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Raving NEXT announces agenda, speakers for virtual Casino Strategy & Operations Summit

November 3, 2026 · 3:14pm ET | 12:14pm PT

Raving NEXT: Casino Strategy & Operations Summit on Tuesday announced the schedule for its virtual conference February 2-3.

Raving NEXT is a free, two-day virtual experience for gaming, hospitality and tribal leaders. According to a news release, the goal is to make the summit accessible to every casino operator, hospitality professional, and future leader. Live sessions are free, with upgrades available to a VIP Pass for on-demand access to session recordings, the 2027 Industry Insights Report, and exclusive downloadable materials.

Announced speakers include:

  • Deana Scott – CEO & owner, Raving
  • Deb Hilgeman – Raving senior partner – market research
  • Danielle Finn – University of Nevada, Las Vegas program director of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program
  • John Lyden – Chinook Winds Casino Resort director of finance
  • Jake Godin – Mole Lake Casino Lodge event center director of data analytics
  • Zephyr Krapfel – Rolling Hills Casino and Resort director of human resources
  • Bashar Wali – This Assembly founder and CEO
  • Kevin Parker – Raving partner, Casino Operations, Table Games and Gaming Technology
  • Antonio Perez – Rivers Casino Portsmouth general manager
  • Joe Nayquonabe – Eagle Casino & Resort CEO
  • Janet Hawk – Raving vice president – player development and guest experience

To register: RAVING NEXT: ATTENDEE 2027

Rege Behe — Lead Contributor

Rege Behe brings more than 30 years of experience as a journalist to his role as a lead contributor to CDC Gaming. His work ranges from day-to-day industry coverage to deeper features such as the CDC Gaming Roundtables and the “10 Women Rising in Gaming” series.