As is the case in many gatherings of like-minded individuals, the Global Gaming Expo is about the people: every nugget of information G2E attendees gather on the exhibit floor, or in educational sessions, they likely match with knowledge accumulated during a chat over a cup of coffee in the hallway.
It can’t help but be that way: Put more than 26,000 people with similar interests in a confined space, and almost everyone becomes a resource – and a researcher. There are slot manufacturers, customer service companies and managers from major U.S. casinos, all convening at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, Oct. 2-5.
That’s why attendees such as Daniel Wallach call G2E an essential stop.
“You have every quadrant in the industry,” says Wallach, who will speak about sports betting on Oct. 5. “If you go to only one thing, it would have to be G2E.”
While serving as a panelist this year – you might know that sports betting has accelerated to the front of gambling topics – Wallach has an even greater interest in being a listener.
One of his two favorite places is the lobby in the exhibition hall.
“People mill around between panels, and that lobby area is probably the central meetup spot,” he says.
“And, of course, the other really essential spot is the bar at The Palazzo, each evening after G2E. The people there run the gamut from CEOs from the largest gaming companies in the world to in-house lawyers and all across the spectrum. It’s like a who’s who of the gaming industry.”
Mike Couch, a former casino executive with more than 20 years of experience, says he enjoys reconnecting with coworkers. He was director of gaming for seven years at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
“G2E opens an opportunity for myself, and many others, to connect with former co-workers and industry friends from the past,” he says. “It’s also great for making new acquaintances and to get a feel on the outlook of gaming.”
Others have compared the gambling industry to the NFL – coaches hop from one team to another, in varied roles, based on connections – and Couch sees the week as a chance to catch up.
“It’s easy to get disconnected because of the intense focus we have on our own properties,” he says.
Couch says he enjoys seeing the demonstrations of new slot and table games, new marketing technology and to see what’s trending.
“It’s always exciting to seek out what could be the next big game or marketing must-have,” he says.
He also notes that when the show was moved from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Sands Expo Center that G2E became much easier to access and convenient for attendees coming from out of town.
But the connection between people goes beyond a mere exchange of business cards, notes Bill Crafts, slot director at the Isle Casino in Pompano Beach, Florida. Slot floors across the country have common themes and goals, and hearing their problems and solutions is also invaluable.
“Obviously seeing all the new slot models and new technology is the main attraction,” he says. “But also networking with the slot managers from our sister properties is a big plus… you get to find out what is new at their properties and what is working well on their floor.”
Donn Mitchell, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the gaming industry, recommends planning out the week in order to maximize the time.
“The Global Gaming Expo is a great event and the American Gaming Association does a fantastic job putting it on each year,” he says. “Practically everyone in the gaming industry is in Las Vegas for this event. So if you plan well, it can be a very productive and efficient use of your time not only for meetings but also to get up to speed on everything going on in gaming.”
Relationship-building cuts several ways, and G2E provides that face-to-face time that is invaluable, says David Lopez, President and CEO of AGS.
“All year long, we obsess over getting the details right in each new product we unveil at the show,” he says. “The best part about G2E is getting to spend time with so many customers in just three days.”
“We get the chance to have hundreds of meaningful conversations with customers that help us understand their needs and what we can do to improve our offerings.”
