From June 2 – 5, 2025, Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta, Kansas, hosted its second annual Class 2 Gathering (C2G) bringing together casino and gaming professionals, exhibitors, and industry experts.
The vision for the Class 2 Gathering was created by Sarah House, the Prairie Band Casino & Resort Bingo Manager, who recognized a gap in the education offered at traditional gaming conferences. With the support of the Director of Gaming Chris Garrow and Promotions, Events & Entertainment Manager Ashley Bergquist, the team curated an exceptional lineup of sessions.
“The Class 2 Gathering has been one of my best investments this year in terms of my marketing budget,” said Playtech CCO Marcus Yoder. “The informative sessions and great networking made it an unforgettable experience, and quite frankly, a lot of fun.“
This year’s conference attracted 394 attendees from 27 different states, as well as international participants from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The broad representation speaks to the gathering’s significance within the gaming community, as professionals sought to engage with peers and share insights into the latest trends and innovations.
With a focus on Class 2 gaming, topics ranged from bingo and slots to cybersecurity, guest loyalty, and mobile on-premise strategies, all presented by industry experts and seasoned professionals.
“Unlike broader conferences where Class 2 is often one topic among many, this event gave it the full attention it deserves as a catalyst to innovation for tribes in their casinos and online,” said Chalkline CEO and Co-founder Daniel Kustelski.
The conference was filled with fun networking opportunities, and one of the best was “Drag Queen Bingo.” With tons of laughter, great music, and confetti flying, this was a stand-out event.
Another highlight was a charity golf tournament June 2 at the Firekeeper Golf Course, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The tournament, featuring 36 teams comprising 144 golfers, raised an impressive $123,000 for the Club, reinforcing the C2G’s commitment to community support.
Bergquist was grateful for the overwhelming support from sponsors and attendees, noting that 2025 had exceeded her expectations.
“We truly have the best attendees participating,” Bergquist said, adding that she is looking forward to expanding and enhancing the conference in the future.
Garrow echoed Bergquist’s sentiments, sharing his pride in the team’s accomplishments.
“With the leadership of co-chairs Sarah House, Ashley Bergquist, and the C2G committee members, we achieved an outstanding event,” said Garrow, noting enthusiasm for C2G 2026 with many attendees already committed to sponsoring the next event.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Prairie Band Casino’s commitment to fostering education and collaboration within the Class 2 gaming sector remains strong, with excitement around C2G 2026 already building. Next year’s conference, slated for June 1-3, 2026, is certain to be another landmark event in the gaming community.
