Frances Alvarez launched TribalBond at the 2025 edition of the Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Convention. Her expectations were modest. Would a meet-and-greet premise based on speed-dating principles work?
But midway through the 2026 version of TribalBond, Alvarez was certain her creation has brought positive results to Indian Country.
“My expectation is to facilitate these meaningful connections, then for the conversations to continue after the event itself,” Alvarez said during a break at the San Diego Convention Center. “My expectations are that the conversations I have at this table are going to continue in actual business, for both our exhibitors and for our casino operators, but also to bring their solutions and resources to Indian country.”
TribalBond was born from a need Alvarez recognized, not only at IGA, but at large conferences in general. Because of the frantic pace of IGA, it’s hard for vendors and operators to have quiet and meaningful conversations.
TribalBond provides a relatively quiet space where tribal casino executives are paired with solution providers in order to facilitate business. The concept is similar to speed dating, with each pairing lasting for ten minutes.
Alvarez, president of the National Native American Hall of Fame and gaming commissioner for the Wilton Rancheria Gaming, notes that she has learned so much about IGA’s exhibitors through the process. One of them is John Smallwood, president of Strong Voices, which provides hotel call service center services for clients.
“Not only does he provide and facilitate a service for casinos, he also hires within,” Alvarez noted. “When he works with a tribe, he offers to hire their tribal citizens.”
Smallwood said at TribalBond, he will be meeting with 12 potential clients over two days. Despite having to pay a fee to participate in the networking event, Smallwood said the return on investment is enormous.
“I can look them in the eyes, just like I’m doing with you, and say, ‘I think I can help you,’” Smallwood noted.
If Strong Voices strikes an agreement with an operator, he will hold a job fair at the tribal property.
“We want to hire people to answer your own calls for your casino,” Smallwood said.
Alvarez says Strong Voices embodies her vision of TribalBond and what it can accomplish. She notes that business deals in Indian Country are not transactional, but are built on forming relationships. While there is a fee for attending TribalBond, the rewards can be immense.
“If you consider it an investment, the ROI is great,” Alvarez says. “What I’m hearing from our exhibitors with the investment into having those connections, they get what they need when they meet executives for 10 minutes. You can’t put a price on that.”
