AGEM names Marcus Prater new executive director

AGEM, a trade group comprised of the world's leading gaming suppliers, appointed Prater to guide the organization following Jack Bulavsky's successful run as Executive Director. Prater most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Bally Technologies, where he spent a total of nine years at the Las Vegas-based slot machine and systems provider and directed Bally's global advertising, trade show, machine and systems sales support, media relations and special event functions.

“AGEM is very pleased to have Marcus Prater join our organization and take over as Executive Director,” said Brooke Dunn, President of AGEM and Senior Vice President at Shuffle Master, Inc. “Marcus brings a long history of success in the gaming industry to AGEM and his marketing experience and knowledge of the issues relevant for suppliers will help take the organization to the next level. It's also important to thank Jack Bulavsky for his years of service during AGEM's formidable years.”

“I have been an active member of AGEM since the organization's inception in 2000 and plan to take that experience and combine it with a new outlook to drive AGEM forward,” Prater said. “With the world's leading suppliers as the foundation for the group, AGEM can build on what it has accomplished while making an even greater impact in the years to come. The supplier segment of our industry is a multi-billion-dollar global group of innovative companies that makes up the AGEM membership list.”

Prior to joining Bally in 1999, Prater served as Director of Marketing for Las Vegas-based slot supplier Sigma Game, Inc. Prater, a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Journalism, also previously served as Marketing Communications Manager for Las Vegas-based casino operator Ameristar Casinos.

AGEM was originally formed as an international trade association representing manufacturers of gaming devices, systems and components for the gaming industry. It works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world.

Through political action, trade show partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where its members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to responsible gaming initiatives.