Bidding opens for WLA 2010 Convention and Trade Show

Expressions of interest are now invited from member lottery organizations wishing to find out more about the possibilities of hosting this prestigious event. Approximately 1,000 delegates from lottery organizations and the supplier industry around the world are expected to attend the 2010 Convention and Trade Show.

Held over four days, it includes an extensive business program with world-class keynote speakers and numerous break-out sessions, key industry association meetings, the world’s largest international trade show, and busy social and partner programs and other networking opportunities.

Past Conventions have been highly successful not only for the WLA’s members and for the host lottery organizations, but also for the host cities and regions. Major WLA events promote a better understanding of the lottery industry through positive media coverage and contacts with local leaders and communities.

Host organizations are not required to pay a hosting fee, and events are expected to balance revenues and costs. Financial risks are carefully managed through a joint WLA/host budget. The major players in the lottery supplier industry sponsor WLA events through the WLA Contributors Program.

The WLA Convention and Trade Show has been a biennial event since 2002, when it was hosted by the Lotteries Commission of South Australia in Adelaide. In 2004, South Africa’s Uthingo Management played host to the WLA’s first-ever major event in Africa. Singapore Pools hosted the 2006 Convention and Trade Show, and the 2008 event will be hosted by OPAP on the Greek island of Rhodes.

Members are now invited to indicate their interest in hosting the 2010 Convention and Trade Show to the WLA business office in Basel. Interested members will then be invited to attend a full-day workshop during which WLA Management will present the key aspects involved in the planning and staging of the WLA’s most important event.

The workshop will cover topics such as: local staffing and logistics, role of the professional conference organizer, convention center, hotels, major programs, formal meetings and trade show requirements, principles of cooperation between the WLA and the host organization, budget, the WLA Contributors program, local non-lottery sponsors and the Volunteer Program.

After the workshop, interested lotteries will be asked to prepare their formal bid applications. Again, the Basel business office will provide any additional input and advice that members may require.

The WLA Executive Committee will evaluate all the bids received from members and may ask bidding organizations to provide further details. The final decision will be announced in early 2008.