4 through Oct. 7. Gaming industry professionals are set to showcase in person all the latest slots, table games and gaming-related solutions at The Venetian Expo.
This edition of the renowned event is special in more than one way. It marks a return to face-to-face meetings after a one-year in-person hiatus, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But even then, things are far from having returned to normalcy: all guests are required to show proof of vaccination, which shows the effects of COVID-19 on the industry are far from over.
As a result, American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller says he isn’t expecting the 27,000 people who usually attend G2E to show up for this year’s edition, citing the challenges of international travel.
“Measuring the success of this G2E based on numbers would not be important,” said Miller, reports Las Vegas Review Journal. “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.”
Attending companies seem to agree with Miller. “After a long hiatus, we’re excited to be back and look forward to meeting with our customers and partners in-person,” Chief Marketing Officer at AGS Julia Boguslawski told Yogonet in an interview before the event kickoff.
We’re ready to get the show started this week at the @G2Eshows (G2E)! Here, our Chief Marketing Officer Julia (Boguslawski) Hemberger shares some highlights of what we are sure will be an exciting show! Read now: https://t.co/bSUiaYnZvy #PlayAGS
— AGS (@playAGS) October 3, 2021
“We recognize the magnitude and importance that G2E holds, making it one of the most pivotal events in the industry,” said Nadia Popova, EGT’s VP Marketing and Sales in conversation with Yogonet, featured in the G2E 2021 Special Issue. “Coming back is a major point for us.”
The conference segment of the event will run from Monday until Wednesday, while the trade show is taking place from Tuesday to Thursday. Latest technology might be one of the key attractions to the event, but this edition of G2E will also focus on discussing trends, resilience amid the pandemic and what to expect from the future of the industry.
“There will be conversations about industry growth, including sports betting, digital payments and payment modernization,” added Miller. “The gaming industry is also a leader in inclusions, and we’ll have a keynote panel dedicated to that.”
Tuesday afternoon will see the panel on diversity within the casino industry, with speakers from MGM, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Marriott International taking the stage, while Miller will deliver a conference on the state of the industry shortly after.
Wednesday will feature a session with CEOs from MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts and Hard Rock International on the future of the gaming business, while Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill will end the keynote section addressing sports betting, also on Wednesday.
“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,” said AGA’s president, according to the previously cited news source.