- Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association gave a short presentation at the December meeting. The new senior vice president of G2E Melissa Ashley was introduced to the group, as she will be taking over from Ed Several and will be the day-to-day contact going forward for both the Las Vegas and Macau shows. Reed shared some key post-show statistics that showed attendance increasing by 7 percent to 26,900, of which there was a 10 percent growth in international visitors (mainly Latin America). There was also an 18 percent increase of visitors to the show on the last day, which resulted in a Thursday that was much busier than usual. Reed and AGA will continue their focus to grow and improve the event for 2017.
- AGEM approved to continue its support of key industry trade shows and conferences going into 2017. Members voted to approve a total of $85,000 in contributions to the following events: NIGA Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, April 10-13, San Diego, sponsorship of $50,000, the bulk of which will be used for an on-floor show reception; Canadian Gaming Summit, June 19-21, Vancouver, sponsorship of $15,000; Southern Gaming Summit, May 2-4, Biloxi, sponsorship of $15,000 for the welcome reception; and finally, in its 21st year, the East Coast Gaming Congress and NextGen Forum, May 24-25, Harrah’s Atlantic City, sponsorship of $5,000.
- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement recently contacted a select group of AGEM members with a request for comments regarding the review of current regulations and language in this market. A similar process has been under way in Nevada and has proved to be a very beneficial initiative for all involved.
• Five new members were voted in at the December meeting, bringing the new total to a record 157 members. Universal Gaming Resources, based in Golden, Colorado, was approved as a Bronze member, while the others consisted of Associate members—AVUITY, based in Cincinnati, Ohio; TraffGen, based in Highland Park, Illinois; Patir Casino Seating, based in Munich, Germany; and EFCOtec Corporation, based in Taipei City, Taiwan.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ICE Totally Gaming, February 7-9 at ExCeL London. AGEM will have a presence at the show as usual, and looks forward to welcoming all members and potential new members to the stand.
AGEM INDEX
The AGEM Index posted a modest decrease in November 2016 after gaining 15.04 points in October 2016. The composite index stood at 308.14 points at the close of the month, which represents a decrease of 13.76 points, or 4.27 percent, when compared to October 2016. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 14th consecutive month, rising 113.81 points, or 58.6 percent, when compared to November 2015. During the latest period, eight of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price, with three up by more than 10 percent. Five manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month, with three reporting double-digit drops.
