The Second 25 Years: G2E at a Moment of Transformation

The largest gaming industry show in the world is back Sept. 28-Oct. 1, at the Venetian Las Vegas. Here’s what to expect under the big top at the Venetian Expo.

Tens of thousands of industry professionals, from operators and executives to vendors, suppliers and game designers, will convene in Las Vegas in September for the 26th Global Gaming Expo.

P3 asked show organizers Maureen Beddis and Korbi Carrison for their take on the annual extravaganza and what it may reveal for the future of gaming. Beddis is senior vice president of membership and events at the American Gaming Association. Carrison is event vice president, G2E, for RX USA.

P3: Last year was a milestone year for G2E, its 25th anniversary. Is it even possible to anticipate how gaming may shift in the next quarter-century, given strides in technology?

Maureen Beddis: It’s difficult to predict what gaming will look like 25 years from now, especially when you consider how much the industry has changed since the first G2E. However, we do know that technology will continue to shape how people play and how operators run their businesses. G2E gives the industry a place to examine those changes, along with the opportunities, risks and responsibilities they bring as they’re happening in real time.

How many exhibitors will attend in ’26 and how does that compare to last year’s show?

Korbi Carrison: We expect nearly 400 exhibitors at G2E 2026, which is consistent with last year’s show. This year will also feature a New Exhibitor Zone dedicated to companies exhibiting at G2E for the first time or second time as well as a new Business Solutions & Tech Zone.

Keynotes are a focal point for G2E. How are you approaching this year’s programming?

MB: We begin with the conversations industry leaders are having today, while also looking ahead to the topics likely to shape gaming’s future. Our goal is to bring informed perspectives to the stage and give attendees insights into how they apply within their own organizations. We also make a concerted effort to ensure our keynotes cover topics from all aspects of the industry.

Readers may be interested in the work it takes to mount the show, which draws tens of thousands of people from around the world. Can you take us behind the scenes? How do you create the curriculum, for example?

KC: Planning begins well before the previous year’s show ends. We review attendee feedback and speak with operators, suppliers, regulators and other industry leaders about their priorities. We hold an open call for content early in the year and our education advisory boards also help review session proposals, identify timely topics and recommend speakers. The final program reflects input from across the industry. 

Last year more than 25,000 people attended G2E. How do you help them get around without confusion or traffic jams?

KC: We provide attendees with planning tools before they arrive. Our new and improved mobile tool, G2E Now, includes the full schedule, exhibitor listings and show floor maps, allowing attendees to organize their days in advance. Clear signage, dedicated areas and staff throughout the Venetian Expo also help people move through the show efficiently.

In the past, what have been the most popular conference sessions? Tell us more about the education sessions for this year.

KC: Technology, sports betting, regulation, responsible gaming and casino operations have consistently drawn strong interest. AI has also become a major area of focus. This year’s program will feature more than 100 sessions and more than 300 speakers, ranging from tribal gaming and iGaming to payments, cybersecurity, marketing and total property experience.

How will the 2026 lineup address challenges that have deepened due to technological capabilities, like data risks and fraud prevention?

MB: Cybersecurity, fraud prevention and data protection now affect nearly every part of the gaming business. The 2026 education program will examine these issues from several perspectives, including technology, operations, compliance, and responsible gaming. Attendees will also find related products and services within the new Business Solutions & Tech Zone.

AI is no longer the new kid in town, but its applications in the gaming realm are still evolving. Do you expect a big audience for this kind of information?

MB: Yes, we expect strong interest. The conversation around AI has moved beyond defining the technology. Gaming professionals now want to understand where AI delivers value, how companies are putting into practice and where safeguards are needed. Those questions have immediate relevance for operators.

The Gaming Hall of Fame induction is always a highly anticipated part of G2E. What can you share about this year’s class and how it reflects the industry’s evolution?

MB: The 2026 class includes Holly Gagnon, Bill G. Lance Jr., Scott Olive and Timothy Wilmott. Their careers span tribal and commercial gaming, game design, economic development and executive leadership. Together, they represent the range of people and disciplines responsible for the industry’s growth, and we’re looking forward to honoring their outstanding contributions.

Tribal gaming is an essential part of G2E. How are you ensuring that tribal leaders and executives find meaningful opportunities for engagement this year?

MB: Tribal gaming is integrated throughout G2E. Tribal leaders participate as speakers, advisers and attendees, bringing their perspectives to conversations across the show. Tribal gaming is also one of the education program’s 15 core topics, with sessions focused on economic growth, innovation and priorities of tribal enterprises.

Global Gaming Women’s presence at G2E has grown steadily in both visibility and impact. How do you partner with GGW to support its success?

MB: Global Gaming Women has become an important part of G2E. We work closely with GGW to give women leaders a platform to share their experiences, connect with peers and support the next generation of executives. Its programming brings an important perspective to the broader conversations taking place during the show.

How does the show create places for people to meet and interact with their peers?

KC: Many attendees come to G2E for the relationships as much as the products and education. The Networking Lounge, Media Zone, iGaming Hub, and new Business Solutions & Tech Zone will give people places to connect. We also build networking into receptions, education sessions, and events throughout the week, creating even more opportunities to build meaningful connections.

The 2025 Dealer Championship was fun for spectators. Is it coming back this year?

KC: Yes, and the competition is expanding! Dealers from across North America will compete for recognition as the region’s best dealer. The response to the inaugural championship was so strong, we look forward to bringing it back on a larger scale.

To sum it up in a few words, why should people come to G2E?

KC: G2E brings the industry together in one place. Attendees have the opportunity to see new products, hear directly from industry leaders, and build relationships with gaming professionals from around the world. No other event offers that level of access in a single week, in Las Vegas, the gaming capital of the world.