“AGEM membership has continued to grow since G2E 2010”

What are your expectations for G2E 2011?
At the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), we are very excited for G2E and to have our large membership of global suppliers represented. We have been talking with our membership and they seem very upbeat about this year’s show. They are eager to show what they have been working on for the past year or so, and I think the entire industry is eager to see their new product introductions.

What will the company's participation consist of?
As a global association of suppliers, you could say the entire tradeshow floor will consist of our participation. Our members will be the clear majority of the show floor space, and we are very proud of that. Additionally, along with the American Gaming Association (AGA), we will be announcing an exciting development in the annual Golf Classic that benefits the National Center for Responsible Gaming’s research.

Do you believe that the change of date and venue will be beneficial?
Yes. We have had long discussions with our members and our board over the past few years about returning the show to its original timeframe in early fall, and our members agree that this will be a beneficial move.

How did you see the global gaming industry during this year?
As you read our monthly Index, you get a very clear picture of how the gaming industry has fared over the past year. There have been ups and downs for nearly every company, but nothing like the drops we have seen earlier in the recession, and overall the Index has been in a reasonably steady upward trend since early 2009.

What has been the performance of the company's target markets?
As an association, we do not have target markets in the traditional sense; however, we are thrilled to say that our membership has continued to grow since G2E 2010, and now have more than 110 members from around the world.

How does the economic crisis that US and Europe are experiencing affect the gaming industry?
It is clear that the recession has taken a toll on operators, and therefore on suppliers, around the world. Fortunately, in nearly every market, we are seeing upticks in business, and that will bode well for our members as the recovery continues.

What are the perspectives for 2012?
We are excited about the future. AGEM continues to grow in influence and our membership is strong and so are our members. They are resilient, creative companies, and we expect all the best for the next year.