There is no place better than G2E to display gaming’s broad economic impact and innovative product offerings. As you walk through the show floor, or attend an educational session at G2E, it will be hard not to think about how quickly our industry is evolving and how creativity and ingenuity are constantly driving us forward. The AGA’s new and updated features at this year’s G2E are no exception.
Spotlight on Gaming’s Most Important Issues
Specific AGA programming will cover the pressing issues facing our industry today and the trends that will impact us in the future. Some of these educational sessions and announcements include:
• Efficiencies in Regulation: Firsthand Case Studies
In 2011, the American Gaming Association identified and suggested areas where gaming regulations could be improved to streamline processes both for regulators and the industry at large without jeopardizing the integrity of gaming oversight, which is central to modern gaming. Join a panel discussion, including the AGA’s own Andrew Smith, senior director of research, and forward-thinking current and former regulators as they share their stories of adopting and adapting of the AGA’s recommendations and other novel ways that regulators have spearheaded change.
• Proactive Progress: The Establishment of Industry Best Practices for Bank Secrecy Act Compliance
Through an AGA member-led task force, we have made great progress with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and have taken the lead in establishing best practices for industry compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act’s anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. At this year’s G2E, Whitaker Askew, AGA’s vice president of government relations, will lead a panel of experts in an industry-side look at the most critical aspects of AML compliance and prevention.
• Advancing Advocacy: Get to Know Gaming
The AGA has launched a multi-year public affairs campaign called “Get to Know Gaming” to promote the value of our industry, combat outdated stereotypes and pave the way for innovation. Sara Rayme, AGA’s senior vice president of public affairs, will share information about the AGA’s research to support this effort and lead a panel discussion that explores firsthand examples of engagement, whether in its infancy—what’s happening in Massachusetts and Japan—or in established markets that are evolving—like Atlantic City and Delaware.
Additionally, at G2E 2014, I am pleased to be releasing the national results of a groundbreaking study?produced in partnership with Oxford Economics?on the economic impact of gaming in its totality. This research will fundamentally shift the way in which we calculate our industry’s economic impact and strengthen our industry’s message for years to come.
• Deeper Understanding of the AGA’s Strategic Priorities
The AGA’s booth will provide a forum to discuss our strategic initiatives, including the unveiling of a new, resourceful tool that enables better navigation of gaming’s regulations. We look forward to engaging with our industry partners and AGA members face to face at G2E.
• Increase Media Awareness
The new AGA press stage at G2E will bring opportunities to raise gaming’s profile that have never before been available before. Through a new broadcast media riser on the show floor, as well as increased participation and attendance of national media outlets, we will fully capitalize on showcasing our industry’s innovative products, services and employees through G2E.
AGA Events at G2E
In addition to our increased media efforts, new booth at the expo center and AGA-specific programming during conference sessions, AGA team members are pleased to lead events that allow our industry to connect and network off the floor, including:
• Communications Awards: The AGA Communications Awards program recognizes outstanding marketing, advertising and corporate communications in the gaming-entertainment industry. Effective communications with customers, shareholders, members of the media and the general public are crucial to the success of our industry. This year’s award winners will be announced during a luncheon on Wednesday, October 1.
• 26th Annual Gaming Hall of Fame: The Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Gala honors achievements in industry leadership and entertainment. Held in conjunction with G2E, the event will take place on Monday, September 29. Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor accorded by the gaming-entertainment industry. This year we are proud to honor industry legends Bob Faiss (posthumously), gaming law expert, Lionel Sawyer & Collins; Jan Jones Blackhurst, executive vice president of communications, government relations and corporate responsibilities, Caesars Entertainment; Patricia Becker, first female member, Nevada Gaming Control Board; and Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., chairman, National Indian Gaming Association.
• Global Gaming Women: Global Gaming Women (GGW) supports the development and success of gaming women through education, mentorship and networking opportunities. This year, GGW will have a full day of programming on Monday, September 29 as well as networking events such as the Kick Up Your Heels reception and GGW Networking Breakfast.
The gaming industry is an important part of the U.S. economy,?creating job opportunities, driving economic development and spurring innovation. There are numerous business opportunities everywhere at G2E?in networking events, conference sessions and meetings. As you discover the new approach to G2E, take time to think about what you gain—the industry knowledge, connections and business skills—and use it to improve your gaming career as well as our industry.
I look forward to all of the new offerings at G2E 2014 and experiencing them with you.
